Chapter 20
TWENTY
‘Have you got your voice limbered up, lass?’ Jack asked Jenna, grinning broadly.
‘I have that, pet, and I’m raring to go.’ She grinned back, rubbing her hands together. The Happy Hartes team were loitering at the front of the shop, waiting for the two authors to say the word before the door was opened and the next stage of the evening got underway.
Jack turned to Florrie and Ed who were standing side by side, Ed’s arm thrown around her shoulders. ‘Happy to let folks in, you two lovebirds?’
They both laughed and told him they were.
‘Right, team Happy Hartes, time to get to your stations.’ Jack spoke in a mock army sergeant voice.
‘You okay there, lovey?’ Paula rested her hand on Charlie’s shoulder.
‘Aye, I’m fine, lass.’ Charlie rolled his eyes good-naturedly at Jack.
‘Don’t fret, Paula, I’ll watch him like a hawk,’ Jack said, winking at Charlie.
His words seem to satisfy her and she hurried over to the reading room where Jean was waiting by the door in readiness to take tickets.
Jenna scuttled over to the counter where Leah was stationed to advise any customers keen to purchase books that they could do so after the event.
Jenna and Jack always walked into the reading room together, once the audience were in their seats.
Florrie and Ed made their way over to the reading room, waiting to greet the audience.
A thrum of excitement ran through Florrie.
She loved Jack and Jenna’s readings, the way the couple bounced off each other; their affectionate banter went down well with everyone and a great night was always guaranteed.
She regularly pinched herself that their humble little bookshop was so wholeheartedly supported by such well-respected authors.
Even better, Jack and his mum were partners in their business – granted, they had a small number of shares, but it still felt good to know they had their support and backing.
She stole a quick look around the room, pleased with how they’d decorated it for the evening.
The style Florrie and Ed had chosen for the space when they’d renovated the former storeroom was that of a vintage study.
They’d invested in two second-hand, sturdy wingback leather armchairs, dressing them with plump tweed cushions and wool throws.
They’d placed these either side of a vintage desk upon which they’d arranged a pile of old books.
For this evening’s purpose, however, the old books had been replaced by copies of Jenna’s latest novel set alongside a huge faux chocolate cake that was surrounded by faux chocolate cupcakes.
A large vase of flowers in pinks, purples and cream sat at the opposite end, softening the study vibe and lending a feminine feel to the room, while a selection of lamps dotted about added a cosy vibe.
One of their best-loved readings was the time the couple had selected one of Jenna’s novels and Jack had taken the role of the male protagonist. It had gone down a storm, his dry delivery adding to the light-hearted humour of the story.
Tonight, they would both be reading an extract from You Had Me at Chocolate Cake, followed by Jack reading from his book of poetry he’d written in North Yorkshire dialect.
It wasn’t long before people started to filter in and a buzz of quiet excitement filled the room. Florrie looked on as people took their seats.
‘Now then, flower,’ a voice said in Florrie’s ear, which she recognised instantly as belonging to Stella.
‘Hiya, Stells, thanks for coming. You too, Alex.’ Florrie nodded to Alex who was standing behind her friend. From her quick appraisal, she noted Stella was still in her court suit, her hair tied back in a neat chignon, the way she wore it to work.
‘Wouldn’t miss it for the world.’ Stella smiled.
‘I came straight from chambers; stopped off briefly at home and scooped up Al – saves us clogging up the streets with two cars.’ Turning to Ed, she said.
‘Fantastic window display, Ed. You’ve really excelled yourself this time with the Wuthering Heights and Top Withens reference. ’
‘I know, I couldn’t believe it,’ said Florrie, beaming at her friend.
‘They’re both amazing, mate,’ added Alex. ‘It must’ve taken hours to make everything and put it all together.’
‘It takes a while, but not as long as you’d think, and it definitely helps that I’ve got a contact who sells models and blanks that I can then add to and make more personal so they fit into the theme of the displays.’
‘Well, whatever it is you do, they’re fantastic; very professional. I’m surprised you haven’t been asked to do them for other shops.’
Ed laughed. ‘Funny you should say that—’
‘Hi, guys.’ They turned to see Jasmine and Max smiling at them. ‘Awesome displays, Ed,’ said Jasmine.
‘Thanks, Jazz.’
‘They’re the best yet,’ Max enthused. ‘Can’t wait to see what you have in mind for the Campion’s windows.
’ Max owned Campion’s of York, which had stores in various towns – including Micklewick Bay – its flagship store being in Middleton-le-Moors.
The once down on its luck chain was enjoying a renaissance under the ownership of entrepreneur Max and the resurrection of their previous reputation of the place to buy exclusive and discerning gifts.
‘I can’t wait to get started.’ Ed had made no secret of how thrilled he’d been when Max had approached him about designing displays for the Campions’ windows, glad to have another outlet for his creativity.
His dyslexia still had the knack of making him feel inadequate as far as bookshop-related things were concerned.
When the seats were eventually filled, Florrie joined Leah and Jean at the window which was at the opposite end of the room from Jack and Jenna.
It was where they usually stood for readings, tucking themselves out of the way.
Ed had hung back by the doorway, ready to dim the bright overhead light when the authors gave him the nod, signalling they were ready to start.
The softer lighting lent a cosy, more intimate air to the room, with Jack and Jenna each having a reading lamp angled over their seats as they read.
