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this?” She holds up the card.
    “Yeah, last week,” I admit. “He came to see me at work. Was all mysterious, vanished, and left me this.” I snatch back the card.
    “So, he’s got to you hasn’t he… and looking at the state of you in a big way.” She puts her arm around my shoulders. “Maybe you should go and get him out of your system.”
    What she’s implying is impossible for the likes of me. I’m no good in the art of seduction. If it were Cate, she’d be over there right now, launching herself at him with absolutely no shame. I’ve not had that kind of experience. Yes, I’ve had sex. But with one person, Nathan. And that turned out to be not so much a mistake, but a learning curve made by both of us years ago.
    “You’re waiting for Mr Right, and these days’ men like that don’t exist Liz.” She squeezes. “Have fun. Take a leaf out of Nathan’s book… didn’t stop him after you two broke up.”
    I shuffle up a little and smile awkwardly. I want rid of her, and the best way, is to go along with what she says.
    “I’m fine,” I sigh, lifting up his card. “See.” I rip it up into pieces and drop it in the bin. “I was just being curious, that’s all.”
    She stands, and walks to my door. “Well there’s nothing wrong with looking Liz… lighten up.” She goes out into the hall.
    “Cate,” I call. She revolves, so her dark blonde hair swishes over her shoulder. “Don’t mention this to Nathan.”
    She smiles, “Mention what?”
                                                                ***
    It’s 9am, Saturday morning, and I’m just about to leave for a four hour shift at Aroma. I pass by my bin, see the torn card, and freeze. I bend down, finger through the rubbish, and pull out what’s left of Mr Knight. This is so stupid. He has to stay in there. Even if I do piece him back together, I’m never going to call him. I let it go and take off quickly, before I go in search of the cello tape.
                                                                ***
    The bell above the door rings as I enter Aroma, and I’m greeted by all the staff who work here. Harry and his wife, Ronda. Racheal, Dave, and Shell, all sat with coffee. Immediately, I become aware something bad is about to happen. 
    Harry is stood with several envelopes in his hand. They all watch as I cautiously take off my jacket. I frown, and place my bag over the back of the chair, wondering what the reason is for this gathering, and icy atmosphere.
    “Liz, can you sit please,” Harry asks.
    I squeeze by the two tables that have been placed together, and sit next to Shell. Her expression is sullen. I drag a chair out from under the table, and when the scrapping sound stops, Harry clears his throat.
    “So” He pauses as he fills his lungs. “I have called this staff meeting, and I’m glad you have all shown up.” He looks down with concern at Ronda. “It is with great regret that I have to inform you… that I’ve had no choice, but to sell the shop.”
    “What!” Dave barks, slamming his back in the chair.
    Dave has worked here since leaving high school. Ten whole years. Each one of us rely on this job to make ends meet. And it’s been sold, without a single word to any of us. Ronda begins to cry. Harry rubs her back and chokes up.
    “What can I say?” His eyes well. “Circumstances have changed, and Ronda and I have thought about this long and hard.” He places the envelopes on the table. “There is good news though. The shop will be refurbished, and will still need staff.” He shrugs, emotionally. “If you show commitment, your jobs will remain safe under the Beans brand.”
    This place has become a second home to me. It’s second nature to work here. Even though it’s not my dream job, this is still distressing.
    “This is bullshit Harry… I’ve worked my ass off for years