Chapter Fifteen
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Josie was glad she’d packed one nice dress. She hadn’t been sure where she’d wear it, but she’d found over the years that it never hurt to bring along some black velvet. The skirt fell to the knee, but with a pair of black tights and ankle boots with small heels, along with sparkly earrings and a necklace and some makeup, she felt like she’d cleaned up pretty well. Then she caught sight of Malcolm as she walked out into the lounge area of the boat.
He took her breath away. He was wearing a suit. It wasn’t the first time she’d seen him in one, but this one was slightly darker than he would wear to the office. Closer to black tie.
“You’re beautiful,” he said as he came toward her, a hungry gleam in his eyes.
“I was going to say the same to you,” she replied.
He kissed her before she could say anything more—kissed all the lipstick right off her lips. And it was well worth needing to reapply it later just to have someone want her this much. It was a heady, delicious feeling. One she found herself craving.
“I don’t want to disappoint Mari,” he said in a low voice, “or we wouldn’t be going any farther than this tonight.”
She loved it when he talked to her like that, without the need to hold back how much he wanted her. Which was how it would be tonight. They would pretend that they were nothing more than friends. Two people staying together for a short while on his boat and working together to get the reading retreat up and running. Her chest squeezed. But for all that she was tempted just to let that caution go, she knew better. That caution, that self-protection, had held her firmly together these past two years after betrayal had cut so deep.
It wasn’t that she thought Malcolm would lie to her. No, she already knew him better than that. He was an honest man. It was more that he might not realize he was lying to himself. That he might think she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen right now, in this moment, and then he’d wake up and realize she wasn’t.
Of course, as there had been for so much of her life, there was a part of her that simply felt she couldn’t be enough for him. That average Josie Hartwell somehow wouldn’t measure up in the end. So that was why she had to keep those walls up—the ones she’d managed to keep standing—when every kiss, every touch, had knocked down so many more.
“We had better go,” she agreed. “I want to make sure Mari knows she has my support on all fronts. I really am excited for her, getting a chance to have a book launch for her father’s book.”
“We are all pleased for her, my brother most of all,” he said as they headed into the evening.
It was cooler tonight, and she was glad she’d packed her fitted leather jacket, which slipped over the velvet dress so perfectly. She felt more worldly tonight than the girl who had lived the bulk of her life in Idaho. As they headed along the pathway past other couples and families, she felt like she belonged here. In London, on Elderflower Island, she didn’t stick out as the small-town girl.
From a distance, almost before they could see the bookstore lights, they could hear voices. Laughter. Music. Excitement bubbled up in her. Josie loved book launches. Heck, she loved anything to do with books. Few things were better than when a new one came out, and people got to discover all the wonders between the pages. She was a regular at the bookstore in Coeur d’Alene, to the point where the owner often joked that she might as well pay Josie a salary. She loved the smell of a brand-new book that had never been opened as much as she loved the smell of an older one that had shared its story with other readers. It was always a thrill to have an author inscribe a note to her, even if it was something as simple as enjoy .
“It’s great what she’s done with the bookshop,” Malcolm said. “She’s really brought it back to life. Even during her father’s heyday, it was never like this. She’s got so many fresh ideas, and we all are so happy to see yet one more venture on Elderflower Island succeed. With the bakery, the boathouse, the teahouse, all the little shops, the island feels more alive. And the reading retreats will be one more business that infuses life into the community.”
“It really is amazing, that this one small island has so much life and so many wonderful little businesses,” she agreed. “In some ways, it doesn’t feel all that different from Coeur d’Alene.” She laughed before he could respond, adding, “I know that sounds crazy.”
But he was nodding. “It’s not crazy. I see what you’re saying. Elderflower Island, while still in London, somehow manages to have that small-town feel. I think that’s what I’ve always loved about it. There’s a real sense of community here, where everyone is looking out for each other.”
They arrived at the bookstore and joined the throngs of people waiting to get inside.
