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‘Thanks. Not really.’
‘He’s been sitting waiting by the window for you to come back for hours.’ Diane nodded towards Joe as she placed four rolls in a bag for her customer.
‘Apart from when Mrs and Mr Burton came in and he gave up his table for them because it was busy.’ Brooke smiled. ‘He seems nice. Is he your boyfriend?’
‘Boyfriend? No. He’s just a friend.’ Holly tied her apron strings. ‘I’m not really sure why he’s followed me down here, to be honest.’
‘No?’ Diane thanked her customer before placing the money in the till.
‘No, he knew this was something I wanted to do on my own. Something I needed to do on my own, so I’m not sure why he thought it was a good idea to just turn up like this.’
Brooke shrugged as she began wiping the counter down. ‘Maybe he just wanted to spend some time with you.’
‘Where has he travelled from? You said you’re from Manchester way, didn’t you?’ Diane picked up an empty tray. The bakery had emptied, apart from a couple sitting at a table in the coffee and cake area. ‘Is he local to here?’
‘No, he lives by me.’
‘Wow.’ Diane widened her eyes. ‘And he’s definitely not your partner?’
‘No, definitely not.’ Holly stepped forward as a woman walked through the door. Had she been too harsh on him? After all, he had come all this way. But why? ‘Hi, can I help you?’
‘Afternoon. Do you have any of your pasties left, please?’ The woman balanced the edge of her handbag on the counter as she rummaged through before pulling out her purse.
Looking down at the counter, Holly nodded. ‘Yes, we have three left. How many can I get you?’
‘Brilliant. All three please?’
As she bagged up the pasties, Holly glanced across at Joe. He was still sitting at the table, his hands wrapped around a mug, undeterred by her earlier outburst. She shook her head before turning back to the woman. ‘Here you are.’
‘Thank you.’ The woman tapped her card against the payment machine before taking the bag and leaving.
Looking behind her, Diane yawned. ‘Boy, am I glad it’s time to close. I’m absolutely shattered today.’
‘Has it been busy?’ Holly turned, positioning herself so she couldn’t see Joe. She needed to focus on being here, in the bakery. She could speak to Joe later.
‘Yes, very.’ Diane walked quickly towards the door and turned the sign around toClosedbefore leaning across the counter and indicating Joe. ‘Why don’t you go and speak to him? Me and Brooke can tidy up.’
Holly sighed. She supposed she couldn’t put this conversation off forever. ‘Okay, thanks. If you’re sure?’
‘Of course we are. You’ve been at the Christmas market all day, anyway. This is our mess.’ Brooke grinned.
‘Thanks.’ Holly walked slowly across to Joe and sunk into the chair opposite him. She hadn’t realised how much her feet ached until now. ‘So?’
