Page 44 of The Winter We Met
‘I can be a bit of an arse sometimes,’ he continued.
‘I don’t want to talk anymore,’ I said quietly. ‘Please. Leave me alone.’
20
I pulled on my hat. ‘Sure you’ll be okay? I can cancel this afternoon off. All that new stock has arrived and…’
Seb came out from behind the till. Several customers browsed the shop, picking up plushies and reading instructions on the back of board games. A mum with toddler twins – Lily and Meg – sat crossed legs on the red carpet, in the reading area, flicking through picture books about polar bears and flying sleighs. Andy Williams crooned about a happy holiday in the background.
‘Wednesday is one of the quieter days of the week, even with Christmas coming, and you’re in extra early tomorrow, right? To be honest I’ll relish having the shop to myself. I get to play my own Christmas music. Motown festive classics, here we come. Little feet will love jigging along.’
‘Well, ring me if there are any problems and tomorrow we’ll discuss your idea for the window display for the week before Christmas. I’ve also got an idea I’m impatient to try. We could start setting it up tomorrow afternoon and I’ll stay late to finish it off.’
‘Count me in too’ he said and smiled. ‘Any clues?’
‘How about one based on books? We’ve never done that before. Some passers-by might think that all we sell is toys. I’ve had a look online and seen how you can build an effective looking Christmas tree out of books, by stacking them horizontally. We could also give selected stories prominence in the window, with toys related to them by their side. For example that new book that came in,A Winter Woodland– we got a squirrel plushy and electronic rabbit. I’ll have a look on my walk in Springhaye Forest this afternoon for other accessories, such as twigs we can spray with that fake snow I got in, if you think the idea has got potential.’ I included Seb in a lot of the decision-making like Angela had always done with me. With a new store opening there could be career opportunities for him. The doorbell rang and a man with a scarlet face and matching flat cap pushed past me.
‘I’d like to speak to the manager,’ he said loudly. The twins’ mum looked up.
‘How can I help?’ I said and took off my hat. I bit my lip, hoping this wouldn’t take long. I was joining Lynn and some of the residents to collect material for Christmas decorations. I had to be there by two o’clock and it was almost half past one. I wore my jeans, my thickest anorak, and had my beanie hat and gloves to boot. We had a couple of hours of daylight before sunrays would start to be replaced with frost.
He delved into a plastic bag and pulled out a picture book. It was one of our biggest sellers about a Christmas elf. The front was sparkly and eye-catching.
‘It’s five quid cheaper on Amazon. This is an absolute rip-off.’
‘Is there anything wrong with it?’ I asked, politely.
‘Yes. The price.’ He marched to the till. ‘It hasn’t been read. I was saving it to give to my son at Christmas. It’s like new.’
I went over. Seb approached another customer who’d waved their hand for assistance. The man thrust the receipt into my hand. He’d bought it almost one month ago. I took the book from him and he folded his arms as I flicked through the pages. I pointed to several chocolate stains, in the shape of fingers.
‘I’m sorry, sir. I can’t take this back. There are signs of wear and tear.’
‘Are you calling me a liar?’ He started to sweat and his arms fell to his sides. ‘I told you –no one has read it. It must have got dirty here.’ He jerked his head towards the little twins looking at books.
‘We check every story before we sell it. Is it possible your son found it without you knowing?’ I heard my heart thumping.
‘Not unless he’s grown six feet and can reach to the top of my wardrobe,’ he said and sneered. ‘I’ll take my future business elsewhere if you’re going to be difficult. It’s a pity as this is one of my son’s favourite shops.’
I held his gaze and noticed the deeply set rings under his eyes and the coat that had a small rip on the sleeve.
‘What is your son called?’ I asked. Uncomfortable as it could be, I enjoyed trying to resolve customer complaints.
‘Max,’ he said and snorted. ‘Why? Are you going to put him in toddler jail?’
I thought for a moment. ‘Curly black hair and freckles? He has an obsession with trains?’
The man’s jaw dropped. ‘How did…?’
‘I like to get to know all our regulars.’ I went behind the till. ‘I can’t offer you a refund but how about a voucher for the same value? It’s valid for twelve months.’
We looked at each other, he swallowed and rubbed his nose. ‘Cheers.’
The doorbell rang as he left. Seb came over and raised an eyebrow.
‘Sorted,’ I said and beamed. ‘His son, little Max, often pulls his mum in here. They’re good customers.’ I stared at the grubby book. ‘We can afford to write off the loss – just this once.’
‘Now off you skedaddle,’ he said. ‘Motown is calling me.’
