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“I don’t know, he wouldn’t say. I figured I’d better come and find out.”

Lucy stopped. Who would have expected Dylan of all people was capable of keeping a secret?

Carrie went into the kitchen, filled the kettle, and put it on to boil.

“Yeah. So, he’s been asking after you every day, to the point that it’s got me concerned. What’s going on?”

Lucy sighed. “My landlord’s decided to sell the building. Dylan was with me when I got the letter, which is how he knows.”

“Oh, Lucy! I’m so sorry. What are you going to do?”

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out. There’s no way I can afford to buy, but I’ve been looking for a business loan or something. The problem is, it’s such a lot of money and I’ve only been open a few years. And, of course, my previous business folded quite spectacularly.”

“That wasn’t your fault though!” Carrie said, immediately.

“Other than that it proves I have terrible taste in men. It doesn’t matter, the business was in my name and I was responsible for its debts.”

“Have you found anything that will help?” Carrie handed her friend a cup of tea and took her own over to the little table by the window, signalling to her friend to join her there.

“Not yet,” Lucy admitted, sitting opposite Carrie.

“If Michael and I had the money—”

“I couldn’t accept it,” said Lucy, firmly. “You’ve got a family to support and a baby on the way. Have you seen the cost of nappies?”

“You know the cost of nappies?”

“No,” Lucy admitted. “But I’ve heard it being complained about.”

They laughed.

“Talk me through the figures,” Carrie suggested. “Maybe there’s something you’ve missed.”

“Thank you,” said Lucy, gratefully.

She brought her laptop through to the kitchen and the friends pored over spreadsheets and brainstormed. They got no closer to finding a solution.

“I’m sorry,” Carrie said.

“Don’t be. It was actually really good to talk about it with someone,” Lucy said. “It helped.”

“That’s something, I guess.” Carrie hugged her friend.

“You’d better get home,” said Lucy, “you look exhausted.”

“So do you,” Carrie said. “Is it alright if I mention what’s going on to Michael and Auntie Mary, in case either of them have any brainwaves?”

“Sure,” said Lucy. She hated the idea of people knowing her business was in trouble, but they were friends, and there was a chance they might come up with something.

Lucy said goodbye to Carrie and let her out of the front of the coffee shop. Her mobile was ringing on the sofa when she returned to her flat.

She felt her forehead furrow as Dylan’s name flashed across the screen. What on earth did he want?

“Hi,” she said as she answered the phone.

“Hey, I’ve been thinking about your problem, and I think I may have a solution.”

Lucy rolled her eyes at her phone. Her knight in shining armour! She sighed. “What have you come up with then, Dylan?”