Chapter 24
‘Hello!’ said Nathan, as Bea pulled into the yard at Three Acre Farm later that evening. ‘I wasn’t expecting to see you today,’ he said, walking towards her car.
‘I thought I’d surprise you,’ said Bea, switching off the engine. ‘I’m not in the way here, am I?’ she asked, jerking her thumb back towards the wagon.
‘No, you’re fine. Cuppa?’
‘God, yes, please. You read my mind,’ said Bea, climbing out of the car. ‘It’s been a hectic day.’
‘Oh, yeah?’
‘I’ve been at the school all afternoon, I’m shattered,’ she said, following him through to the farmhouse kitchen. ‘Oooh, that smells good,’ she said, as the aroma of something sweet and spicy filled her nostrils.
‘Cinnamon buns,’ said Sue, appearing from the larder. ‘Get them while they’re hot,’ she laughed, pulling off her apron. ‘I’m heading down to the cowshed now to give your father a hand,’ she explained to Nathan, ‘but lovely to see you, Bea.’
‘You too,’ said Bea. ‘Say hello to Martin for me, and thanks for the buns, they look amazing,’ she said, glancing at the batch sat cooling on the counter. She could feel her mouth starting to water.
‘So, to what do I owe the pleasure?’ said Nathan, setting two steaming mugs of tea on the table and grabbing a bun from the cooling rack. ‘Ouch, that’s hot,’ he said, blowing on his fingers.
‘You were warned,’ Bea laughed.
‘I know, but they look too good to wait,’ said Nathan. ‘Want one?’ he asked.
‘I’ll wait until they’ve cooled down a bit, I think,’ said Bea.
‘Okay,’ Nathan shrugged, pulling up a chair. ‘By the way, how did last night go? The book-dating thing? Archie said Josh bagged an actual date out of it, with Claire from the hairdressers.’
‘Yeah, they seemed quite cosy at the pub when I left,’ said Bea.
‘Clearly.’
‘It was a good crowd, lots of people I didn’t know. Beth and Pete have said I can make it a monthly thing too, which is good.’
‘Great! I’ll try to make the next one, if I can. So, how was the school thing today?’
‘Really good,’ Bea nodded, ‘amazing actually,’ she said. ‘I can’t believe how many books I sold. I reckon most of the parents bought at least one, and I’m going back tomorrow to open for a bunch of people who couldn’t wait around today.’
‘Bloody hell, Bea, that’s fantastic,’ said Nathan.
‘I know, I can’t quite believe it. I’m going to have to place an urgent hotline order this evening. I needed to do a proper stock-take anyway, and I sold out of cuddly toys as well. Who knew a stuffed Hungry Caterpillar would prove so popular?’
‘Not me, that’s for sure,’ Nathan chuckled.
‘I know! Anyway, I wanted to go over plans for the book club, if that’s okay? I spoke to Phoebe yesterday and she’s going to deliver the wine to me on Wednesday.’
‘God, yeah, it’s next week, right?’
‘Thursday,’ Bea nodded, ‘so we’ve still got plenty of time.’
‘How many people are coming?’
‘Sixteen. Tickets are up on Eventbrite and include a copy of the book, as well as the cheese and wine, but people can purchase more from you and Phoebe on the night, if you wanted to bring some extra stock along?’
‘Great. Sixteen’s a good number.’
‘Yeah, not too big, not too small.’
‘I was going to do individual grazing platters, with a sample of all the cheeses, plus some crackers, chutney, apricots, and I’ve been experimenting with caramelized walnuts.’
‘Sounds delicious.’
‘Hang on,’ he said, leaping up from his chair. ‘I’ve got some from the batch I made yesterday, I’ll get them,’ he continued, heading towards the larder. ‘Here,’ he said, placing a sandwich bag full of nuts in front of her, ‘give them a try.’
‘God, they smell amazing,’ Bea said, reaching her hand into the bag and grabbing a handful. ‘Sweet and… sort of earthy,’ she continued as she bit one in half. ‘Bloody hell, Nate, these are gorgeous.’
‘They’re not bad, are they?’ he said, smiling broadly as he took some for himself.
‘Are you sure you made them? They taste like they’re from one of those posh delis in Rye…’ she said, her eyes narrowed suspiciously.
‘Of course I made them,’ he laughed. ‘It’s pretty simple really, just chuck them in the pan with butter and sugar and – voila,’ he said, holding up the bag. ‘They go great with the cheese.’
‘I bet!’ Bea agreed.
‘Oh, I just remembered, there’s something I wanted to ask you,’ Nathan said, getting up again to rummage through a pile of papers on the dresser.
‘What?’ Bea asked, taking a sip of her tea.
‘Those business awards, I’ve had the letter,’ he said, passing an envelope to her. ‘They’re on the thirteenth of August and I get to bring a plus one. I wondered if you fancied coming with me?’
