Philip's comment about the shop hit him like a sucker punch, a knot forming in his stomach both from pangs of guilt from ruining what they had, and from a growing hope that perhaps things could be salvaged. Did Philip still want him to visit? Because Harper would be more than willing to, if only to explain and apologise if necessary.

"It has indeed been a while. And I must confess, I have rather missed your baked goods." While Harper realised he had to be circumspect in public, he was hoping that he had indeed interpreted Philip correctly, and that Philip would in turn do the same. His smile became a little more confident, as the hope began to overtake the pangs of regret in his stomach.