Page 65 of Bea's Book Wagon
‘Isn’t this supposed to be your day off?’ asked Joyce, who was busy at the coffee machine as Bea approached the counter.
‘Yeah, but is it okay if I get Arthur a coffee?’ asked Bea.
‘I’ll get it, love. What’s he having?’ asked Joyce.
‘Flat white, cream and two sugars,’ said Bea.
‘You sit down, I’ll bring it over,’ said Joyce.
‘Thanks,’ replied Bea.
‘And the next thing I knew, I’d signed up to join the Merchant Navy,’ Arthur was saying, as Bea returned to the table.
‘Coffee’s on its way. What’s that about the Navy?’ asked Bea.
‘He’s been telling me all about how he got conscripted by accident,’ said Jess, wiping tears of laughter from her cheek. ‘Arthur’s a hoot!’
‘You’re too kind,’ said Arthur, handing her a handkerchief from his top pocket. ‘I’m sorry I missed your big day yesterday, Beatrice,’ he apologized. ‘I had planned on coming to see the book wagon on opening day, but my arthritis had other ideas, I’m afraid.’
‘Oh no, I’m sorry to hear that,’ said Bea, her voice edged with concern.
‘All part of getting old, I’m afraid, not something you young ones need to worry about yet,’ he said, shaking his head. ‘I do want to hear all about it, though.’
‘Here we are. Coffee with cream and two sugars,’ said Joyce, setting a mug down on the table.
‘Thank you,’ said Arthur, with a look of gratitude.
‘Well, it was a total triumph,’ Jess gushed.
‘I knew it!’ said Arthur, snapping his fingers.
‘Bea’s already got more bookings; she’ll be busy all summer at this rate,’ said Jess.
‘I don’t know about that,’ said Bea, ‘but yesterday went well, so it’s a start.’
‘And a start is all you need,’ said Arthur, blowing on his coffee to cool it down a little.
‘I meant to ask you, how’s the search for a book club going? I’ve been asking around, but I’ve not found one yet,’ said Bea.
‘Me neither, I’m afraid. I’m on the waiting list for one in Rye called Books & Prosecco, but I’m not sure it’s really for me, if I’m honest,’ said Arthur.
‘Hang on,’ said Bea, her mind whirring. ‘Why haven’t I thought of this before?’ she muttered, an idea forming in her head. ‘I could start one in the wagon!’
‘That does sound more my thing,’ said Arthur animatedly.
‘I could take it on the road and visit all the local villages. Once a month or something?’ said Bea.
‘Bea’s Book Club! I love it!’ squealed Jess.
‘It does have a certain ring to it,’ agreed Arthur.
‘I could do food and drink as well. Maybe Nate could supply cheese… ooooh and we could have wine from the vineyard I went to with Lochlan,’ said Bea excitedly.
‘So, kinda like a supper club, but with books, too?’ said Jess, mulling it over.
‘Yes, exactly. Cheese, wine and books – they go together perfectly,’ said Bea.
‘Well, you can count me in if there’s wine involved,’ said Jess, leaning back in her chair.
