‘Rachel.’ Dee has come over to where I’m standing by the door. She looks almost as pissed off as Kate did. ‘What was that about?’

‘Sorry. Just one of the school mums wanting to chat.’

‘Look,’ she says crossly under her breath, ‘I’m trying to run a business here. It’s fine to talk to friends when we’re quiet, but not when it’s busy like this. I need you to get back to the customers.’

‘I’m so sorry, Dee. I did send her away.’

Dee nods and gets back to work. But she’s not happy and I don’t blame her. I haven’t been fully focused on work for days. She must really be regretting giving me those extra hours for after Christmas. I hurry over to the couple waiting to pay, with several backward glances at the door, hoping Kate doesn’t come back in.

The next few hours go by too quickly. Everyone seems to be in a festive mood, wishing us a Happy Christmas and leaving generous tips. As the time ticks closer to two thirty, I realise I’m dreading meeting Kate. She’s obviously going to have a go at me, but I’m not sure exactly what she’s going to say. Maybe she’ll simply warn me away from Bella. But what if she threatens me? I’m starting to feel a little scared by her. If she’s capable of stealing someone’s child, what else is she capable of?

Once my shift ends, I find myself dawdling – cleaning a few more tables and tidying the area by the cash register. It’s quieter in the café now and I know I should go and meet Kate, but I’m putting it off.

Dee checks her watch. ‘Isn’t it time for you to pick up Jess and Charlie?’

I realise that if I don’t want to be late to school, I really better go and meet Kate. I take off my apron. ‘You’re right. Okay, I’m off. See you tomorrow. Sorry about earlier with that friend coming in.’

‘Don’t worry about it. I’m sorry I got a bit snippy. You can’t help it if people you know drop by.’

‘You had every right, Dee. We were busy.’

‘Will you sit down for a minute?’ She gestures to one of the empty tables.

‘I really should get going…’

‘Just for a minute, Rach.’

Anything to delay talking to Kate. I take a seat opposite my friend and wonder what she wants to talk to me about.

‘I hope you don’t mind me saying something, but… how are you doing?’

‘How am I doing?’ I’m not sure what she’s referring to. ‘I’m okay.’ I shrug.

She gives a nervous smile. ‘Don’t get mad with me, or Matt, but, well, he told me what’s been going on.’