A man and woman who looked to be in their mid to late sixties turned as Josie and Malcolm arrived. The woman smiled at them. “Malcolm, honey, isn’t this wonderful?”
Josie knew in an instant that this was his mother. And the handsome man next to her was his father.
As soon as Malcolm had finished greeting his parents with a kiss on each cheek, he said, “Mum, Dad, I’d like you to meet Josie Hartwell. She is—”
“—here to create the reading retreats for Mari!” His mother hugged her. “I’ve heard so much about you already—from all of my children. It’s the most wonderful thing, what you’re doing.”
Josie felt pleased by his mother’s enthusiasm, if not slightly overwhelmed by her joyful greeting. “I’m really happy to be here, Mrs. Sullivan.”
“Oh, no. Call me Penny.”
“I’m Simon,” Malcolm’s father said, shaking her hand, which somehow managed to be almost as warm as Penny’s hug.
“The family resemblance is uncanny.” It truly was amazing how much Malcolm looked like his father. They could practically be twins, if not for the decades separating them.
“Even as a child, they looked so much like each other,” his mother agreed.
Malcolm and his father both smiled.
She could see he was very comfortable with his parents, just as she was with her mother. She found herself really glad that he had them in his life. That he had his whole family. He worked so hard and expected so much from himself, it was nice to know that he would always be surrounded by love, even when she was gone.
Love. The word lingered in her head, but she pushed it away. Now wasn’t the time to wonder about what could or couldn’t be. Now was the time to enjoy getting to know Malcolm’s family. And to celebrate Mari and her new book.
“We were surprised to hear that you are helping to clean up the cottages,” Simon said to Malcolm.
“Well, some travel plans fell through,” Malcolm explained, “and when Mari and Owen needed help, it made sense to volunteer, along with Fiona and Alice. You’ve all done it for me.”
“I remember what a good time we had working on renovating your houseboat,” his father said. “Let me know if you need any additional help with the cottages.”
It was obvious to Josie that Malcolm’s father wanted to spend time working with his son again. And obviously the joy of working with their hands ran in the family.
“We could probably use you,” Malcolm said.
His father’s face lit up. “Fantastic.”
Josie added, “There are so many little details, every extra pair of hands really helps. Alice and Fiona have already done so much.”
“I’d quite like to take a look too, if that wouldn’t mean too many cooks in the kitchen.” Penny seemed a little hesitant, which was crazy, given that Malcolm had said she had curated collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
“I’d love it if you would,” Josie said. “Malcolm told me a little about what you do for a living, and I’m so impressed. I’m sure you will have great ideas for ways to really make the cottages shine for the guests who come to the reading retreats.”
Josie found herself telling Penny about the wonderful day she’d had and how Malcolm had taken her to East London to look at small furnishings and how much fun they’d had choosing vintage books to stock in the cottages.
Penny smiled fondly at her son. “I can see you’re definitely in good hands.”
Josie’s face flushed, surely bright red, at his mother talking about Josie being in Malcolm’s hands. That was exactly where she had been, again and again, over the last few days. She ducked her head, trying to hide her blush. It didn’t help when he surreptitiously put his hand on the small of her back as they moved forward in line. It could’ve been the action of a friend, but she knew how much more they were. Or at least, how much more it felt like they were.
“I’d love to hear more about the reading retreats. How you set them up and how your guests enjoy their time,” Penny said. The Sullivans were perfectly happy to wait in line along with everyone else.
“Honestly, it’s pretty simple. The biggest thing is to really understand each person as an individual and what kind of books they need to read. Sometimes reading the right book is like getting advice from a trusted friend. They can give a fresh perspective on a problem.”
“Interesting how you use the word need ,” Simon said. “How do you ascertain that?”
