‘Kevin?’
‘He’s the homeless guy that was attacked.’
Bernice’s cheek twitched. ‘Oh, there’s really no need.’
Penny was grinning broadly as she flicked the bolt on the coffee shop door on Wednesday morning. ‘Someone looks far too happy,’ chided Regan, slipping inside.
‘Mum’s gone away.’
‘You get on well, do you?’ Regan asked, with a chuckle.
‘Bit rocky. Anyway, it’s my birthday tomorrow and I thought maybe we could go out for a few drinks and you can crash at mine … well, my mum’s. You know what I mean.’
‘Sounds good to me. Alcohol and a mattress – I’m a cheap date.’
Penny looked momentarily startled. ‘You know it’s not a date, right?’
Regan laughed. ‘Of course I do. I’m not into women, Penny,’ she said, taking her coat off.
‘But you know I am?’
‘Ah,’ said Regan, a few things slotting into place. ‘Makes zero difference to me. You’re the best boss I ever had. And a top mate too.’
Penny looked relieved. ‘I wish everyone took it like that.’
Regan shrugged. ‘You’re you. Who you fancy doesn’t change who you are.’ She pulled her apron off the peg.
‘I wish my mother saw it like that.’
‘I guess it’s tricky if you live at home. Whoever you’re dating, your parents rarely approve. That’s not an exclusively gay thing. Trust me.’ Her dad had never liked anyone she’d ever brought home and had always made that blindingly obvious.
Penny busied herself with wiping down the already clean worktops. ‘I did have my own place …’ Regan was nodding whilst tying her apron, ‘… and a husband.’ Regan paused, and Penny glanced her way. ‘I was a bit confused by convention for a while. I met a nice guy, thought getting married might sort me out. It didn’t. I left him for a woman.’
‘Ouch,’ said Regan. ‘That’s gotta hurt.’
Penny agreed. ‘I thought she was the one. I walked away from my family for her and then she upped and left me with so much debt I had nothing and nowhere to go.’
‘Except your mum’s,’ said Regan, anticipating the story.
‘It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. Mum and I had said so many hurtful things to each other. It was painful for both of us, but we’re ticking over okay now. She still doesn’t understand it all but we’ll get there. I’ve got some savings now so hopefully I’ll be able to move out in the next year or so.’
Regan gave Penny a hug. Here was another person who had been just a couple of bad decisions away from living on the streets.
Regan opened the doors and the first customer was a familiar face. ‘Hey, Beanstalk. What are you doing out in daylight? Don’t you turn to dust or something?’ said Regan.
‘Don’t. The night shifts are killing me.’ He turned to Penny. ‘Large mocha with an extra shot, please.’
Regan grabbed a large takeaway cup. ‘So where are you having your birthday party, Penny?’
‘Party? I’ll come,’ said Beanstalk, with a large yawn.
‘Not my party,’ said Regan, with an apologetic shrug.
‘It’s more of a pub crawl, and you are very welcome to join us,’ said Penny. She gave a brief glance in Regan’s direction. ‘You and Charlie, obviously.’
‘Charlie?’ Regan tried to appear casual. ‘I heard he had a hot date which was why he couldn’t make Mantra on Saturday.’And probably why he’s not returned any of my texts, she thought.
Beanstalk was scowling. ‘Saturday he was at the launderette.’ Regan gave him her best eye roll. Did he think she was an idiot? ‘Seriously. The washing machine broke. He was probably joking about it being a hot date. And—’
