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‘Oh God, I feel terrible,’ said Noémi. ‘He sent a message last night and I didn’t respond. We usually chat every evening or at least let each other know if we won’t be there.’

Daniel made a meh sound. ‘You were busy putting out fires with a hot Irish guy, and today we’ve been elbow deep in Mr Muscle.’ He flexed a bicep.

‘We’ve been cleaning?’ Daniel had worn a pristine white designer shirt and his good trousers, so Noémi was pretty sure he’d been there for the schmoozing. ‘And enough with the hot Irish guy.’

Noémi typed a quick response, half-distracted by Daniel’s stupid ‘top o’ the morning’ impression, and at least a quarter preoccupied with soft cheese.

Book Girl:

So sorry I missed this yesterday. There was a fire. Long story.

Noémi put the screen down and grabbed a pen and paper, conscious that she needed to update her Save Our Bookshop list after everything that had been going on. She would have one huge tick for selling a few of their antique books. The collector seemed to genuinely care about books, and the decent amount he’d paid would take the pressure off, at least for a short while. Knowing that would help towards this month’s fees for her mum’s stable home at Happy Hedges and the bookshop’s bills, she felt enlivened to find homes for more of them.

As she twiddled her pen, she noticed Fantasy Man was still typing.

‘Shit!’ Noémi’s eyes widened. ‘I just told Fantasy Man there was a fire. We’re not meant to share current life stuff or specific details that could identify us. I’ve broken the rules!’

In truth, it was hard to chat to someone and not give away little pieces of yourself. Perhaps they both did it often. But giving away that she’d been involved in a fire and sharing the exact date of it didn’t seem small.

‘Can you delete it?’ Daniel asked.

‘No, he’s read it. He’s taking a while to respond.’

‘The poor guy’s probably imagining you with third-degree burns or standing in a pile of soot that used to be your home. You should at least let him know you’re OK.’

‘You’re right.’

She typed quickly.

Book Girl:

Everything is fine though! Just a minor thing. Luckily, a passing neighbour managed to put it out. Nobody was hurt.

Fantasy Man:

Wow, that must have been frightening. I’m so glad you’re OK. Good news about the neighbour. How are you feeling now?

Book Girl:

Confused.

Fantasy Man:

About a fire?

Book Girl:

About a neighbour. THE neighbour. I used to think he was trouble – for me at least. But now …

There was another pause. Perhaps he was waiting for her to add something, even though she’d already said too much again. And she wasn’t sure what she was feeling. The fire seemed to have thawed something inside her, and it had been a whole lot easier when she’d been determined to stay frosty.

Fantasy Man:

If he stepped in and helped you, it sounds like his heart is in the right place.

Noémi was aware of Daniel reading over her shoulder; although in fairness, he’d probably only wandered over for the brie.

Though she was not ready for him leaning in and pressing the microphone icon which turned speech into text, right there on her screen.