“I meet with each guest, either over a video call or email, whichever they’re most comfortable with, and we talk about their favorite books and a little bit about what’s going on in their lives, if they’re comfortable sharing. Then I pull together reading lists for them. I try to add fun titles as well as thought-provoking ones. Inspirational stories and biographies can really help too. And I like to throw in more visually oriented books as well, like what you might see on coffee tables, because that can be a wonderful break for people, give them time to digest what they’ve been reading.”
“Fascinating,” Penny said. “You must really get to know your retreat participants.”
Josie nodded. “That’s exactly right. It can be a lot of work sometimes, particularly as the list of reading retreats I’ve set up has grown, but I really love that one-on-one time with people who love books. And even people who don’t, but decide that they want to give a reading retreat a try.”
“I was wondering about that,” Simon said. “If anybody ever signs up for a reading retreat who isn’t a big reader.”
“It happens more often than you might think,” Josie said with a smile. “There have been a few instances of a married couple coming, where one of them is a big reader, and the other isn’t, but they want to take a vacation together. I always tell people the point isn’t for it to feel like you’re in school again and you have to be reading from nine to three with no breaks, or you have to check off a certain number of pages. It’s much more that you should feel there’s nothing else you have to do. That if you want to sit on a chair beneath an apple tree and read for a while and then doze for a while and then pick up where you left off when you wake up forty-five minutes later, that’s absolutely perfect. And if something you read inspires you to write or run or sing, then that’s perfect too.”
“You do put in a lot of hours,” Malcolm said, “emailing and speaking to clients, but I have to say, you’re always smiling when you’re working.”
She nodded. “I’ve been really lucky that I’ve always loved my work. I was a freelance editor before,” she explained to his parents, “and to be able to transition into a new career where I help people take the time to read books and also get to find them those books—it’s truly the best job in the world.”
“Apart from mine,” a voice said.
Josie turned to see Mathilda Westcott standing beside them.
“Oh, hello!” She was so pleased when Mathilda embraced her with a kiss on each cheek.
“Oh good,” Mathilda said, “you’ve met my daughter and son-in-law. Isn’t Josie absolutely delightful?” she said to Simon and Penny. “Owen’s been telling me how brilliantly she and Malcolm are getting on with the cottages,” she said with a bland smile.
It seemed as though all of them shot surreptitious glances between her and Malcolm before nodding. If Josie wasn’t mistaken, they were matchmaking. And it was very flattering that they seemed to think the idea of her and Malcolm pairing up wasn’t a bad one. But again, she was surprised that they would think she was his type. Although, given the fireworks in bed, she was his type in one way, if not the supermodel they were used to seeing with him.
At last, they made it inside. The bookshop was filled with people, and Mari came by to say hello, looking excited but a little nervous too.
“It’s going to go beautifully,” Josie said after giving her a hug. “Remember, I’ve already read Mars at the Beach and read it again with Aria, who loved the book.” She scanned the room. “Look at this crowd.”
Mari swallowed hard. “I have never spoken in front of so many people before.”
“Just speak from the heart, as you always do. You’re going to be great,” Josie promised her new friend.
Malcolm looked at the stacks of books near the register, Owen standing proudly beside them. “Do you think you have enough books?”
Mari shook her head. “I was sure we had way too many, but now I don’t know.”
“Well, the publisher will be extremely pleased if you sell out, I’m sure,” Penny said. “I’m hoping to buy a few to give as gifts to parents of young children.” Then she gave Mari a hug. “I’m so proud of you, my dear.”
Malcolm knew a number of people there, but even Josie recognized a few. All the Sullivans, of course, and the man from the bakery with his partner. She recognized a few faces that she must have passed on the island.
A photographer from a local paper was even present.
“Come and meet my mother and brother,” Mari said, pulling Josie toward a woman who was an older version of Mari, and an attractive man who looked almost as proud as Owen did.
“You must be very proud,” Josie said to Mari’s mom, who nodded.
“It wasn’t easy when my baby moved to the other side of the world, but seeing her so happy makes it all worthwhile.” Then she looked sad. “Her father was a complicated man who made some mistakes, but I’m pleased that he left all the evidence Mari could have wanted that he loved her very much.”
