Page 62 of Bea's Book Wagon
‘Don’t be daft,’ said Bea, her cheeks burning red.
Why was it suddenly so hot in here?
* * *
Putting the lock-in with Nathan out of her mind, Bea continued to welcome a steady stream of customers through the bookshop’s doors for the remainder of the day.
‘Are you okay there?’ she asked a lady who had been browsing the shelves for a while.
‘Oh, I’m just looking really… you’ve got such a marvellous collection, I don’t know where to start. Is that a vintage edition of Jane Eyre over there?’ she asked, her face obscured by a pair of huge sunglasses.
‘Yes. I’ve tried to mix the old and the new, so there’s something for everyone,’ said Bea.
‘I can see that. A mobile bookshop… such a wonderful idea! Do you mind if I take some photos?’
‘No, of course not. Go ahead. I’ll leave you to it, but do shout if you need my help with anything.’
‘Thank you. I’ll take the Jane Eyre, if you could put that aside for me?’
‘Sure, no problem,’ said Bea, with a smile.
‘Are you on social media at all?’ she asked.
‘Yes, we’re @beasbookwagon on Instagram.’
‘Perfect, I’ll look you up.’
* * *
‘Mum, Dad, you made it!’ said Bea, as Wordsworth made a beeline for her, tail wagging enthusiastically.
‘Of course we did, we wouldn’t miss your opening day,’ said Carol, giving her daughter a hug.
‘Bea, this looks incredible, I had no idea you could work such wonders with an old horsebox,’ said Gordon.
‘She’s very talented, aren’t you, darling? She takes after her mother,’ said Carol.
‘Hello!’ called Matt from the doorway.
‘Matt! I’m so glad you’re here!’ said Bea.
‘We wouldn’t miss it,’ said Matt, warmly. ‘Bea, this is my husband, Harry, I don’t think you’ve met?’
‘No, but I’ve heard all about you. Good to meet you, Harry,’ said Bea.
‘You too. Matt’s not stopped talking about this, you know? He’s been dying to see it finished and I can see why,’ said Harry, ‘it’s so cute!’
‘Thanks. I’m so glad you like it,’ said Bea.
‘It looks amazing, Bea,’ said Matt.
‘Thanks, Matt,’ said Bea.
‘Why don’t we leave Bea to it?’ said Carol, nodding towards a customer approaching the desk with a stack of books. ‘We can come back once it’s a bit quieter.’
‘Thanks for popping by,’ said Bea. ‘I’ll see you all later.’
‘I’ll take these,’ said the woman in the sunglasses, handing the pile of books to Bea.
