Page 23 of Bea's Book Wagon
‘Well, look at all the books you’ve persuaded me to read over the years. It’s a real talent to convince people to try reading outside of their comfort zone. You even got Dad into that Ann Cleeves series, and I don’t think I’d seen him read a book in years. He’s totally hooked now.’
‘Oh, I’m so pleased!’ said Bea, her face illuminated with a smile. ‘I’m glad he’s enjoying them.’
‘He absolutely is. Mum’s loving it, too; she said she’s never had so much peace and quiet. She’s thinking of getting him a Kindle for his birthday.’
‘You know,’ said Bea, her drink held in mid-air, ‘there might be something in that…’
‘In what?’
‘Recommending books – like a dating service, only for your perfect read rather than your perfect partner.’
‘Great idea! I’d prefer a date with Seb, if I’m honest, but I’d give a book a go, too.’
‘It could be totally personalized – you tell me about your favourite reads, hobbies, movies, TV programmes, stuff like that, then I’d recommend a reading list to choose from, or send a surprise each month, or something, like a subscription service.’
‘See? Totally creative! That sounds brilliant,’ said Jess, raising her glass.
‘It does, doesn’t it?’ said Bea, a smile edging onto her lips as she added the idea to the long list of points already on her business plan.
CHAPTER 7
When Bea and Nathan pulled into the lane leading to Three Acre Farm, the horsebox tethered behind them, rain was lashing down against the windscreen and Bea was struggling to see out of the jeep’s windows.
‘God, this weather is horrendous!’ said Nathan, flicking the wipers up to full speed.
‘I know, it’s proper end-of-days weather!’ Bea agreed, leaning back against the headrest.
‘Good thing we picked her up today, the forecast’s even worse tomorrow and that lane up from the stables always floods.’
‘Not more rain, surely? It’s been raining all week.’
‘There’s an amber flood warning out for the whole county.’
‘Seriously?’
‘Uh-huh.’
‘I know it’s not quite April but I thought it was supposed to be April showers not April monsoons.’
‘Ha!’
‘Well, luckily I don’t have much planned for tomorrow. I’m looking after Wordsworth for Mum and Dad, so as long as I can get out for a walk at some point, I can spend the rest of the day finishing off my business plan.’
‘Here we are,’ said Nathan, pulling into the yard. ‘I’ll reverse into the barn and then we can get her unhooked.’
‘Her?’ said Bea, tipping her head to one side as she clocked his use of the word for the second time.
‘Bea’s Book Wagon, right? Has to be a her, surely?’
‘I guess so,’ Bea laughed. ‘I don’t think I’ve ever named a vehicle before.’
‘Oh, all of mine have names,’ said Nathan, tapping the jeep’s steering wheel affectionately. ‘This is Gertie.’
‘You’re joking,’ said Bea, stifling a giggle. ‘Gertie?’
‘Don’t ask me why,’ said Nathan, ‘she’s just Gertie, aren’t you, old girl?’
‘You’re such a softie, Nate,’ said Bea. ‘Do you remember giving me your lunch on our first day at school?’ Nathan shook his head. ‘Mum had made me tuna sandwiches and you swapped them for your corned beef and pickle. Don’t you remember?’
