‘Yes, he should. You’ve been here two weeks and not met anyone.’
‘That’s terrible. We can help,’ said Edie, bouncing slightly on the sofa. ‘We can introduce you to a few people in the neighbourhood.’
‘Yes!’ said Bella. ‘There’s Frank and Jim, they run the boutique across the street. They’re always good for a drink and they give great discount in the store.’
‘Oh yes, they have that really cute little guy who works on Saturdays,’ added Edie.
‘Little guy because he’s about sixteen,’ said Ed, poking her affectionately in the ribs as he turned to Sophie.
Edie ignored him. ‘Wes, you know the guys down the road that run the cycle store. We could introduce Sophie to them. They have the most delicious legs. Lovely calves. Steel thighs.’
‘Who’s talking about steel thighs?’ asked a dry voice, appearing in the doorway hidden behind a pile of cardboard pizza boxes.
‘Maisie! Just the person.’ Bella ran over and removed the pile of boxes from the plump arms of a very smiley, short woman. ‘You know loads of people.’
‘That’s because everyone is a sucker for her cheesecakes,’ rumbled Wes, taking the boxes from Bella and sniffing appreciatively. ‘Mmm, they smell good.’
‘Cinnamon and caramel, a new recipe. And a couple of strawberry and chocolate cheesecakes.’
‘Mmm, I love your chocolate cheesecake. Remind me, Ed, to grab a couple of slices when we leave. I need to keep my strength up. I’ve got a dozen loaves to knead this afternoon.’
‘Am I too late for a coffee?’ asked Maisie. ‘I’ve got a twenty-minute window before Carl divorces me for abandoning the twins with him.’ Somehow she’d crossed the room and had wedged her ample bottom into the armchair, her eyes dancing as if she were bursting with happy secrets. ‘And why do you need loads of people?’
‘Maisie, this is Sophie.’ Bella grabbed a mug from the dresser and filled it from the half-full cafetière on the side. ‘She’s taken the apartment upstairs and doesn’t know a soul in New York – well, apart from us. Oh and Todd, but he doesn’t count.’
Maisie laughed, taking the coffee. ‘Well Sophie, you’ve landed in the right place. Bella’s Bakery is the place to meet at this end of Smith Street. We can introduce you to plenty of people.’
‘And she’s a foodie,’ said Bella. ‘She writes for CityZen.’
‘And she likes my chia-and-yoghurt bread.’ Edie held a piece out towards Maisie, who pulled a face.
‘I guess someone has to,’ teased Maisie, pushing it away as Edie laughed good-naturedly. ‘Although if you’re interested in food … has anyone tried the new Mezze place? Hummus to die for. Although the twins made it interesting. You ever tried removing a pomegranate seed from a five-year-old’s ear? A family adventure, I can tell you.’
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