Page 105 of Bea's Book Wagon
‘I’ll be back next week, I think,’ Bea replied quickly.
‘Oh God, that wasn’t a hint,’ said Tori, looking mortified. ‘Take as long as you need. Whenever you’re feeling up to it. Mum and I are coping just fine.’
‘Thanks, Tori,’ said Bea.
‘Well, you’re definitely looking better than the last time I saw you,’ said Leo. ‘You had us all pretty scared that night, you know.’
‘I’m just glad I got through it,’ said Bea, her voice sticking in her throat.
‘So are we,’ said Jess, patting her hand. ‘Anyway,’ she continued, keen to change the subject. ‘Shall we do presents?’
‘Presents? You didn’t have to—’ said Bea.
‘I’ll go first,’ Tori said, taking a pretty pink gift bag out from under the table.
‘Ooooh, what’s this?’ said Bea, pulling the tissue paper out. ‘Oh, wow! It’s gorgeous, I love it!’ she continued, unwrapping a silver bookmark engraved with the message: A new chapter. ‘It’s beautiful, Tori. Thank you!’ said Bea.
‘I’m glad you like it,’ said Tori.
‘I’m next,’ said Jess, pulling a gold-edged envelope from her bag. ‘Happy birthday, Bea.’
Bea carefully prised the envelope open and slid out an embossed gift voucher for a spa day at Rye’s most exclusive hotel.
‘Jess!’ Bea shrieked, grabbing her friend’s arm. ‘Bayview Sands! That place is super posh, I’ve always wanted to go!’
‘I know!’ Jess laughed, ‘I’m coming too,’ she said, pointing at the voucher. ‘You deserve a day of pampering after everything you’ve been through.’
‘It’s brilliant, Jess, thank you!’ said Bea, ‘I can’t wait!’
‘My turn…’ said Lochlan, reaching into his pocket. ‘I hope you like it.’
Bea recognized the robin’s-egg blue of the Tiffany bag instantly, and she let out a little gasp of delight. When she’d lived in London, she’d pause outside the Old Bond Street store whenever she passed by, admiring the sparkling diamonds in all shapes and sizes, never daring to venture inside. And now, there was a Tiffany & Co package in front of her, waiting to be unwrapped.
‘Go on then, open it,’ said Lochlan, a little impatiently.
Her heartbeat quickened as she wondered what was inside. A bracelet? Earrings? A ring?
She gulped. Surely not.
She tugged at the blue ribbon and pulled out a large, square box. Okay, so definitely not a ring.
She paused before lifting the lid to reveal a beautiful circular pendant necklace. It was stunning.
‘Bloody hell, Bea, that’s gorgeous,’ said Jess, peering over her shoulder.
‘Let’s see,’ said Tori, and Bea tilted the box towards her. ‘Wow.’
‘Do you like it?’ Lochlan asked.
‘Like it?’ Bea replied, her voice shaking. ‘Lochlan, it’s beautiful, I love it…’
‘Here, let me put it on,’ said Lochlan, taking the necklace from the box and fastening the chain around her neck.
‘How does it look?’ she asked, flicking her hair back off her shoulders.
‘Gorgeous,’ Lochlan said, as she kissed him hard on the mouth.
‘Bloody hell, you two,’ said Archie, looking away. ‘Get a room, would you?’
