Page 121 of Bea's Book Wagon
‘Do you think I got where I am today by letting my heart rule my head? No. Success in business is about making tough decisions, and sometimes you have to upset people along the way, that’s just how it is…’
‘People?’ Bea repeated, her eyes blazing. ‘Is that what I am to you… people?’ She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
‘Of course you’re not “people”,’ he conceded, his tone softening. ‘But you’re not going to let something as silly as this ruin what we have, are you?’ he demanded, flashing her his best smile.
The smile that used to make her heart swell. But not now, not today, not ever again.
‘God, you’re not even going to apologize, are you?’ she asked, her hollow laugh louder than she expected.
‘It’s business,’ he repeated. ‘I could turn that building into six luxury apartments and I’d make a killing, too.’
‘Luxury apartments? That’s your plan? You’ll never get it through planning—’
‘Don’t bet on it,’ he said, slyly.
God, he disgusted her now. What had she ever seen in him?
‘Listen, try to get it all in perspective: we’ll have a great time in London—’
She cut him off sharply,
‘I wouldn’t go to London with you if you were the last man on earth,’ she said, her fists balled at her sides. ‘We’re done, Lochlan. I don’t ever want to see you again.’
‘Oh, come on, babe, don’t be stupid—’
‘Stupid?’ she repeated, rage bubbling up inside her.
‘I didn’t mean—’
‘Oh, and you can have this back,’ she said, yanking the necklace from her neck and throwing it at him. ‘Tiffany isn’t really my thing, after all. Turns out I’d much rather have a book,’ she said, the memory of the beautiful gift Nathan had given her flashing into her mind.
* * *
‘I can’t believe it,’ said Jess, pulling Bea into a tight hug. ‘What an absolute arsehole!’
‘I just didn’t see it coming,’ said Bea, pulling a woollen throw around her shoulders as she snuggled down on the sofa back at home. Even though it was a warm summer’s day, Bea couldn’t stop shaking.
‘Well, of course you didn’t! How were you to know what a sneaky, manipulative git he would turn out to be,’ said Jess, through gritted teeth.
‘Here, take this,’ said Archie, passing them mugs of hot chocolate. ‘I’ve put extra sugar in yours, Bea,’ he nodded, ‘you know, for the shock.’
‘Thanks, Archie,’ said Bea, appreciatively.
‘If I ever see him again…’ Jess said, her eyes flashing.
‘I just want to move on and forget him,’ said Bea, her eyes hot with rage.
‘That’s going to be hard to do once they start work on that building,’ said Archie, brows furrowed.
‘God, I’d not even thought about that,’ Bea groaned, pulling the blanket more tightly around her.
‘Surely he won’t get planning permission, though? I’m pretty sure that building’s Grade II listed,’ said Jess.
‘Maybe we could start a petition, or something?’ said Bea, resting her mug on the arm of her chair. ‘I could talk to Violet now she’s chair of the parish council?’ she suggested.
‘That’s a great idea! She hates change, and luxury flats being built right next to her cottage? I don’t think so!’ said Jess.
‘She’s always been a great supporter of the wagon, too, so I’m pretty sure she’d rather I open a bookshop than EliteHaven Homes build flats there,’ said Bea.
