Page 103 of Bea's Book Wagon
‘No, sorry,’ continued Nathan, clearing his throat. ‘I’m sure you all know what happened to Bea?’
‘Terrible business,’ Jean tutted. ‘And right after book club, too.’
‘That damn Fallon boy,’ agreed Joyce.
‘I’m sure you’ve all heard that the wagon’s been badly damaged and Bea doesn’t have the money to fix it,’ said Nathan.
‘Oh no!’ wailed Violet, ‘that’s a terrible shame, she’s worked so hard.’
‘She has,’ Nathan agreed. ‘But she’s got broken ribs and no insurance money. She can’t fix the bookshop on her own… but we can!’
‘What do you mean?’ asked Joyce.
‘Well, if we all pitched in, did what we could, we’d have it finished in no time. It’s a big job for one person, but all of us working together?’ said Nathan.
‘Greg and his lads will help, won’t you?’ said Joyce, nudging Greg in the side.
‘Oh, yes, happy to,’ said Greg.
‘Count me in,’ agreed Jake with a nod.
‘Me too,’ called Leo.
‘And me!’ Pete chorused.
‘And I’m sure we can get the WI ladies to make new cushions and bunting,’ said Violet. ‘Can’t we, Jean?’
‘Oh, absolutely,’ Jean agreed.
‘Excellent!’ said Nathan. ‘I knew you lot would be up for it, but we’re against the clock.’
‘How’d you mean?’ asked Joyce.
‘Well, she was booked in for next Saturday at the Cherrydown fête and I was hoping—’ said Nathan.
‘We could get it done by then?’ suggested Tori.
‘No, by Friday actually. It’s Bea’s birthday and I thought—’ said Nathan.
‘It would be the perfect present?’ said Jean.
‘Exactly,’ said Nathan, ‘I know it’s a lot to ask,’ he added quickly. ‘But Jess and Archie are up at the farm already getting started.’
‘We’d better drink up, then,’ said Leo, downing the remains of his pint, ‘so we can join them.’
‘What? Now?’ said Tori, eyes wide.
‘No time like the present,’ said Jake, with a nod of agreement.
‘Honestly, guys, I can’t thank you enough,’ said Nathan. ‘Can I ask one last favour?’
‘Name it,’ said Beth.
‘Don’t breathe a word of this to Bea. I want it to be a surprise,’ whispered Nathan.
‘Ooooh, I do love a secret,’ said Maggie, her eyes sparkling as she picked up her bag and followed the others out the door. ‘And this is a pretty big one.’
CHAPTER 30
