"Miss Holden, Mr. Holden and his wife aren't back yet. Please, come in and have a seat."
"Okay, thank you." Ivy Holden led Bill Holden through the door.
"Miss Holden is back!" A middle-aged woman in an apron came out of the kitchen carrying a platter of fruit. "I just washed some cherries and strawberries, Miss. Please have some. The black tea cake will be ready in five minutes. Would you like tea, coffee, or milk tea?"
"Thank you. Two Blue Mountain coffees, please."
"Of course. Please wait a moment."
Ivy Holden gestured with her chin toward Bill Holden. "Sit anywhere. Make yourself at home."
"I seriously suggest you move back in. This place is way more comfortable than that tiny apartment of yours." Bill Holden had been sleeping on Ivy Holden's sofa for days; his current life goal was simply to sleep in a bed.
"Hmm, we'll stay here tonight," Ivy Holden said.
"That's wonderful." Bill Holden sank into the sofa, content.
Half an hour later, Brooke Morrison returned.
