Page 59 of Bea's Book Wagon
‘Tori’s a star. I’m after a favour actually…’
‘Oh, okay. Happy to help if I can.’
‘I’m a teacher at Blossom Heath Primary, and I was wondering if you might bring the book wagon for a visit one day? The kids would love it and—’
‘Yes, of course!’
‘Excellent, that’s great news! We don’t have a bookshop or library here, and we’ve only got a limited supply of books at the school, so it’d be lovely for the kids to have a bit more choice and try something new. Perhaps if you came late one afternoon, the children could have a look around and then, if you hang on after school finishes, their parents could pay for any books they want when they come to collect them?’
‘That sounds brilliant, I’d love to!’
‘Maybe we could think about making it a regular thing, once a month or something?’
‘Absolutely.’
‘Thanks, Bea. I’ll be in touch, get a date booked in?’
‘Perfect.’
‘While I’m here, have you got a copy of the new Paige Toon novel?’
‘I do, let me grab it for you.’
‘I’ve been dying to read it!’
‘I know, it’s on my TBR list, too. She’s great, isn’t she?’
‘Oh, I love her, I’ve read all her books.’
‘Me too,’ said Bea, ‘she’s such a great storyteller. That’s £8.99, please.’
Rose tapped her card on the machine, but the transaction didn’t go through.
‘That’s weird,’ said Bea, twitching her nose. ‘Maybe you need to insert it?’
‘Sure, I’ve probably just tapped too many times today,’ Rose laughed, inserting her card into the reader and entering her PIN.
‘Hmmmm, it still hasn’t worked. I’m so sorry about this,’ said Bea.
‘Need a hand?’ asked Nathan, strolling towards the book wagon.
‘Nate! Am I glad to see you!’ said Bea, ‘the card machine’s stopped working.’
‘Hmmmmm… not really my area of expertise. You can take cash, though, right?’
‘Erm… yeah.’
‘I’ve got cash on me, Bea,’ said Rose, handing over a ten-pound note. As Bea counted out her change and slipped a free bookmark in the paper bag before handing the parcel over, she spotted Beth out of the corner of her eye, staring intently at the framed quote posters on the wall.
‘Hey, Beth,’ said Bea. ‘I’m so glad you popped in, I’ve got a favour to ask you.’
‘Okay…’
‘I’ve had this idea for a book speed-dating event, and I was wondering if I could host it at the pub?’
‘Book speed-dating? What on earth’s that when it’s at home?’ Beth asked, eyebrows raised.
‘It’s kind of like normal speed dating, but rather than matching people, I’ll be trying to match readers to their perfect book.’
