How to Find Love in a Book Shop(68)

‘Of course!’ Bea’s eyes sparkled. ‘Can I have carte blanche?’

‘Carte blanche and a fifty quid budget,’ said Emilia. ‘And as many copies of his book as you can stuff in the window.’

‘It’ll be glorious,’ promised Bea. ‘Maud is at nursery on Thursday afternoon. I’ll come and do it then.’

‘I can’t pay you much.’

‘Listen, it’s stopping me going mad with boredom. Just give me a signed copy.’

‘You’re amazing.’

‘I know.’

Emilia smiled as her new friend left the shop. Bea made her feel as if things were possible, then put a layer of glitter on the top. She was one of those special people. She was lucky to have her goodwill and her talent, but she wasn’t going to be able to rely on her long-term. Bea was way out of her league.



Later that week, Jackson came back to Emilia with his verdict on the Moomins.

‘I’ve decided, I’m going to try and be more like Moominpappa,’ said Jackson.

‘Well, that’s a very good resolution,’ said Emilia. ‘But you might need to put on a bit of weight.’

‘Don’t! My ex kept going on about how fat they all were. But at least they’re happy. Not making kale smoothies and freaking out if they have an extra raw almond.’

‘Is she a bit of a health freak?’

‘She’s turned into one. She never used to be. She’s doing a triathlon and she’s obsessed with her heart rate and her body fat and how often she can go training.’

‘Sounds awful.’

‘I don’t mind. It means I get to have Finn more while she goes on endless bike rides. So – what shall I read next?’

‘I’ve just got the perfect book in. I’m trying to build up the children’s department and I think you should read this.’ She led him over to a display table and held up a picture book. ‘I don’t know anyone who can’t learn something from The Little Prince, though you probably need to read it a few times to get the full meaning.’ She handed it to him. It was a slender book, with a picture of little blonde boy dressed in blue on the front, standing on a planet. ‘It’s a funny book,’ she went on. ‘Funny peculiar. But it explains things. It’s my favourite book in the world.’

‘I thought the Moomins were?’

‘After the Moomins.’ She grinned. ‘OK. I admit it. I have lots of favourites. That’s the trouble with books. You can never choose your favourite. It changes depending on your mood. But I really think you’ll like it.’

‘I’ll give it a try.’ He handed over the money. ‘Finn’s really loving being read to. It’s made a big difference to our relationship. I think he just saw me as the one who messed about with him in the skatepark, but we’ve been having some really good chats.’ He looked a bit emotional. ‘It’s good, after everything that’s happened. I don’t feel like such a bloody failure …’

‘I’m sure you’re not a failure,’ said Emilia.

Jackson looked embarrassed. ‘Sorry. I’m oversharing …’

‘Listen, it’s part of the job. Everyone comes in here to overshare. I’m part bookseller, part therapist.’

She handed him the book. As he took it, Jackson spotted the poster behind the counter, advertising the evening with Mick Gillespie.

‘Mick Gillespie? Is he actually coming here?’

‘I know, right? I’m so excited.’

‘Have you still got tickets? How much is it?’

‘Five pounds – but you get nibbles and a Silver Moon cocktail for that. I’ve got someone doing special Irish canapés. It’s going to be amazing.’

‘Mia would love that. She’s obsessed with Mick Gillespie. She bought me one of those Aran jumpers for Christmas one year. I looked like an idiot in it.’ Jackson shrugged ruefully. ‘Can I have two tickets?’

‘Of course!’ She took two tickets from the drawer.

‘She is going to be so made up,’ grinned Jackson, pulling out a tenner.

Bea emerged from the window, dressed in a boiler suit, a glue gun in one hand. She smiled at Jackson, and looked at Emilia, enquiry in her eyes.

Emilia had no choice but to introduce them.

‘Bea, this is Jackson. Jackson – this is Bea. She’s doing a window display for the event.’

The two of them nodded hello at each other.

‘If you ever want anything done,’ said Jackson. ‘I’m quite handy.’

Bea held up her glue gun. ‘I’m good. But thanks.’

Jackson turned to go, putting a farewell hand up to Emilia.

‘Thanks for everything. See you soon.’

Bea watched him go out of the door. ‘I bet he’s handy all right. What are you waiting for?’

‘Bea!’ Emilia feigned shock. ‘He’s not my type. Although he is cute. But he’s totally obsessed with his ex. He’s just bought tickets to the Mick Gillespie event for her.’

‘She’s his ex!’ said Bea. ‘Come on! You need to have some fun. And he needs to get over her. Ask him out.’

‘He’s a customer! I’m not going to ask him out.’