‘I’d love to!’ said Bea, scanning the letter. ‘Ooooh, it’s at The Grand in Brighton,’ she said. ‘Very posh, and Tori was right, it is black tie! That gives me the perfect excuse to buy a new dress.’
‘Ah, yeah, that’s the other thing, I don’t own a tux,’ he paused.
‘Archie does! You’re about the same size, I’m sure he won’t mind you borrowing it.’
‘You reckon?’
‘Sure,’ she said. ‘Pop in next time you’re passing and you can try it on.’
‘Okay, I will,’ said Nathan, grinning at her. ‘Cheers, Bea.’
‘So, are you excited?’ she asked, leaning towards him.
‘I haven’t thought about it much, really,’ he said, indifferently. ‘But a night out in Brighton would be good. I don’t think I’m going to win, anyway. Sizzling Hog, Manor Park Dairy and the East Sussex Brewery Company are on the shortlist too.’
‘But that doesn’t mean you won’t win,’ she said, reaching across the table and slotting her hand into his. ‘You’ve got as good a product as they do.’
‘It’s fine,’ Nathan said, smiling. ‘Not expecting to win helps take the pressure off. At least I wouldn’t have to make a speech. I mean, can you imagine?’ he shuddered.
‘You should probably prepare something in advance though—’
‘Just in case?’
‘No,’ said Bea, shaking her head. ‘For when, not if, you win. Now, pass me one of those cinnamon buns,’ she said, decisively.
Bea slept through her alarm the following morning. She’d had her a nose buried in The House by the Bay until the early hours. She kept telling herself, just one more chapter, until she’d finally drifted off with her reading light still on.
Bea showered and dressed as quickly as she could, and arrived at the Cosy Cat just as Tori was flipping the sign on the door to open.
‘Sorry,’ said Bea, stashing her bag behind the counter.
‘What for? You’re not late,’ said Tori, brightly.
‘No, but I’m cutting it fine.’
‘Late night?’ Tori asked.
‘You could say that—’
‘Date with Lochlan?’ asked Tori, one eyebrow raised.
‘I wish! No, he’s still in London. I was just up late reading for book club.’
‘Oh my God, I’m loving that book,’ said Tori with a gasp. ‘It’s so good.’
‘I know! How far have you got?’
‘I’m almost three quarters of the way through, and Damian is just about to reveal a secret…’
‘Don’t tell me, don’t tell me!’ said Bea, covering her ears. ‘You’re a bit ahead of me.’
‘Don’t worry,’ Tori laughed, ‘I won’t drop any spoilers.’
‘Oooh, before I forget, I’ve got something for you,’ said Bea, grabbing her bag from behind the counter and pulling out a novel, Summer at the Cat Café. ‘I saw it and thought of you.’
‘Oh, thanks, Bea,’ said Tori, reading out the blurb on the back. ‘The purrrfect summer read.’ How cute!’
‘I thought we could add it to the other books here?’ Bea suggested.
‘Definitely, but I’m keeping this copy to read first! So, are you all set for book club?’ Tori asked.
‘I think so,’ Bea nodded, scooping up a little grey tabby that was rubbing against her ankles. ‘Hey, you’re new?’
‘Yep, that’s Alfie,’ said Tori, scratching the cat under his chin, as he purred contentedly.
‘I’d love a cat, but Archie’s allergic…’
‘Ah, that’s a shame,’ Tori agreed.
‘I know. Plus, we dog-sit Wordsworth all the time. Maybe one day, though,’ Bea continued. ‘For now, working here will have to do.’
‘Well, if you ever change your mind, I’m sure Izzy and I can find you a hypoallergenic cat.’
The morning absolutely flew by; it was the busiest shift Bea had ever worked at the Cosy Cat. As quickly as she cleared a table, a new set of customers would arrive, and the lunchtime rush was only just getting started.
‘I don’t know what’s got into everyone today,’ whispered Tori, as Bea took another order through to the kitchen. ‘It’s not been this busy in ages.’
‘Don’t knock it,’ said Bea, ‘the till hasn’t stopped ringing all morning.’
‘Mum’s arriving soon, so that should take some of the pressure off.’ Tori replied.
‘I can stay on a bit longer, if you need me?’ said Bea, helpfully. ‘But I’m back at the school this afternoon, so I’ll have to leave by two at the latest.’
‘Thanks, I might take you up on that.’
Joyce’s arrival had helped get them through the lunchtime rush, but by the time Bea was getting ready to leave, she was exhausted.
‘Here,’ said Tori, handing her a mug of coffee, ‘take five minutes before you rush off.’
