Gemma: Are you sure you want to continue with it after last night? Is everything sorted with Mari?
Maeve: What are you talking about, woman? Welcome to host at mine if you feel awkward having it at the Nook.
Sally: Best damn book club I’ve ever been to! Love this book suggestion. Read it at uni for a module on Victorian female writers; scandalous . . . though not as scandalous as our book club
Annie: I have absolutely no problem hosting at the Nook. Spoke to Mari. All good. She encouraged us to continue. John Granger can kiss my arse!
Sally: What about plastic John?
Annie: He’s not called John anymore.
Gemma: What’s he called now?
Annie: Mr. Knightley.
Gemma: From Emma?
Annie: Correct.
Maeve: So, you like them grumpy then, hey?
Annie: Not grumpy. Honorable.
Sally: But not too honorable, right?
Annie:
Gemma: Can you describe a dildo as honorable?
Maeve: Can we get back to the book club?
Gemma: It’s a yes from me
Sally: Me too.
Maeve: Then we’re agreed. Good choice, Annie.
* * *
—
At half past two, Annie was about to close the kiosk for the day when a shadow fell across the opening, blocking out all of the light. Annie had her back turned, washing up the milk jugs.
“You’re in luck,” she called. “I was just about to close up. But I’ll make an exception.” She turned, smiling to greet her last-minute customer, and came face to face with John Granger. His expression was thunderous.
“I came here to apologize for the way I handled last night, only to find you abusing my aunt’s hospitality again!” he said. His thick Scottish accent was laced with anger, and the depth of his voice seemed to bounce around the small kiosk.
Annie felt her chagrin rise. She would not be cowed by such a disagreeable man. She wiped her hands dry on her apron and squared up to him.
“Firstly,” she began. Her shoulders pulled back and her chin jutted out in indignation. “I have your aunt’s full blessing to open the kiosk whenever I like. Secondly: I have put money in the kitty toward the stock I initially used, and since then, I have paid for all the coffee beans, milks, and sundries myself. And thirdly, I don’t know what impression you are under, but I am not here under your aunt’s hospitality! I am liable for all bills and utilities and am employed to oversee and maintain Saltwater Nook until such time as Mari decides to return.”
John Granger rocked back on his heels, looking contrite. He blew out a breath.
“I’m sorry. Can we start again?” he asked, posting his hand in through the kiosk. “I’m John Granger. Not nearly as grumpy as I seem. It appears my aunt has been omitting to tell me the arrangements the two of you have made. You’ve taken me by surprise, twice. That doesn’t happen very often.”
Annie shook the proffered hand gingerly. “It’s not often that I’m described as surprising, so we’re both treading new ground,” she said, allowing him a small smile. She wasn’t sure of him yet.
“Do you know how to use that thing?” he asked, pointing to the coffee machine.
“I am a fully trained barista,” she replied as haughtily as she could muster. “Among other things.”
“Oh?” There was a note of surprise in John’s voice, and Annie thought she detected a twinkle of humor in his eyes.
“I am a classically trained, award-winning chef and have run a successful restaurant for fifteen years.”
“If it’s successful, why did you leave it?” He raised one eyebrow; he was teasing her. Annie didn’t know if she liked it or not.
“That’s a bit impertinent, Mr. Granger,” she said, and gave what she hoped was a Mona Lisa smile.
Just then Raye came bounding up to the kiosk window, seemingly unaware of the human mountain stood in front of it.
“Hi, Annie! Thank goodness I caught you, I was worried you’d be closed already. I’ve just got back from the cash-and-carry, and I’m gagging for a coffee before we open. Can I have an oat milk mocha, please?” She thrust her reusable bamboo cup through the hatch.
Only then did Raye notice the scowling man.
“Oh, gosh, sorry!” she flustered. “Were you here first? Trust me, barging in like a fairy elephant!” And then she registered who the other customer was. “John!” she squealed, delightedly, and threw her arms around his waist. “Great to see you! Are you here for long? You must drop into the Bounty, Aiden would love to see you. You’ve met our Annie, then? She’s an absolute lifesaver, I tell you.”