Carol walked into the Minute Mart and grabbed some milk out of the fridge. She kept her head down, hoping that Denise wouldn't want a conversation. The whole square probably knew about Masood dumping her by now and she could do without people knowing how upset she was.
"Hiya Carol, how are you?"
"Oh, I, erm I'm fine".
"I heard about you and Masood. I'm really sorry".
Suddenly she couldn't fight back the tears any longer. Denise rushed round to the other side of the counter.
"Oh Carol, sweetheart, come here".
Denise wrapped her arms round Carol and pulled her close so that Carol's head was on her shoulder. Despite living across the square from her for years, Carol had never got to know Denise, yet at this moment she felt so close to her. Carol knew that Denise understood exactly how she was feeling and as she hugged her back she wanted Denise to know that she understood too.
Denise pulled away, taking Carol's hands in hers.
"You're not the only one who could do with a drink and a chat you know. Fancy coming back to the B&B? I mean, if you don't want to talk that's fine, I can just be a shoulder to cry on".
"Thanks Denise, you're a star. Oh and about Ian, everyone knows you're too good for him".