Page 88 of Bea's Book Wagon
‘You should probably prepare something in advance though—’
‘Just in case?’
‘No,’ said Bea, shaking her head. ‘For when, not if, you win. Now, pass me one of those cinnamon buns,’ she said, decisively.
* * *
Bea slept through her alarm the following morning. She’d had her a nose buried in The House by the Bay until the early hours. She kept telling herself, just one more chapter, until she’d finally drifted off with her reading light still on.
Bea showered and dressed as quickly as she could, and arrived at the Cosy Cat just as Tori was flipping the sign on the door to open.
‘Sorry,’ said Bea, stashing her bag behind the counter.
‘What for? You’re not late,’ said Tori, brightly.
‘No, but I’m cutting it fine.’
‘Late night?’ Tori asked.
‘You could say that—’
‘Date with Lochlan?’ asked Tori, one eyebrow raised.
‘I wish! No, he’s still in London. I was just up late reading for book club.’
‘Oh my God, I’m loving that book,’ said Tori with a gasp. ‘It’s so good.’
‘I know! How far have you got?’
‘I’m almost three quarters of the way through, and Damian is just about to reveal a secret…’
‘Don’t tell me, don’t tell me!’ said Bea, covering her ears. ‘You’re a bit ahead of me.’
‘Don’t worry,’ Tori laughed, ‘I won’t drop any spoilers.’
‘Oooh, before I forget, I’ve got something for you,’ said Bea, grabbing her bag from behind the counter and pulling out a novel, Summer at the Cat Café. ‘I saw it and thought of you.’
‘Oh, thanks, Bea,’ said Tori, reading out the blurb on the back. ‘The purrrfect summer read.’ How cute!’
‘I thought we could add it to the other books here?’ Bea suggested.
‘Definitely, but I’m keeping this copy to read first! So, are you all set for book club?’ Tori asked.
‘I think so,’ Bea nodded, scooping up a little grey tabby that was rubbing against her ankles. ‘Hey, you’re new?’
‘Yep, that’s Alfie,’ said Tori, scratching the cat under his chin, as he purred contentedly.
‘I’d love a cat, but Archie’s allergic…’
‘Ah, that’s a shame,’ Tori agreed.
‘I know. Plus, we dog-sit Wordsworth all the time. Maybe one day, though,’ Bea continued. ‘For now, working here will have to do.’
‘Well, if you ever change your mind, I’m sure Izzy and I can find you a hypoallergenic cat.’
* * *
The morning absolutely flew by; it was the busiest shift Bea had ever worked at the Cosy Cat. As quickly as she cleared a table, a new set of customers would arrive, and the lunchtime rush was only just getting started.
