Chapter 36
It’s the golden hour, and soft filmy sunlight bathes the Barefoot Bookshop in a saffron glow.
The bookshop quietens down as guests sink into a book in the day beds outside, or rock gently in a hammock on the shore.
Today, Doris softly snores from her position on a swivel chair, her bangles silent.
When it’s quiet like this, I take a moment to sweep up the ever-present sand that comes in from the beach and then tidy the shelves.
A woman wanders in, mouth parted, ready to chat, when I point to a napping Doris and gesture for her to talk quietly.
‘Must be a good book,’ she whispers.
‘Cocktail-induced slumber,’ I say.
‘What a life.’
‘I’m calculating how long it is until I can retire here too,’ I joke. ‘Can I help you find anything?’
‘I hope so. Do you have the book Bang, Bang!? A friend back home read a review of it – apparently it’s so spicy the reviewer’s glasses fogged up.’
‘That’s a fair description.’ I can’t help but laugh. ‘Did the book reviewer enjoy the… plot?’
She lets out a guffaw and then covers her mouth when Doris stirs. ‘Who cares! We don’t read them for the plot!’
‘Right.’ I’m a sweet romance reader through and through, but I do love that spicy readers are so loyal to what floats their boat.
And I manage not to breathe a single word of my real feelings about the book when I say, ‘I’m sorry, we don’t have it in stock, but I can order it in for you?
It’ll take a week or so if the supplier on Mahé has it in stock. ’
‘Damn, we’re leaving in five days.’
‘Well, don’t you worry. Gus, who curated the collection here, is a man of wide literary tastes and he just happens to have a well-stocked spicy selection of romance reads. Would you like to take a look?’
‘I’d love that. The more spice the better.’
‘OK, we’re looking for the steamiest! Also, we’re having an event soon with local author Khalil Joubert.’ I duck behind the counter to find a brochure. ‘It’s a free event and we’ll be offering drinks and canapes. Would love to see you there.’
‘Sure, I’ll come.’