Chapter Thirty-six
When Annabel Stone comes into the bookshop two days later, it’s to Yumi rolling her eyes at me for the ‘stupid grin’ she tells me that I need to work on moderating.
But honestly? I can’t help it. Declan is picking me up for lunch in an hour, and the thought of seeing him, of knowing that I can kiss him and slip my fingers through his without it being temporary makes me smile.
This afternoon I’m going to take him to Glenhaven to visit Gran.
And this weekend we’re going spotlighting with Jed just out of the city.
Bri is flying in to come with us – she tells me spotlighting is the perfect romantic setting for finally wooing him.
‘I’m just going to get something to eat,’ calls Yumi. ‘Nice to see you, Ms Stone.’
‘Likewise, Yumi,’ says Annabel with what I think might actually be a little warmth in her voice.
The bell above the door rings as Yumi leaves with a sly grin, and Annabel turns to face me.
‘Hello, Clarence,’ says Annabel, and I smile brightly back at her, because today I am feeling confident that I can find every last one of her difficult-to-find books.
But she doesn’t ask me to attend to her immediately, or drop a list of authors that I’ve never heard of. She just starts walking around the bookshelves, looking at the books.
‘I’ve come to talk to you about your romance selection,’ she says finally, and my mouth actually drops open a little before I can stop it.
Annabel pauses when she reaches the section where Yumi’s housed our modest romance collection – surprisingly, it’s never been a huge seller for us apart from big-name authors.
‘I normally buy my romances online,’ says Annabel, running a finger along the spines. ‘But I have been thinking that your collection could use work. I am here to offer my assistance.’
‘What?’ I say, before I can stop myself. ‘Why?’
Annabel stops her perusal, and looks up at me, and in that instant, I know .
‘My son has come to care very deeply for a woman that I both like and admire,’ says Annabel, her bright green eyes holding mine.
‘And now that my son is staying in town I intend to do everything I can to ensure their happiness. Even if, occasionally, I slip up and tell his ex-girlfriend incorrect information.’
Shut. Up.
‘You’re his mother,’ I breathe, and Annabel half smiles.
I finally manage to gather a modicum of my crap together – at least enough to narrow my eyes at her. ‘You told Tessa about the sale?’
‘I was here when your mother came in,’ says Annabel. ‘I overheard the conversation with the estate agent, and I wanted to help you, if I could.’
‘You made it worse.’ Annabel Stone is Declan Archer’s freaking mother.
‘I am sorry,’ says Annabel.
‘I know about the dedication too.’
‘Of course you do,’ says Annabel imperiously.
She straightens and looks me in the eye and how did I never notice how similar her eyes are to Declan’s?
‘But do you know who leaked that you were the bookseller to the press?’ And, oh my goodness, she actually, legitimately winks, and I find that I don’t even have it in me to be mad at her.
A laugh bubbles up in my chest, and I can’t stop the snort that comes out.
‘So you don’t want the latest Francis Coates, then?’ I ask her.
‘God no,’ she says. ‘Dreadful, boring stuff. I was only buying things for Declan because he wanted to support the store, but was too embarrassed to come in himself.’ She shrugs one shoulder. ‘I found a better way.’
‘Thank you,’ I tell her. Because even though she apparently played a part in an apple core being thrown at my head, and in what happened between Declan and I, she’s also legitimately responsible for some of my current happiness.
Not to mention all the obscure books she and Declan have bought from the shop over the years.
‘You are most welcome,’ says Annabel.
Then she starts marching around the bookshop, telling me about her ideas for an in-person romance book club.