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“Wouldn’t it just, Miss Maya?” Liv nodded sagely. “You simply must try the strawberry preserve and clotted cream. It is to die for.”

Maya burst out laughing just as Ben rounded the corner, resembling the excited puppy that Maya had been imagining.

“Ladies.” He scooped Maya into a bear hug as she stood to greet him. “Ms. Bashir. Am I glad to see you—my knight in shining armor.”

He let go to look at her, and she flashed him a grin. “All right, Big Boss Ben? Still bossing it to the max?” She ruffled his dark, silver-tinged hair. “Grayer around the edges, I see.”

Ben laughed. “Cheeky.”

Maya shrugged. “Hey, it’s no bad thing. Silver fox, that’s you.”

He smiled. “Really? Derek keeps suggesting that I should dye it.”

Maya waved her hand. “Pfft. No offense, but your boyfriend knows nothing. You look both hot, and cool at the same time.”

Ben grinned. He waved at one of the young members of the staff, and she came hurrying over. “Hi, Katie.” He gestured to Maya and Liv. “What would you like?”

Liv smiled. “A flat white and a scone with strawberry preserve and clotted cream, please.”

Maya started laughing and Liv joined in. Poor Katie appeared confused.

“Can I get the same, please?” Maya managed to blurt out through her laughter.

Ben gave them a bemused smile before turning back to Katie. “Just an Americano for me.”

Katie nodded and hurried away, scribbling on her notepad.

“So,” Ben said, rubbing his hands together. “When can you start, Maya?”

Maya raised her eyebrows. “That’s a bit presumptuous. At least butter me up with the coffee and scone first.”

“Come on,” Ben said, smiling. “I can see the ski-instructing bug in your eyes. And I’ll buy you a coffee every day.”

Maya pursed her lips. “Every day, you say?”

“Yep.”

“And a scone?”

“Yes.”

“With strawberry preserve and clotted cream?”

Liv snorted.

“Yes. Whatever you want.” Ben cocked his head and fluttered his eyelashes at her.

“Fine.” Maya mock rolled her eyes, then leaned in to pinch his cheeks. “I’ll start this week. I’ve nothing else on and it’ll help me avoid Omar the Terrible.”

Ben leaned back with a satisfied sigh. “Brilliant.”

Katie appeared with their order. After she left, Maya and Liv took great delight in applying the cream and jam to their scones with their pinkies sticking out, speaking to each other in their Austen voices. Ben drank his Americano happily. Maya absorbed his satisfied glow, warmth infusing her that she’d been able to help a friend.

It occurred to her that helping always made her feel good, even though at times she had trouble saying no. Well, a lot of the time she had trouble saying no. But maybe she just needed to say no to the right people. Like Dad. The thought of that sent shivers down her spine, and not the good kind.

Maya nudged Ben. “So. BBB. What’re you doing here on a Sunday? The big boss should be off the weekend, no?”

Ben glanced away, fiddling with his cup. “Just catching up on some admin.”