Chapter 7 #3
‘I never thought I could do anything like it either. But when Seb and I broke up, it suddenly seemed like the only thing that made sense.’
I push open the door to the bookshop and follow Eilidh inside.
It looks like a completely different shop from the one I bid on a few weeks ago.
I’d settled on a vibrant, bold blue shade for the walls and fixed various sizes and shapes of bookshelves to the walls, thanks to the drill that finally arrived and several hours spent studying DIY videos on YouTube.
It could have looked totally shoddy, but somehow the eclectic aesthetic works.
I’d started categorizing and shelving the books, from the Scottish section that was bound to be popular with tourists, to the fiction, non-fiction and children’s books.
I’d kept one wall blank for the mural and I’ve been using stencils to paint famous book quotes in gold paint on the wall behind my desk.
I take videos of the transformation work for my social media pages each day, omitting my swearing and despairing moments, and post them online.
It’s part of my strategy for the business, and it seems to be working.
I’ve already amassed a healthy following, plus the interactions keep me busy in the evenings, when I have no one else to talk to.
There is still work to do before it’s completely finished, but as I try to see it for the first time through Eilidh’s eyes, I feel pretty bloody proud of myself.
‘This is amazing, Ava,’ she says. ‘I can’t believe you’ve done all this by yourself.’
‘Neither can I,’ I admit with a low laugh.
Eilidh takes her time observing the space, remarking how much she loves the bright armchairs I’ve selected.
I’d sourced bits of furniture online, mostly for free, driving to neighbouring villages and squeezing the bits and pieces into my tiny car.
Initially, I’d planned to reupholster them, but they are all in good condition, so I’m keeping them as they are for now.
The burnt-orange stripy love seat is my firm favourite, and it faces a teal armchair with a matching footstool. It shouldn’t work, but it does.
I spend hours curled up on the chairs in the evenings, blinds down, reading the books that I’ve bought for the shop.
I’ve been devouring all genres of books for years and can’t believe that I’ve turned my passion into work that I love.
Reading is now market research, so I can recommend books to my customers when my shop opens.
It’s becoming more real every day. I am building a life, a future here. I shiver at the realization.
‘Can you show me what it looked like before? I hadn’t been in The Old Tea Shop for years.’
‘You should follow me on TikTok,’ I suggest, holding my phone out to show her my transformation videos. ‘Is there anything more satisfying than watching these? They’re like home renovation shows in thirty-second bursts.’
‘I’m not “down with the kids” enough for TikTok,’ Eilidh shakes her head, transfixed by my first DIY bookshop video. ‘But I’ll join if it means I get to watch these. How did you get so many followers?’
‘Consistent, relevant and fun content,’ I say. ‘I was the campaigns manager at a marketing and social media agency in London before I moved here. I worked every hour under the sun for other people’s businesses. Now I’m putting my money where my mouth is.’
‘Well, it’s definitely working. Although I’m not exactly sure how many people in Ullapool are on TikTok.’
‘Not many, from my analytics. But it should work well for the tourists who come here. My engagement goes through the roof when I post videos of the Scottish scenery, the wildlife and Scottishisms I pick up along the way. I post some of my granny’s favourite words and sayings.
Everyone loves that. Who knew that a short video about my granny calling me “peely wally” would resonate with so many people? ’
‘I call my boys peely wally sometimes too,’ Eilidh says with a smile. ‘What are you going to call the bookshop?’
‘I’m not sure. Nothing has really clicked yet. I’ll need to decide soon, for the grand opening. I just need to get a few more things set up and I’ll be good to go. I can’t wait to get started. Are you a reader?’
Eilidh blushes. ‘I hate to say this, but I’ve not managed to finish a book since I had the boys. I used to be such an avid reader too.’
I shake my head. ‘No need to be embarrassed. What’s your favourite genre?’
Eilidh thinks for a moment. ‘I’ve always liked thrillers.’
I smile, setting off for the downstairs loo, where I’ve stored three boxes of my favourite thrillers. ‘I’ve got just the thing.’
I locate a Frieda McFadden book and hand it to Eilidh on our way out of the shop.
‘Try this one and report back,’ I urge her.
‘I’m not a mum, but my granny said reading was how she made room for herself when she was raising my dad.
Try and make a bit of time for yourself, especially when the boys are away.
This will be a good distraction. No pressure, but I bet you’ll love it.
’ Eilidh accepts the book gladly before I continue, ‘Anyway, I promised you a drink.’