Florrie noted the tall stool Ed had set by the wall for her dad to sit on during the reading, but there was no sign of her parents, which surprised her. She ignored the flash of concern, telling herself to stop letting her thoughts get carried away, that everything was fine.
She was distracted by Jack and Jenna as they entered the room, both wearing wide smiles.
Jack was looking smart in a tweed jacket, navy chinos and checked shirt, while Jenna looked stylish in her familiar girl-next-door way.
She was wearing a sweater dress in dusky pink that showed off her curves to their full advantage, while adorning her feet were a pair of black leather knee-length boots.
Her warm smile was emphasised by her trademark deep-pink lipstick.
The couple were instantly greeted by a warm round of applause from the eager audience.
‘Thank you,’ said Jack, chuckling. ‘Tell you what, I aren’t half glad to see you lot’ve settled down a bit.
I was getting a tad worried earlier, you were that wound up.
Maybe it’s quieter now cos the riff-raff’s gone home after having a gander at the windows, leaving the quality folk of Micklewick Bay to spend the rest of the evening with Jen and me,’ he joked, laughing even harder when a rowdy cheer went up.
‘Ah, so there’s evidently still a bit of riff-raff, then.’ He gave a mischievous grin. ‘Just joking, you’re all good folk, and Jen and me are always incredibly grateful for your support, aren’t we, love?’ He turned to Jenna, affection glowing in his eyes for all to see.
‘That we are, Jack. And, before you start throwing any more insults about, I reckon it’s time we got this show on the road.
Fancy calling our audience riff-raff, honest to goodness.
’ She shook her head, throwing him a look of mock disappointment that had the audience laughing as Jack’s shoulders shook with mirth.
‘Right then’ – Jack picked up his copy of Jenna’s book, waving it at the audience – ‘anyone fancy some chocolate cake?’
The laughter continued as the two authors made their way through several chapters of Jenna’s wittily written romcom novel, injecting their inimitable style of humour into the reading, not to mention Jack’s hilarious facial expressions.
‘Their chemistry’s amazing, no wonder the audience love them,’ Ed whispered in Florrie’s ear. He’d slipped beside her just as the audience were greeting Jack and Jenna.
Florrie glanced up at him, the soft lighting of the room casting shadows over his handsome face.
Her heart skipped a beat. It was thanks to Ed being bold and asking if Jack would do a reading when they’d first taken on the bookshop almost two years ago that they had these events.
The author had stunned them by agreeing to it, and they’d become a regular feature ever since.
She reached for Ed’s hand, weaving her fingers through his.
He glanced down with a smile, making her heart skip another beat.
‘Right, I’m afraid it’s time to lower the tone and get you all feeling as miserable as sin,’ Jack said dryly as he picked up his book of poetry, and turning the couple’s attention back to him.
‘Is Jenna reading from it?’ asked a voice from the audience.
Jenna hooted with laughter. ‘I’m not so sure my Geordie accent would work very well in North Yorkshire dialect; I reckon the poetry would lose a canny bit of its impact.’
‘Maybe we should give it a try, Jen?’ Jack’s eyes danced with amusement as he handed her the book.
‘Oh, go on then.’ Jenna took the hardback, taking a moment to select something suitable. ‘Right, I’ll apologise in advance, but here goes…’ She cleared her throat and made a start.
‘Aye, lass, point taken,’ Jack said with a cheeky grin when she’d done.
He was halfway through his reading when Florrie’s ears were alerted to the sound of raised voices out on the street.
From the way Ed and Leah were looking at her, they could hear it, too.
Before she could think any further, the shouting grew louder, causing heads to turn in the audience, voices murmuring.
‘Ey up,’ said Jack, looking up from his book. ‘Sounds like summat’s afoot outside. We’ll give it a couple of minutes, see if it passes.’
But the shouting showed no sign of abating, and a chill started to creep up Florrie’s spine. She glanced up at Ed who met her gaze. From the look in his eyes, he was clearly thinking the same as her.
‘They’re unbelievable,’ he said with a groan.
The jangle of the shop doorbell rang out and the shouting was joined by more voices, though these were softer.
It was followed by a loud bang then a blood-curdling scream.
Florrie’s heart started pounding as she and Ed rushed towards the reading room door.
She was only half aware of Jack telling everyone to stay calm and remain in their seats, Jenna’s voice featuring somewhere in there, too.
Florrie’s gaze swept quickly around the bookshop, a bolt of alarm shooting through her when she realised there was no sign of her parents.
Her eyes alighted on the door which now stood wide open, making her pulse up its speed.
Memories of Dodgy Dick’s attempts at sabotaging a previous bookshop event sprang to mind.
Surely Ed’s parents weren’t in cahoots with him and his disreputable cronies in the hope of bullying them into handing over the bookshop?
‘Oh no!’ The alarm in Ed’s voice drew her attention to where he was standing in the doorway, his hand pressed against his forehead.
‘What is it?’ But he didn’t get a chance to answer before he rushed out into the street.
Florrie raced after him, her heart thudding hard in her chest.
Outside, dusk had fallen and a sea fret was creeping in, making the air damp and chilly.
She stopped in her tracks, her hand flying to her mouth as her gaze went to where Ed had come to a halt over by the kerbside.
Under the hazy glow of the vintage streetlamps, she could make out a figure curled up on the floor, a woman bent over it, Ed’s hand resting on her shoulder.
It took her a couple of seconds to register what she was looking at.
No! Panic seared through her, making her whole body tremble.
‘Dad!’ she screamed.