‘Really?’ I try to sound surprised.
He nods. ‘They’ve been leaving her cryptic messages in envelopes on bookshelves. It’s been so exciting in here lately. I was worried about handing in my resignation the other day, but this development has helped me.’
‘Resignation? Keith, you can’t leave this bookshop. Who will I turn to when I need a cracking gothic thriller recommendation?’
He grins. ‘I have always liked you, Alice. Yes, I am off to pastures new.’
I think about Esme, and I wonder whether she knows. To hear Keith is leaving will be upsetting for her. The way she talks about him, and the way her face lights up at the mention of his text messages is lovely to see, especially as I never heard her talk like that about Steve.
‘Where are you going? Not another bookshop I hope?’
‘I have a few irons in the fire,’ he chuckles. ‘I have told Phoebe I don’t want my successor in here to be better than me.’
‘It’s going to be tough for Phoebe to replace you, Keith.’
He casts me a mischievous grin. ‘I sense things will be changing around here.’
‘What do you mean?’
Keith straightens his red bow tie. ‘I have to say that these messages have been an unexpected plot twist for Phoebe.’
I smile at Keith, who always gives every situation a book angle. ‘What do you mean?’
He chuckles. ‘The messages arrive in heavy lavender-scented envelopes. Her secret admirer loves a lavender spray. So far, the messages have been about how pretty her eyes are, how her smile makes their day and yesterday’s message was about how they might be soulmates.’
‘Wow.’
Keith nods. ‘The plot twist is that she and Liam have been getting close over the last few days. I knew she fancied him the second he strode into this shop to introduce himself to her when he first moved here. The way she gazed at him when he removed those dark shades said it all. Then we had all the arguing with each other outside which, I might add, has followed a “typical enemies to lovers romance” plot. I have read too many of these romances to know that underneath all these dramatic rows are two beating hearts that long to be entwined. I have seen the way Phoebe and Liam struggle to stop gawping at each other. When Liam helped her find Piggy and invited her over for a playdate, I knew we were onto something.’ He leans closer and whispers, ‘I think she wishes it was Liam writing the messages, but he doesn’t strike us a lavender letter type of guy.’
A customer goes to the till clutching two books. Keith looks up and grins. ‘I better go and do my day job, as opposed to gossiping to you.’
After he hurries away, I head for the romance section, with its tea-for-two display. While Keith is busy telling his customer that the books they have chosen are his all-time favourites, I carefully take out the envelope marked P and slide it next to the teapot.
To avoid detection, I wander into the crime section and then casually stroll out giving Keith a wave.
On the right of Phoebe’s bookshop is the record shop –Vinyl Dreams. Painted a pale peach colour, its front window is adorned with an array of colourful albums and single sleeves, posters advertising local gigs and a selection of funky Vinyl Dream T-shirts for sale. When I enter, I assume the tall guy with the swept back brown hair, the strong jawline coated in stubble and piercing blue eyes is Liam. He is talking to a group of students about an album. I can see why Phoebe was struggling to argue with him, he’s very handsome.
I don’t know where to put the final envelope. To my relief two record enthusiasts enter his shop and stand by the heavy metal record storage crates. I loiter behind them and discover the jazz section. Carefully I slip out the envelope and rest it on top of the vinyls. After faking an interest in classical music vinyls, I leave the shop.
Noah grins at me as I come back into the café. ‘How did it go?’
‘Successfully delivered. Keith in the bookshop told me that Phoebe and Liam are getting closer which is good. Let’s hope Harold and Pearl’s matchmaking works. Have I missed anything?’
Noah shakes his head. ‘Pam came and was stressed as usual. She’s received your order for the judge’s visit next week.’
‘Great,’ I say. ‘It’s all coming together.’
Grabbing hold of my waist Noah pulls me into a hug. ‘We have one problem though.’
‘Oh, no – what?’
‘I don’t think I have had enough kisses today, Alice.’
CHAPTERTHIRTY-NINE
‘Can I go to Grandpa’s house?’ Lucas asks, as I make him his breakfast and at the same time reply to Phoebe’s latest WhatsApp message to Esme and me – titled,‘Would either of you date a man who likes to send lavender scented love letters?’
Hearing Lucas say this makes my heart ache. There has been no word from Dad since we argued over a week ago. Lucas has asked me every day if we can go see him. With some unexpected help from Pete, I have juggled the childcare and the school runs this past week. Dad normally helps with Lucas, but he hasn’t contacted me to arrange any days.
