think of the possibilities

 "Their lives might not be as perfect as you think," Mia said about Kate and Brad as she gave Shelly a serious look while they were breaking down their fish and chips for lunch. Granted, it was Shelly's idea to do lunch here. Although, she really disliked the pub. It was loud and of course, the food was greasy. She couldn't help but make a face of disgust. 

"We could go somewhere else?" Mia then asked.

"No, it's fine." Shelly smiled, even if it was a bit dismal. The price was right and since Mia was paying she hated to ask for more.

"Are you sure?" Oh, Mia did have that mentor flair about her, even in dreds. She was a trusted friend. Although, it was still a bit of a mystery how they met. Mia kept saying the University, but it never quite connected in Shelly's brain. Still, when in need, Mia was the best friend to have. She was an analyst and an investor.

"It's all good," Shelly nodded as he bit into a chip and dosed the fish with malt vinegar. 

"You and Odin, OK?' Mia leaned in a bit with a sweet smile.

"Never better." Shelly sighed. They were in sync and she hadn't had a date like this bloke in a long while. 

Mia only smiled as if she might envy Shelly. "Maybe I should join that book club." She bit into a chip. Shelly only smiled.

"Well, we won't be going to the pub, for sure."

"Really?"

"I dunno," Shelly sighed. "My roomie said she'd be there but her American boyfriend is back, so you know it's..well..." Shelly practically rolled her eyes and went for the fish in a hearty bite. What more could she say without putting her best mate Kate down. 

"I think you should have it at the book shop." Mia nodded as she took a sip of her iced tea.

"I dunno," Shelly winced. "It could be a bit of a washout."

"You could advertise."

"I guess," Shelly slightly sighed. Seriously, she was too busy trying to sell the old books the past owner, Mr. Bagely had left her. It wasn't easy surviving at the shop when he left it in her hands. "You know, I'm actually an orphan."

"What?" Mia drew a scowl as she bit into the fish. 

"Um, I was in Foster care, for most of my youth," Shelly didn't mean to put herself down. She'd worked for Mr. Bagely as a clerk since her later years of school. He'd helped her with college. He'd been her life support for so long. And evidently, she had been his too. And then he passed. It was COVID. of course. She just didn't know if she could go on with the shop. She nursed her bottom lip then, thinking this might be a really bad time to order a vodka in juice.

"You'll do splendid," Mia then took her hand. "I'm here for you. We will make the most of that shop." Mia was ever so serious.

Shelly sighed. "Is it really possible?"

"We'll, think of something," Mia promised.