13/01/2023

Lilian is mystified as to why Justin would want to work in the village shop. Justin insists he’s being community minded, but she’s sure there’s an ulterior motive. She warns him about possible tricky customers, a sentiment echoed by Susan when he begins his trial shift. She advises the main thing is not to let one’s impatience show. Justin’s calm until Lilian turns up. She makes herself a nuisance and asks for a refund. Justin needs Susan’s help, but Susan takes her time and Justin’s patience wears thin. Susan reports to Jim afterwards that Justin was fine with most of the customers, but hopeless with Lilian, who he allowed to wind him up. Given the choice between Justin and Joy, they decide on Justin. Susan reckons if he’s up to no good, this is a fair way to keep tabs on him. Erik can’t quite believe he’s been persuaded to swim in a river in January. He’s game however, and against Kirsty’s advice throws himself into the water straight away. Kirsty gently scolds him, what would she have told Jakob if anything had happened? Erik assures her he’s alright, but his hands go numb and Kirsty insists they get out. As they sip hot chocolate afterwards in the warmth from a fire, they chat about relationships and their single status. Erik gives away far more information than Kirsty, who finds it refreshing not to dwell on her past but simply enjoy the company of a handsome man. She invites Erik back to her place, an offer he accepts with pleasure.