Early, but the café was busy and there was only one table free in the far corner with a minefield of tables and chairs to shuffle around before reaching it. Finally, she pulled out one of the chairs and used the edge of the table to balance her descent, grimacing as she settled down, wondering at the same time if she was going to be able to get up again.

A waiter appeared before she’d time to even look at a menu. It didn’t matter, she knew what she wanted. ‘A large Americano,’ she said. She’d have liked, despite the early hour, to have ordered a large glass of wine but she needed to keep her wits about her – no medication, no alcohol.

She looked around as she waited. It hadn’t changed much since her last visit several years before. Wooden tables of various sizes were still surrounded by an eclectic mix of old chairs, but with a nod to comfort that was new there were now floral-patterned chair pads on each. The cream painted walls were hung with art for sale; some very good, some not, the same as it had been then. It was like stepping back in time.

With a smile of reminiscence, she picked up the menu; the food had always been classic, and good. She scanned it and closed it with a snap. It too, hadn’t changed much, perhaps more vegetarian options, and a lot of sourdough bread and avocado but otherwise much as it had been. But her appetite wasn’t, and she wasn’t tempted to order anything to eat.

Her coffee arrived and there was still no sign of Stuart. She checked her watch, sipped her coffee, then checked again. Ten past eleven. Where was he? It wasn’t until fifteen minutes past, that he bustled in the door, a frown between his eyes, a grim tightness pursing his lips.

When he saw her, his expression relaxed and he rushed over to her table, bending down to plant a kiss on each cheek as if they were old friends. ‘I’m so terribly sorry,’ he said, taking the seat opposite. ‘Something came up as I was about to leave.’

She indicated her coffee. ‘I’ve kept myself company. And at least you turned up.’

He smiled. ‘True.’ He lifted a hand to attract the waiter’s attention. ‘A double espresso, and an avocado and brie sandwich on granary bread.’ Stuart grinned at Molly’s surprise. ‘I never look at the menu, I have the same thing every time I come. Are you going to have anything to eat?’

‘No, but another Americano would be good.’

The waiter nodded, reached for her empty cup and left.