Page 96 of One Golden Summer

“I’m sure I can last the five minutes.”

“Let’s roll, then.” She pocketed her phone and crooked her arm for Kirsty.

“It’s moments like this when I remember how bloody tall you are.”

“Do you want me to bend my knees or walk on them?”

Kirsty swatted Saffron’s arm, both of them giggling.

After they started out, Saffron turned her head to Kirsty. “When I finish your painting, will you hang it up in the shop? If you like it, that is?”

“Why wouldn’t I like it?”

“I might be a rubbish painter.”

“I seriously doubt you could fail at anything. But why do you want me to hang it up?” Kirsty’s voice tightened with confusion.

“Because I flipped out over the website. It’s like a peace offering.”

They turned left onto Kirsty’s street, her shop not too far off in the distance.

“That’s sweet of you, but not necessary.”

“I think it is.” Saffron rubbed the back of her neck.

“Seriously. An apology was more than adequate.”

“Damn. You may not like what’s coming next, then.”

Kirsty stopped in front of her shop, looking slightly unsteady on her feet. “What?”

“Look up.” Saffron pointed to the sign overhead.

“Why?”

“I see we’re back to not trusting.” With a nudge, Saffron tipped Kirsty’s head up.

“My sign has been painted.” Kirsty blinked. “You paid someone to paint my sign?”

“No. Anton and I painted it. Along with the front of your shop.”

“You painted my shop and sign? Why?” Kirsty had her eyes on Saffron.

“You said it needed a makeover.” Saffron’s shoulders fell. “You did say that, didn’t you? I’m not losing my mind.”

“Yes, but how? When?”

“While you were setting up the party. I knew you’d have your hands full. Helena told me you wanted burgundy. It is the right colour, I hope?”

“It is.” Kirsty ran a tentative finger over the wood trim as if it was still wet and then slowly looked back up to the sign. “That’s why you were running late tonight. I’d assumed you didn’t want to see me.”

“That’s never the case, even when you’re mad at me.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“No words are necessary.”

“Stop right there. I think we’ve learned communication is indeed needed.” Kirsty edged closer.