“I had a wonderful stepfather,” Mari said to her mom. “And you, so I always knew I was loved.”
Josie loved the way Mari reassured her mother, who obviously had some difficult feelings about her first husband.
Then Alice and Fiona arrived and called Josie back to where they were standing with Malcolm and their parents. “Isn’t this exciting?” Alice said, almost jumping up and down. “Imagine owning a bookstore and publishing books.”
“And running reading retreats,” Fiona added. “I hope she’s not taken on too much.”
Then Owen went up to the microphone. “Hello and good evening, everyone. Thank you for coming tonight. Normally, Mari would be the emcee at our author events, but because she is the star attraction tonight, I am going to take over.” The look he gave her was adoring. Hers to him was just the same.
“All of us were very lucky when Mari decided to travel here from Santa Monica, California. The Elderflower Island Bookshop was her father’s, and many of us here knew and loved him. Charlie was a wonderful man who we all miss every day. Thankfully, he passed the store on to Mari, hoping that she would fall in love with it and this island and all the people on it, just as he had. And thankfully again, she did. I won’t say too much more. I’ll let her tell you the rest, but I just want to take a moment to say how grateful I am that you decided to stay, Mari, and how much I love you.”
Oh my gosh, it’s practically like being at a wedding and listening to the groom toast his bride . Josie was practically welling up, and they were at a book signing.
It looked as though Mari was tearing up as well as she walked up to Owen and kissed him. And then she was standing behind the microphone, and he moved off to the side, proud as could be. “Thank you so much for that, Owen. I’m the lucky one.” And then she laughed. “Okay, enough of the mushy stuff. That’s not why you all are here.”
Everyone laughed.
“Many of you know my story, and I’ve told it enough times that I don’t want to bore anyone, but suffice it to say that after losing touch with my father for most of my adult life, finding out that he had bequeathed me this bookstore after he passed away was one of the most momentous experiences of my life. Coming to Elderflower Island changed me and my future forever, in all the best ways. I’m not going to deny that my background in accounting has been helpful when dealing with purchase orders and store finances,” she said to more laughter, “but the opportunity to spend my days surrounded by books and the wonderful inhabitants of Elderflower Island is a gift that I don’t ever take for granted. Every single day, I’m so grateful that I get to be here and do this.”
She paused as though to collect her thoughts before she picked up a copy of Mars at the Beach and held it to her chest. “Of all the unexpected twists and turns that my life has taken, however, I never saw this one coming. I had no idea that my father had written books. Or that those books were about the two of us. The little girl in this story is me—Mars was his nickname for me.”
Josie looked over at Mari’s mother, who was with Mari’s brother, Carson. They both looked so proud. And Mari’s mother definitely looked emotional as well.
“When I found my father’s stories and his beautiful illustrations, I fell in love with them and wanted to share them with the world. Thanks to Owen Sullivan and Mathilda Westcott, it did happen. I need to thank my mother and stepfather for supporting my dream to come here and my brother, Carson, for believing in me. Always. Finally, I’d like to thank my publisher and agent, who were also instrumental in bringing my father’s dream to life. I truly believe that although he isn’t here with us today, he’s looking down on us, and he’s as thrilled as I am to launch the stories of a little girl and her father into the world.” Her words sounded choked as she finished her sentence, and she cleared her throat. “And now I would like to read the beginning of Mars at the Beach to you.”
Although Josie had read the book already, Mari’s delightful reading made it even more entrancing. As she always did with a great book, she got lost in it. She didn’t realize that her hand had slipped into Malcolm’s until the reading was over, and everyone applauded.
She realized she had only one hand free. She turned to look at him, and in that moment, their eyes caught, and it was all she could do not to lean in just enough to close the gap between them with a kiss.
But no, she couldn’t do that. Their temporary fling was a secret. And so she made herself pull her hand away. And tried to ignore that pain in her chest from the loss of his touch.