Page 87 of Bea's Book Wagon
‘I know, I can’t quite believe it. I’m going to have to place an urgent hotline order this evening. I needed to do a proper stock-take anyway, and I sold out of cuddly toys as well. Who knew a stuffed Hungry Caterpillar would prove so popular?’
‘Not me, that’s for sure,’ Nathan chuckled.
‘I know! Anyway, I wanted to go over plans for the book club, if that’s okay? I spoke to Phoebe yesterday and she’s going to deliver the wine to me on Wednesday.’
‘God, yeah, it’s next week, right?’
‘Thursday,’ Bea nodded, ‘so we’ve still got plenty of time.’
‘How many people are coming?’
‘Sixteen. Tickets are up on Eventbrite and include a copy of the book, as well as the cheese and wine, but people can purchase more from you and Phoebe on the night, if you wanted to bring some extra stock along?’
‘Great. Sixteen’s a good number.’
‘Yeah, not too big, not too small.’
‘I was going to do individual grazing platters, with a sample of all the cheeses, plus some crackers, chutney, apricots, and I’ve been experimenting with caramelized walnuts.’
‘Sounds delicious.’
‘Hang on,’ he said, leaping up from his chair. ‘I’ve got some from the batch I made yesterday, I’ll get them,’ he continued, heading towards the larder. ‘Here,’ he said, placing a sandwich bag full of nuts in front of her, ‘give them a try.’
‘God, they smell amazing,’ Bea said, reaching her hand into the bag and grabbing a handful. ‘Sweet and… sort of earthy,’ she continued as she bit one in half. ‘Bloody hell, Nate, these are gorgeous.’
‘They’re not bad, are they?’ he said, smiling broadly as he took some for himself.
‘Are you sure you made them? They taste like they’re from one of those posh delis in Rye…’ she said, her eyes narrowed suspiciously.
‘Of course I made them,’ he laughed. ‘It’s pretty simple really, just chuck them in the pan with butter and sugar and – voila,’ he said, holding up the bag. ‘They go great with the cheese.’
‘I bet!’ Bea agreed.
‘Oh, I just remembered, there’s something I wanted to ask you,’ Nathan said, getting up again to rummage through a pile of papers on the dresser.
‘What?’ Bea asked, taking a sip of her tea.
‘Those business awards, I’ve had the letter,’ he said, passing an envelope to her. ‘They’re on the thirteenth of August and I get to bring a plus one. I wondered if you fancied coming with me?’
‘I’d love to!’ said Bea, scanning the letter. ‘Ooooh, it’s at The Grand in Brighton,’ she said. ‘Very posh, and Tori was right, it is black tie! That gives me the perfect excuse to buy a new dress.’
‘Ah, yeah, that’s the other thing, I don’t own a tux,’ he paused.
‘Archie does! You’re about the same size, I’m sure he won’t mind you borrowing it.’
‘You reckon?’
‘Sure,’ she said. ‘Pop in next time you’re passing and you can try it on.’
‘Okay, I will,’ said Nathan, grinning at her. ‘Cheers, Bea.’
‘So, are you excited?’ she asked, leaning towards him.
‘I haven’t thought about it much, really,’ he said, indifferently. ‘But a night out in Brighton would be good. I don’t think I’m going to win, anyway. Sizzling Hog, Manor Park Dairy and the East Sussex Brewery Company are on the shortlist too.’
‘But that doesn’t mean you won’t win,’ she said, reaching across the table and slotting her hand into his. ‘You’ve got as good a product as they do.’
‘It’s fine,’ Nathan said, smiling. ‘Not expecting to win helps take the pressure off. At least I wouldn’t have to make a speech. I mean, can you imagine?’ he shuddered.
