Page 32 of Bea's Book Wagon
‘You too,’ said Lochlan.
‘Bye, Mum. Thanks for popping in,’ said Bea, watching her walk out the door. ‘Thank God for that,’ she said, slumping on the counter as soon as Carol was out of sight.
‘Sorry, I dropped you in it, didn’t I?’ said Lochlan, wincing.
‘Don’t worry about it. I’d not told her what happened with Wordsworth, that’s all.’
‘And the pub thing? Embarrassed to be seen with me, eh?’ he teased.
‘God, no!’ said Bea, mortified. ‘I’d just literally never hear the end of it, you know?’
‘I get it. My mum’s the same.’
‘You mean you don’t want to introduce me to her already?’ said Bea, in mock horror.
‘No!’ he replied, looking stricken. ‘It’s not that—’
‘Relax, I’m only joking,’ Bea laughed. ‘Anyway, what can I get you?’ she asked, flashing him her best smile.
‘Flat white to go, please.’
‘Coming up,’ she said, grabbing another takeaway cup from the stack on the counter.
‘Are you still good for Thursday?’
‘Yes, I’m looking forward to it. Where is it we’re going, again?’
‘It’s a surprise, but I think you’re going to love it,’ he said, pulling out his wallet. ‘I’ll pick you up at eight, if that works?’
‘Great. I’ll ping you my address.’
‘See you Thursday, then,’ he said, his hand lingering on hers as she passed him his coffee.
‘Can’t wait,’ she murmured, watching him leave.
* * *
‘Have you thought about a colour scheme yet?’ Jess asked, as they sat on the sofa at Archie’s place.
‘What do you think about baby blue for the outside? And then the lettering in pale pink along the side?’
‘Pastels are lovely, but they do get dirty quickly. Maybe go for slightly darker shades?’ suggested Jess, unfurling her legs from under her.
‘Good idea! I’m ordering the paint online, it’s a fair bit cheaper than in store. And I’m painting the panelling inside in white to help it feel more spacious. I could add a bit more colour with rugs and cushions, though.’
‘How are you doing for money?’
‘I’ve got a few hundred left in my account, and Nathan reckons that should be enough to get everything else done. He’s sorted the wood for me – he had loads left over from other jobs on the farm – and that’s saved me hundreds.’
‘Result!’
‘Yeah, I know. He’s been such a help; I wouldn’t have been able to get it done without him.’
‘Do you two fancy a takeaway tonight? My treat,’ said Archie, planting himself on the sofa next to Jess.
‘Er… yes!’ said Bea.
‘Like you even have to ask,’ said Jess.
