When she came within sight of The Angel Community Café, Laurel’s footsteps faltered. It had been a surprise when Grady had asked to sit with her yesterday but she’d found herself unable to say no, perhaps partly because she’d been feeling conspicuous, attracting curious glances and imagining that the hum of low conversation was villagers either recognising her or speculating as to who she was. He’d offered an olive branch in the form of a cappuccino. In return, she’d been so superior he’d probably felt like sticking the olive branch up her nose.

On impulse, she swung left past Rotten Row and, crossing the road after a couple of cars had sped by, followed the edge of the forecourt of MAR Motors. She rounded the garage building and was immediately faced with a red sign saying ‘Grady Auto Art’. Despite the weather, one segment of the bi-fold door was open and she could see Grady himself. His back to her, he was leaning over the bonnet of a car.

She halted. Here was a chance to take her turn brandishing the olive branch and maybe chat about Daisy. It was obvious that they were on good terms. Making a quick about-turn, she hurried back to The Angel and bought a latte for him and a cappuccino for her, as he’d bought yesterday. The steaming cups balanced in a cardboard holder along with sugar sachets, she was soon back at his open doorway and was hit by a sharp smell of paint.

Then she halted.

Pippa – Grady’s ex – was standing in the chilly, bright interior, gazing up into his impassive face. ‘I’m sorry I hurt you over your infertility,’ she murmured.

Laurel must have let out a gasp because both Grady and Pippa swung around. ‘I’m s-so sorry,’ Laurel stammered. Heart fluttering, horrified at her intrusion into their highly personal conversation and rocked by hearing the word that evoked the grief and pain she and Alex had suffered, she stooped to dump the coffee cups on the floor before spinning around to stumble away.

But she had to pause, hand on the cold wall, because blood was singing in her ears and darkness was advancing on the edges of her vision. Then Pippa barged out of the door and, shoving past with a snarled, ‘Thanks a lot,’ stormed around the corner and out of sight.

Laurel sucked in several long, slow breaths. The darkness began to retreat. She straightened up just as Grady loomed beside her.

His expression was thunderous. ‘What do you want?’ he demanded bluntly. Then, after taking a look at her face, he dropped all hostility. ‘Come inside a minute. You look as if you’ve seen a ghost.’