‘You’re funny.’
‘And how’s the shop, anyway? Every time I go past, it looks magical from the window. It looks like you’re doing a great job with it.’
‘It’s ticking along quite nicely. We had a quiet patch last week when the weather turned and everyone decided to go back to school routines and lunchboxes, but yeah, it’s good. Plus, there’s a group of women from a book club in Cambridge who are coming next week via Lotta. Apparently, they’ve put us on their “literary tour” list.’
‘That video reel thing helped, didn’t it? The one that went all over the place?’
‘It did. I didn’t expect it. I was in a cardigan that had definitely seen better days and I was tidying. It was hardly glamorous, but I’ll take it for the team. I’ve definitely seen more interest because of it.’
Holly waved her hand and the drop of diamonds hanging under her ears sparkled. ‘That’s what people loved about it,though. It wasn’t trying too hard. That chair looked like heaven and you looked like someone they wanted to have tea with.’
‘I felt like someone who needed tea and several hours’ sleep, to be honest, but yes, it helped. People come in now and say they saw the fairy lights on Instagram and want to know if they can sit in the corner and read. One woman asked if she could move in. I mean she was joking, of course, but itisfunny really when you consider what I started with. All of it was initially Pete’s idea, though I won’t remind him of that when I make my millions.’
‘Sometimes things just, umm, work...’
‘I guess so. I was going for something not too shiny and not one of those bookshops that feels like you can’t touch anything. I want people to stay and browse and if they spill a bit of tea, it’s not anything to panic about.’ Daisy watched as a funny look crossed Holly’s face, but she couldn’t work out why.
‘Mum said the little book ladder in the corner is her new favourite place to do her online trading.’
Daisy chuckled ‘Yes, she’s been in a few times. Woe betides anyone who interrupts her. I served her tea on repeat.’
‘Yes, she said.’
‘Funny, you never know what people will like, do you? I thought people would love the Penguin display or the middle table, but it turns out the wonky shelf over in the corner by the library ladder is the bit that I see people taking pics of.’
‘That’s the bit they connect with. All the shiny places in the world and all these new fangled things and people still want something that reminds them of someone or somewhere real and you’ve got that in spades in that building.’
Daisy smiled and tucked the bag under her arm. ‘Thank you. It’s not perfect, but it’s ours and it has meant that I have dropped off the renting merry-go-round. I’ve got loads of ideas and I’m going to do up the back garden next. Hopefully, before the weather turns.’
‘Maybe a little fire pit out there?’
‘I was thinking about that. I found one online that wouldn’t break the bank. It’s a right pig’s ear out there at the moment.’
‘You’ll make it work. Get Suntanned Pete involved.’ Holly winked and cackled.
‘Yup, he’s been great, actually. Right, we must get on.’
Holly smiled and leaned in. ‘You know everyone’s rooting for you whatever happens, don’t you?’
‘They are? About what?’
‘Oh, no, nothing. Just, I meant, you know. It’s a good old-fashioned comeback story for that building, despite, well, anyway...’
Daisy frowned and laughed. ‘That sounds like a headline. Thanks, Hol. Really.’
‘Don’t be silly.’
Daisy went to hold her phone out to pay for the buns. Holly pushed the phone away. ‘Get away with you.’
As Daisy walked out and then strolled along, she caught sight of her reflection in the window of a shop they passed. Slightly windswept, flushed from the walk, a school bag over each shoulder, and smiling. That was the part that caught her eye and made her take a second look: a very big, very happy smile.
Evie looked up ‘Can we paint when we get in?’
‘We’ll see. Aunty Annabelle’s coming over for a cup of tea.’
Daisy squeezed Evie’s hand as they approached the bookshop. Things were going well and she was happy. Weirdly, though, she kept on feeling as if with one wrong move, it could, and would, all come crashing down, like a big pile of playing cards in one of those towers that suddenly toppled. It felt a little bit as if she was holding her breath and so was her whole world at what might be coming next. Hopefully, she was wrong.
18
