Chapter 20 #3
‘See what I mean?’ Nate said. ‘And I’m not saying I’ve somehow managed to miraculously guess his name, but I reckon it must be something close to Buddy.’
“Buddy” turned his head back to Nate, his tail sweeping back and forth over the floor as he gazed up at his temporary owner, the look in his amber eyes touching Lark’s heart.
‘Ahh, bless him,’ she said. Buddy had the kindest face. And it didn’t escape her attention that Nate appeared to be as taken with Buddy, as Buddy was with him. Knowing how much Nate would love to have a dog of his own, she hoped it wasn’t going to end in heartache for either of them.
‘Oh, my goodness, who’s this gorgeous lad?
’ said Stella, who’d suddenly spied Buddy.
Despite her austere appearance, she was tender-hearted and a serious dog lover, having fallen in love with Alex’s characterful Labrador Teddy.
She was quickly followed by Jasmine and her two children, Zak and Chloe, along with Max and his son, Connor, all fussing over Buddy, who was in raptures with the attention.
The group fell into conversation, chatting away as they headed to join the queue at the bookshop.
Nate explained how he’d spoken to Ed earlier and told him about Buddy and how he was reluctant to leave him at home on his own in case he got upset.
Both Florrie and Ed were fine with him bringing Buddy along, suggesting he sit at the end of the row in case the Labrador became unsettled, that way they’d be able to make a swift exit with minimal disturbance.
Lark was glad when they finally got inside, the icy air beginning to bite. And though her boots were lined with fleece, it hadn’t stopped the cold from seeping in from the pavement, leaving her toes numb.
‘Hello, everyone. Welcome.’ Jean Davenport offered a warm greeting at the door to the reading room where she was standing with Florrie’s mum, Paula, festive music still playing in the background. They were there to guide people to their seats, which was something they did at all the readings.
‘Silas! It’s grand to see you.’ Paula beamed at him, patting him warmly on his arm. ‘Our Florrie said you’d be here tonight.’
‘It most certainly is grand to see you, Silas,’ said Jean. ‘You’ve been a stranger for too long.’ If she wasn’t mistaken, Jean seemed extra glowy tonight, as if she’d had some good news. Lark observed her closely for a couple of seconds. Hmm, there was definitely something…
‘And it’s lovely to see you two ladies, too. You’re both looking well,’ Silas said.
Lark switched her attention to her dad, happy – and relieved – to see he looked pleased by the friendly welcome, his naturally sociable nature gradually emerging from its torpor. It was a good sign.
‘Oh, this looks wonderful,’ he said, looking around as they stepped into the reading room.
‘Florrie and Ed certainly make a good team.’ Stella followed Silas’s gaze.
The space had been decorated to resemble a Victorian-style living room at Christmastime.
A large Christmas tree bedecked in vintage-style baubles twinkled away in the corner, while garlands trimmed with fairy lights were swagged from the picture rail that ran around the room.
Remarkably realistic faux candles flickered on the desk that was parked between two high-backed leather chairs, woollen throws that complimented the plump cushions, draped over the back of them.
Set against the wall behind, a table was piled high with the two authors’ books, while a cash register and card reader were positioned alongside ready for purchases to be made after the reading.
A festive aroma of spiced orange and cloves thanks to a strategically placed oil diffuser permeated the air, adding to the seasonal vibe.
Lark spotted Florrie in discussion with Leah.
She caught her friend’s eye and they exchanged a wave.
She knew these events made her friend nervous, especially after the attempted sabotage of the one last Christmas.
Luckily the perpetrator had been caught and nothing like it had happened since, but it still didn’t stop Florrie from worrying.
Dodgy Dick and Wendy filtered into Lark’s mind.
She hoped they wouldn’t show up, though she knew none of the staff would have sold them tickets.
And if they’d procured them by other means, they still wouldn’t be given admission.
All the same, Lark hoped the event would be trouble-free and that Florrie and Ed could enjoy it.
As they inched their way to their seats, Lark was pleasantly surprised to see Louisa.
She was sitting four rows back at the opposite end.
The curator was deep in conversation with a woman in the seat next to her.
Talk about fortuitous! Lark took this as a good sign; it would be the perfect opportunity to introduce her father to Louisa.
She tried to catch the curator’s eye, but to no avail.
Since the room was quickly filling up, and the reading was about to start, she decided to leave it for now and speak to her afterwards.
There’d be plenty of time then, with drinks and nibbles being laid on in the tearoom.
She’d be sure to catch Louisa before she headed off.
She settled herself in her seat beside Nate, who was talking calmly to Buddy and helping him get settled.
She watched as he obediently followed Nate’s command telling him to sit, and was rewarded with a scratch behind the ear.
It was clear the Labrador had been well trained by whoever owned him.
As much as she didn’t want whoever that might be to be feeling sad at losing him, she couldn’t help but think Nate and Buddy went well together, like they were somehow meant to be.
Maybe he’d been sent to Nate? Lark strongly believed that everything happened for a reason.
It wasn’t long before the lights dimmed and the music stopped.
The atmosphere suddenly became more intimate.
Lark turned her attention to the matter in hand as a murmur of anticipation ran around the room.
Buddy looked on, his velvety ears cocked in interest. Lark met Nate’s eye and they shared a smile.
Buddy certainly had plenty of character.