‘Thanks,’ said Bea, gratefully, rubbing her back, ‘My feet are killing me.’ Just then the door dinged to signal the arrival of more customers. ‘Hey, Matt! Lovely to see you,’ said Bea, smiling at the sight of her library boss and his husband.
‘Making the most of my day off,’ said Matt. ‘Fancy joining us?’
‘I’d love to,’ said Bea, beaming, ‘but I’m taking the wagon to the school again this afternoon, so I’ve got to dash. Are you coming to book club next week?’ Bea asked.
‘Definitely,’ said Matt. We’re really looking forward to it.’
‘Perfect,’ said Bea, ‘your ticket includes the wine and cheese board, remember, so don’t eat dinner before you come.’
‘Got it,’ said Matt, nodding.
‘Oh, and make sure to bring garden chairs,’ said Bea. ‘And before I forget, the council have given permission for me to put a little free library on the green.’
‘That’s brilliant!’ said Harry. ‘What a great idea!’
‘I’ve bought a kit online, so I’m building it myself – or trying to, at least,’ said Bea, picking at the plaster on her thumb where she had hit it with a hammer. ‘I thought we could have a little gathering to mark the opening? Maybe you could come along and cut a ribbon or something, Matt?
‘I’d love to,’ he said.
Bea felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She smiled when she saw it was a message from Lochlan: Got a client dinner on the 13th, shall I book you in to the hotel? Miss you xx.
Bea had almost forgotten about her trip to London. She quickly checked her calendar to make sure she was free, before sending a reply: Perfect, love to xx.
She tucked her phone back into her pocket with a thought niggling at her from the back of her mind.
The 13th? Why did that date sound so familiar?
Was she forgetting someone’s birthday? Her parents wedding anniversary? There was nothing in her diary, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that she’d forgotten something important.
When Bea pulled into the car park at the tiny primary school half an hour later, there was already a queue of people waiting for her, even though the school day didn’t end for another thirty minutes.
‘Hello!’ Bea called, as she climbed out of the car and started unhitching the trailer. ‘Just give me five minutes and I’ll be ready for you.’
‘I can’t wait to look inside,’ said the lady at the front of the queue. ‘My son, Mason, told me all about your bookshop. He loves it! He’s already given me a list of what to buy,’ she said, waving a piece of paper in the air. ‘Please tell me you’ve still got copies of Dork Diaries?’
‘I do, yes,’ Bea replied, opening up the wagon’s doors.
‘And do you have those cuddly Paddingtons? You’d sold out yesterday, and I promised Tiffany I’d get her one,’ the woman behind her asked.
‘Absolutely,’ said Bea. ‘I put a rush order in last night.’
‘That’s great,’ replied the woman, relief flooding her face. ‘Tiff will be thrilled!’
‘If you can come inside in small groups, that would be great. I’m a little short on space,’ Bea explained.
Where was Mrs Connolly when you needed her?
The queue seemed never-ending, not that Bea was complaining; as soon as one group of parents left, they were replaced by another, then the children started appearing once the school bell sounded.
‘Bea! How’s it going?’ Rose asked, squeezing into the trailer. ‘All okay?’
‘Yeah, good thanks,’ said Bea, handing over a cuddly Hungry Caterpillar to a delighted child.
‘Sorry, I meant to escape from class in time to meet you, but things got hectic,’ Rose explained. ‘I’ll be outside, but if you need me, just shout.’
‘Will do,’ said Bea, as she moved on to serving another customer.
‘This bookshop is just adorable,’ said a woman, handing her a stack of books to scan. ‘I may have gone a little overboard,’ she continued, sheepishly, ‘but Tilly wanted one of almost everything!’
‘Sounds like you’ve got a real bookworm on your hands,’ said Bea, smiling at the little girl who was clutching her mum’s hand tightly.
‘Oh, absolutely! Tilly loves reading. I’m Tasha, by the way,’ said Tasha, tapping her card to pay.
‘I work at Pashley Manor. We’re having a garden party in September – it’s invitation only, but there’s going to be stalls selling local produce, arts and crafts, that kind of thing.
Your wagon would fit in perfectly. Would you be interested? ’
‘Oh, yes, please, that sounds amazing! I’m trying to book in as many local events as possible,’ said Bea, grinning broadly.
‘Here’s my card,’ said Tasha, handing Bea a cream, embossed business card. ‘My email’s on there – drop me a line and I’ll send you a booking form.’
‘Thank you!’ said Bea, handing Tasha’s purchases across. ‘I’ll do it as soon as I’m home.’
‘Great,’ said Tasha. ‘I’ll see you soon, then.’
‘See you!’ said Bea, tucking Tasha’s card safely into her back pocket. ‘And thanks!’
A pitch at Pashley Manor’s garden party could really help put Bea’s Book Wagon on the map. It was exactly the kind of break Bea was hoping for, she just never expected it to come from a visit to the local primary school.