Page 51 of The Bookshop at the Cornish Cove

‘What the hell, Dennie?’

His head turned sharply to me. ‘This is not what it sounds like, Nancy. Craig, just do one, will you? You moron.’

‘What’s up, Dennie?’ His voice was clearly taking the mickey. ‘Don’t want your little lady to find out why you’ve really been helping her? Nice pet name, by the way. Suits you.’

‘Just go, Craig, before I knock you out.’

Craig sneered.

My brother took a step towards him.

‘It’s OK, mate. I’ve got this.’ Dennis moved closer to Craig.

Dennie put his hand out to stop him and he and Dan stood in a face-off.

‘Don’t, mate me, Dennis. Sort it now or else.’ I’d never heard Dan more assertive.

‘Dan. Nance. Let me explain. It’s not what you think it is.’

My brother stood with his hands on his hips. ‘It had better fucking not be.’

This time my mother didn’t reprimand him for his language. Instead, she came over and put her arm around my shoulders.I didn’t realise it until she was holding me still, but I must have been shivering.

What I did know was that it had felt like a knife had cut right through the middle of my heart. I knew it. I bloody knew it. So Dennie wasn’t helping me for nothing. He was helping me because of a bet. A lousy hundred quid bet. I’d never been so insulted in my life.

Laughing, Craig sauntered over to the door. ‘Coming to the pub, mate? We can celebrate by spending your winnings.’

Dennis grabbed him by the jacket and manhandled him out of the door. I could hear Craig going off up the street laughing. God knows where to. And I didn’t care one iota.

‘So that was what this was all about then? A lousy bet. You screwed me over – literally – for just a hundred pounds? If you’d have told me you were that desperate for the money, I’d have given it you myself.’

‘It’s not like that. I’ve told you.’

‘So, it’s not true then? You didn’t have a bet with Craig that you could turn the business around?’

‘Well, yes… But, not in that way.’

‘Well what other possible way is there?’ I spat the words out.

‘Give me chance to explain please?’

‘Get out. Just leave me alone.’

I walked to the back of the shop. I didn’t want him to see the tears streaming down my cheeks, and the turmoil that he was putting me through. I needed to show dignity and grace. I could hear Dan telling him to leave and Dennis trying to get to me, before the door slammed.

When Dan came through into the back, I fell into his arms and wept into his chest. He kissed the top of my head while I uttered a muffled, snotty apology for getting mascara all over his clean white sweatshirt.

‘It’s OK, Nance. He’s gone. Let it out, I’ve got you.’

He rocked me gently from side to side trying to soothe my sobs. When they had finally subsided, we went back outside where Mum was sitting staring out of the window. Dad had taken Vi home. She had apparently apologised on Dennis’ behalf, mortified for the tale that had come out, and Dad had told her it wasn’t her fault that her grandson was a weaselly wanker. For some unknown reason, despite it being quite funny, that made me burst into tears again. How could my Dennie, the man who had changed so much over the last few weeks, the kind, fun, loving man that I felt I’d known all my life, even though it had only been a few short weeks, be the same man who had just admitted that he’d taken a bet on me and my bookshop? I hated him and I would never ever forgive him for allowing me to give him my heart, then ripping it out and stomping all over it.

‘Come on, darling.’ Mum came over and switched the lights off behind me. ‘I’ve got the day’s takings with me. Let’s go home.’

As I grabbed my handbag, my phone signified that I’d just received a text. I dug deep and pulled it out.

Dennie.

Please give me a chance to explain, Nancy. I would like to tell you all the details so you fully understand the situation. Please. I beg you x

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