Page 58 of Bea's Book Wagon
‘Honestly, I leave you two alone for five minutes and you get all emosh! Here, get these down you,’ said Jess, handing them both a cup. ‘To Bea’s Book Wagon!’ she announced, raising her coffee aloft.
‘Oh my god!’ said Bea. ‘Look! They’re letting people in, this is it!’
CHAPTER 16
The morning was a whirlwind of activity. Bea’s Book Wagon seemed to be one of the star attractions and it had seen a steady stream of customers all ooohing and ahhhing at the interior and commenting on the innovative use of the horsebox.
‘Bea! I can’t believe it! I just can’t believe it,’ said Charlotte, as she brought her two young daughters, Melody and Hazel, over to the makeshift desk – a clever pull-down square of wood on hinges Nathan had designed – to pay for the books they had chosen.
‘Charlotte!’ said Bea, her face breaking into a wide grin. ‘You like it, then?’
‘Like it? I don’t even recognize it! You’ve done an amazing job.’
‘Thanks. It was a team effort, though, Nathan and Jess helped out. I couldn’t have done it without them,’ said Bea.
‘I’m just so glad it’s all worked out, it’s all I’ve heard people talking about all morning: “Have you seen the new bookshop?” You’re the talk of the village.’
‘Am I? Well, that’s lovely to hear.’
‘Now, girls, what books have you chosen?’ Charlotte asked her daughters.
‘Room on the Broom,’ said Melody, handing Bea her book.
‘Good choice,’ said Bea, ‘it’s one of my favourites.’
Melody beamed at her.
‘What about you, Hazel?’ asked Charlotte.
‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid,’ said Hazel, holding her book up proudly.
‘I love those books!’ said Bea. ‘They’re so funny, aren’t they?’
‘Yes!’ agreed Hazel. ‘I’ve been reading them at school.’
‘Have you?’ asked Bea. ‘Well, it’ll be good to have your own copy at home, won’t it?’
‘Yes!’ said Hazel, nodding.
‘That’s £14.98, please,’ said Bea, holding up the card machine for Charlotte.
‘Thanks, Bea,’ said Charlotte, tapping her card. ‘We’d best get on, I’ve promised the girls one of Tori’s cupcakes,’ said Charlotte.
‘Oooh, how lovely. Enjoy!’ said Bea.
* * *
‘Excuse me? Is it okay to bring dogs inside?’ asked a woman holding the lead of a very excitable black and white Border Collie, while peering into the wagon.
‘Yes, of course,’ said Bea. ‘She’s a total cutie, what’s her name?’
‘Scout,’ she replied, as the dog held out a paw for Bea to shake. ‘And I’m Rose. I’m a friend of Tori’s—’
‘Oh, of course! Tori’s mentioned you. You live at Harper Farm with Jake, don’t you?’
‘That’s right! I’ve been dying to see the book wagon. Tori’s been telling me all about it.’
‘She’s been great, she’s helped so much, I’m very lucky.’
