Page 37 of Bea's Book Wagon
‘Why don’t I order for both of us?’ said Lochlan, taking it from her and closing it shut.
‘Erm… okay. I’m a bit of a fussy eater though, so maybe—’
‘We’ll take the oysters to start, and then sea bass for both of us.’
‘Oh, I’m not sure I like oysters—’
‘You’ll love them,’ said Lochlan, handing the menus back to Daniella, who sashayed away. ‘They’re divine.’
‘Okay, well, if you’re sure…’ said Bea, taking a sip of espresso martini. ‘God, that’s delicious.’
‘To us,’ said Lochlan, raising his glass.
‘Erm, yes, to us,’ she replied, clinking her glass against his.
‘So, how are you getting on with the horsebox? Still doing it up?’ he asked.
‘Yep, although it doesn’t look all that different yet. I’m getting started on the painting at the weekend, so hopefully that should transform it.’
‘When are you planning on opening?’
‘By the first May bank holiday, if I can get everything ready in time. It’s the village fête that weekend, so it would be the perfect time to launch,’ she said. ‘There’s still lots to do and I need to start sourcing more stock, work out pricing; there’s a lot to think about,’ she explained, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the enormity of the task ahead.
‘I’m sure you’ll get it ready in time.’
‘I hope you’re right,’ said Bea, her stomach churning. ‘I’ve got a call with a wholesaler tomorrow, so that’s a start.’
‘So, books are pretty important to you?’ he asked.
‘Well, I’m opening a mobile bookshop, so I guess you could say that,’ Bea laughed.
‘You light up when you talk about it, you know? It’s good to have things in life you’re passionate about, Bea,’ he said, fixing his eyes on her.
‘What about you? Do you read?’
‘I try to, but I never seem to get the time these days,’ he said.
‘That’s a shame.’
‘I’m really busy with work, and when I do get any free time I tend to go for a run or hit the gym; do something physical, after being stuck at a desk all day.’
‘Have you tried audiobooks? You can plug in when you’re running, in the car—’
‘That’s a great idea!’ Lochlan said with enthusiasm. ‘I don’t know why I’ve never thought of it.’
‘Try Audible, or the library has a great app, too,’ she said, pulling out her phone to show him her current read, the latest romcom by Marian Keyes. ‘What kind of books do you like?’ she asked, scrolling through some suggestions on her phone.
‘Well—’
‘No, don’t tell me,’ she said, holding up a hand, ‘let me guess.’ she continued, scanning his face. ‘Hmmmm… I don’t think you’re a thriller guy,’ she said, drumming her fingers on the tabletop, ‘but fiction, definitely fiction.’
‘Keep going,’ said Lochlan, grinning.
‘Sci-fi!’ she said, after a lengthy pause. ‘Terry Pratchett?’
‘Wow, impressive,’ said Lochlan, leaning back in his chair. ‘You’re spot on. The Colour of Magic is brilliant.’
‘I know, right?’ Bea agreed, taking another sip of her drink. ‘Have you read The Light Fantastic?’
