Page 89 of Bea's Book Wagon
‘I don’t know what’s got into everyone today,’ whispered Tori, as Bea took another order through to the kitchen. ‘It’s not been this busy in ages.’
‘Don’t knock it,’ said Bea, ‘the till hasn’t stopped ringing all morning.’
‘Mum’s arriving soon, so that should take some of the pressure off.’ Tori replied.
‘I can stay on a bit longer, if you need me?’ said Bea, helpfully. ‘But I’m back at the school this afternoon, so I’ll have to leave by two at the latest.’
‘Thanks, I might take you up on that.’
Joyce’s arrival had helped get them through the lunchtime rush, but by the time Bea was getting ready to leave, she was exhausted.
‘Here,’ said Tori, handing her a mug of coffee, ‘take five minutes before you rush off.’
‘Thanks,’ said Bea, gratefully, rubbing her back, ‘My feet are killing me.’ Just then the door dinged to signal the arrival of more customers. ‘Hey, Matt! Lovely to see you,’ said Bea, smiling at the sight of her library boss and his husband.
‘Making the most of my day off,’ said Matt. ‘Fancy joining us?’
‘I’d love to,’ said Bea, beaming, ‘but I’m taking the wagon to the school again this afternoon, so I’ve got to dash. Are you coming to book club next week?’ Bea asked.
‘Definitely,’ said Matt. We’re really looking forward to it.’
‘Perfect,’ said Bea, ‘your ticket includes the wine and cheese board, remember, so don’t eat dinner before you come.’
‘Got it,’ said Matt, nodding.
‘Oh, and make sure to bring garden chairs,’ said Bea. ‘And before I forget, the council have given permission for me to put a little free library on the green.’
‘That’s brilliant!’ said Harry. ‘What a great idea!’
‘I’ve bought a kit online, so I’m building it myself – or trying to, at least,’ said Bea, picking at the plaster on her thumb where she had hit it with a hammer. ‘I thought we could have a little gathering to mark the opening? Maybe you could come along and cut a ribbon or something, Matt?
‘I’d love to,’ he said.
Bea felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She smiled when she saw it was a message from Lochlan: Got a client dinner on the 13th, shall I book you in to the hotel? Miss you xx.
Bea had almost forgotten about her trip to London. She quickly checked her calendar to make sure she was free, before sending a reply: Perfect, love to xx.
She tucked her phone back into her pocket with a thought niggling at her from the back of her mind.
The 13th? Why did that date sound so familiar?
Was she forgetting someone’s birthday? Her parents wedding anniversary? There was nothing in her diary, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that she’d forgotten something important.
When Bea pulled into the car park at the tiny primary school half an hour later, there was already a queue of people waiting for her, even though the school day didn’t end for another thirty minutes.
‘Hello!’ Bea called, as she climbed out of the car and started unhitching the trailer. ‘Just give me five minutes and I’ll be ready for you.’
‘I can’t wait to look inside,’ said the lady at the front of the queue. ‘My son, Mason, told me all about your bookshop. He loves it! He’s already given me a list of what to buy,’ she said, waving a piece of paper in the air. ‘Please tell me you’ve still got copies of Dork Diaries?’
‘I do, yes,’ Bea replied, opening up the wagon’s doors.
‘And do you have those cuddly Paddingtons? You’d sold out yesterday, and I promised Tiffany I’d get her one,’ the woman behind her asked.
‘Absolutely,’ said Bea. ‘I put a rush order in last night.’
‘That’s great,’ replied the woman, relief flooding her face. ‘Tiff will be thrilled!’
‘If you can come inside in small groups, that would be great. I’m a little short on space,’ Bea explained.
