I walk to the sound of my own drum

 "I think he's a bit more handsome now," Shelly spoke fondly of Odin. Of course, they hadn't quite made it back to the city as of yet.

"Oh, really?" Mia chuckled with a smile. She was on the phone with her while at the bookshop. Actually, the place was hopping these days with good eats and Christmas sales. "Well, take your time, girlfriend."

Of course, Shelly explained how they'd stayed at a little bed and breakfast not so far from his parents, but they'd gone back to spend a few hours with them during the day. "I really didn't mean any ill will, you know. They are his folks, after all."

"Yes, you did the right thing," Mia really wanted to let her go. There was business to tend to. Of course, she had Kate to deal with too. But Mia really didn't want to mention Shelly's ex-roomie. Although, she'd planted herself at the shop. Mia didn't really think it was Stu's doing, but she talked an awful lot. And it was always to Stu. 

Mia insisted things were fine here. Shelly promised they were on their way back.

"But you might need to rest up," Mia said.

"But you've got a real job to get back to."

"Oh, it's not like I've neglected it," Mia promised. Yes, she did work early in the morning before the shop opened and she did make phone calls and e-mails throughout the day. It was kind of like working from home. Something she was used to. "It'll all be fine." But she couldn't help staring at that Kate. What was she doing here? What did she really want?

Finally, Mia clicked off the call and walked across the room where Kate was nursing her hot milked tea. "What do you really want? Stu is very busy." Mia crossed her arms and gave Kate a dead stare.

"Well, a job perhaps," She smiled at Mia.

"What?"

"It's been so hectic you know, with Brad and all," Kate said she couldn't quite cope at the Corporation she worked for in statistics. 

"But we can't compete with that," Mia was honest. "You'll have more time to devote to your career now."

Kate was even-lipped. Mia was certain this was what life looked like after coming back from a wayward life.