Page 7 of The Mended Hearts Bookshop

Before she fell asleep she found herself wondering just what kind of person ran a bookshop. Then what the bookshop would look like. Then whether or not one sold whole bookshops or had to sell the books first and then the shop. Which all resulted in a troubled night’s sleep plagued by dreams of books falling off shelves onto customers’ heads.

When the alarm went off, Ash woke up, made coffee, ate muesli, showered again, and was tugging her suitcase out of her front door exactly forty five minutes later.

Which was just in time to see Amanda Brown open her own front door to see one of her blonde children off to school

“Oh,” said Amanda. “This is unexpected.”

Ash, who had been planning on knocking on Amanda’s door anyway and who was pleased with the added efficiency of her already being out and saving her the knock, nodded. “Very unexpected,” she said seriously. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to water the plants.”

“I see,” said Amanda. “But it’s Thursday.”

Ash let herself smile a little. “Yes,” she agreed. She forced herself to look serious again. “So I won’t be able to make dinner tonight, I’m afraid.”

Amanda squinted at her as though testing to see if she was serious.

“Death in the family,” Ash added. Technically true.

“Oh dear,” said Amanda, looking suitably consoling. “I’m so sorry. Don’t worry about dinner, obviously.”

“Thank you,” said Ash who hadn’t been worrying about dinner, at least not since she’d realized that going to Tetherington to see the bookshop would give her an excellent excuse to miss dinner.

“We’ll just reschedule for when you get back,” Amanda said brightly. “I’ve got your key, I’ll take care of the plants. And my condolences to your family.”

For just a second Ash seriously considered not coming back at all. That way she’d be sure to avoid an excruciating evening of baby pictures and talking about Amanda’s husband’s job. Ash could never remember what exactly it was he did.

“I’d, um, better be off,” Ash said, pulling at her suitcase. “Don’t want to get there too late.”

“Right, yes, of course. Have a safe trip.” said Amanda. “And do knock when you get home.”

“Mmm,” said Ash, which she hoped conveyed both the positive answer that Amanda was looking for and the truth which was that she had no intention of ever knocking on the Brown’s door ever again if she could help it.

She carried her case down the stairs and out into the early spring sunshine perfectly on time for her pick up at the car rental office. Then it was the matter of a couple of hours of driving and she’d be in Tetherington in time for lunch.

She’d probably even have time to get a little work done this afternoon and maybe take a walk by the sea. After all, how much attention could a bookshop really need?

Chapter Four

Pen hummed softly to herself as she opened up the can of window paint. She was about to dip her brush in when the bakery door opened.

“Morning!” Councilwoman Thurst barked as she strode in.

“Good morning,” Pen said cheerfully getting up from her knees. “What can I help you with this morning?”

“We need this week’s town council meeting catered,” the woman said, stripping off her gloves and holding them in one hand.

“You do?” Pen asked, feeling herself flush a little. They needed catering and they’d come to her? She was flattered and stood up a little straighter.

“Mmm, Duncan’s usually do it, but, well, with his current situation we took a vote and didn’t think it quite appropriate.”

Pen nodded in agreement even though she didn’t quite agree. Mike Duncan was running for town council and, she suspected, he rather wanted Councilwoman Thurst’s seat. Which shouldn’t mean he wasn’t eligible for catering, because what did cakes have to do with votes? Still though, this was an opportunity and she shouldn’t overlook it.

She cleared her throat. “I can come up with some catering plans,” she said brightly.

“Won’t be necessary,” Thurst said. “A few sandwiches, an urn of tea, and a plate of buns will do us nicely.”

“Oh, of course.”

Thurst nodded. “You’ll charge us cost, of course. Bring your bills to show the treasurer and we’ll make sure you get paid.”

---