She nodded at him, and forced herself to finish the song, before closing the piano and walking to the edge of the platform. “Hi, there,” she said cheerfully, embarrassed at the way she was reacting to him and very grateful homo sapiens hadn’t evolved telepathy yet. She did not want him to read her mind right now. “Hey. You haven’t had lunch yet, have you?” Sylvie glanced around the store. Barbara and Ann were trying to be inconspicuous, half-hidden behind the doll pram display, but they were staring and whispering. No doubt what they’d spend their lunch hour gossiping about. “No,” she replied. “Great. Join me? There’s something I’d like to discuss with you.” “Uh oh. It doesn’t involve polka dots, does it?” He smiled. Oh, Lord. It really had been too long – she’d forgotten the effect that smile had on her, and she sucked in a breath and clenched her muscles. “No polka dots,” he confirmed, and jumped down from the ladder. “Come one.” She climbed down hurriedly, all too aware of him following her progress.
