Page 25 of Snowflakes Over Micklewick Bay

A warm feeling seeped into Hannah’s chest at the flourish of tea, cake and heart emojis Florrie had included at the end of the text. A smile lifted the corners of her mouth as she tapped out a quick response. She paused a moment, her finger hovering over a heart emoji, undecided about whether to add it. She’d sent thousands of texts to her aunt and Birdie, all including hearts and an array of jovial emojis, but this texting friends business was new to her. Going with an impulse and taking her cue from Florrie, she tapped on the double heart image, added a kiss and pressed send before she could change her mind.

Thanks! Will do! x

A second later, a musical sound rippled through the air and a heart-shaped tapback appeared on her message.

Hannah stood quietly for a moment, savouring this new feeling that was enveloping her. She wasn’t going to get all sentimental and describe it as hope, but it was without doubt something positive. She was doing as her aunt had asked. She was taking steps – albeit small ones – and moving on with her life, encouraging friendship and standing up to her social anxiety. And this small achievement, of reaching out to someone, felt inexorably good. She wasn’t going to dampen her mood by acknowledging that she’d probably go back and forth, chopping and changing her mind about whether she should actually contact Florrie when the moment arrived. She was going to keep her thoughts positive and push on with her aunt’s wishes. She could almost hear Auntie Coll cheering her on: Go you, flower!

She glanced over at the documents set out on the table, pushing her mouth into a thoughtful pout. ‘I suppose it’s time to tackle that lot.’

She pulled out a chair, picked up the letter from Mr Cuthbert and started reading it slowly, giving every word careful consideration.

SEVENTEEN

Hannah had been pleasantly surprised when a text from Florrie arrived the following afternoon, it included a photo of the chocolate brownies she’d told her about. Her new friend was right, they did look moreish.

Over the course of the next few days, the two women exchanged several chatty text messages. Hannah had even found herself looking forward to receiving them which was a first for her. As a rule, when she sensed a friendship developing panic would set in and her replies would take on a perfunctory tone, gradually petering out until she’d eventually ghosted the person. She’d always been fearful of letting people get close in case they found out the reason for her leaving home, that it would turn them against her. The rejection would’ve been too much to bear. But something about Florrie made her think differently and it felt good.

Through her breezy text messages, Florrie had brought Hannah up to date with the situation regarding the bookshop, how she and her partner Ed had inherited it from his grandparents, the changes and improvements the couple had made. Florrie had also told Hannah of their wedding plans as well as telling her all about the group of friends she’d had since her school days. Florrie’s enthusiasm had been evident in every word and not just that, it had been infectious, too. It meant Hannah hadn’t hesitated in letting her know the day she’d be back in Micklewick Bay for her appointment with Mr Cuthbert, which was at ten thirty the following Friday morning. It was agreed that afterwards Hannah would head over the road where she’d meet Florrie in the bookshop. Apparently keeping with the spirit of encouraging Hannah to spend more time in Micklewick Bay, Florrie also mentioned the author readings the bookshop held with local authors Jack Playforth and Jenna Johnstone.

I always keep a couple of tickets back in case some friends have an unexpected change of plans and are suddenly able to attend. You’re very welcome to one of them – or both if you have a pal who’d like to join us. Fx

Much as she welcomed Florrie’s invitation, Hannah wasn’t sure if she was ready to face a full-blown gathering in Micklewick Bay just yet. The thought sent a jolt of unease rushing through her and she simply replied with a thank you for thinking of her, but she wasn’t sure if she’d be able to make it.

She was glad and relieved in equal measure when her response didn’t appear to have put Florrie off and a cheery No probs accompanied by a smiley face emoji landed back.

But there was one particular text from Florrie that delivered something unexpected. It arrived on the Tuesday, exactly a week after her visit to the town and came with the suggestion they have a catch-up over FaceTime. Hannah couldn’t remember the last time she’d used the service, but she had a feeling it was when she was still with Evan, which would mean it was an age ago. The next thought that entered her head was to wonder why Florrie would want to have a video call with her. Because she’s friendly and she likes you, Hannah! Her aunt’s voice crept into her subconscious. Why else has she been texting you and inviting you to events?

Hannah considered the prospect for a moment, deciding there was a chance Florrie liked her. She certainly found herself drawn to the other woman’s warm and friendly manner.

Before she wasted any further time overthinking Florrie’s offer, she replied.

Sounds fab! I’d love to! When’s good for you? x

While she was familiarising herself with the FaceTime function on her phone, a reply pinged.

This evening okay with you? Say 7.30-ish? Fx

A ripple of happiness flowed through Hannah, her blossoming friendship making her smile as she typed out a reply.

Perfect! x

Florrie’s response arrived a couple of seconds later.

Fab! See you then Fx

Hannah replied with a quick heart-shaped tapback. ‘There, I did it, Auntie Coll!’ She could picture her aunt’s face, full of smiles. Told you it was easy, she’d say. And though it hadn’t been ‘easy’, it hadn’t been anywhere near as hard as Hannah had imagined. She found herself looking forward to chatting with Florrie over a screen.

EIGHTEEN

Rather than squint at the screen on her phone, Hannah had her laptop set up in the kitchen of Fern Cottage in readiness for her FaceTime session with Florrie. She’d felt the odd spike of apprehension as seven-thirty approached, torturing herself with her usual collection of worries and doubts. What if they ran out of things to say? What if there were loads of awkward silences and she made a fool of herself trying to fill them by gabbling and saying ridiculous things? What if Florrie was only keeping in touch with her out of pity? Ugh! That would be the worst of all the dreaded options. ‘Get a grip and stay positive!’ she said to herself, channelling her Auntie Coll as she’d promised herself she’d do. ‘Florrie’s not like that.’

She was still going back and forth when a loud ringing came from her laptop, making her jump. ‘Ooh!’ She glanced at the screen, trying to remember what button to press to accept the call. After a couple of false starts, Florrie’s smiling face appeared, sending Hannah’s doubts scurrying.

‘Hiya, Hannah! It’s great to see you.’ Florrie nudged her glasses up her nose. ‘I’ve really been looking forward to this.’

‘Hi, Florrie, me too.’ Hannah beamed back at her. From what she could make out, her friend seemed to be calling from a small library. Though it looked neat, every inch of the space appeared to be crammed with books, which, she supposed, was only to be expected from a bookselling bookworm. ‘Looks like you’re in a library or a bookshop there.’

Florrie laughed, glancing behind her. ‘Feels like it! I’m actually in our little attic, sitting at a rickety fold-down desk we keep up here. I’ve lost count of the number of bookshelves we’ve managed to squeeze in this tiny spot. And from what I can see, you’re in your kitchen – looks gorgeous and country-cottagey and I love the bright pops of colour.’ She lifted a mug to her lips and took a sip.