This seemed to appease the crowd, wrapped up against the elements and now queuing down the street. As Ivy returned to the shop, Quinn beckoned her to the counter.
‘We have tea and coffee?’
‘I brought urns,’ Ivy said. ‘Coffee urns. I’ll get some made up now.’
There was a commotion at the door, and Ivy turned with searing eyes, no doubt ready to shout at the rowdy customers. Quinn, thinking that these signings were going to be a bad idea, was relieved to see her reach out and hug Noah, who got through the door, looking shocked and relieved to be alive. With a jolt, Quinn recognised the auburn jumper Noah was wearing: it was his own. He still wore the joggers from the night before, but paired with the jumper, they looked less casual. Somehow, Noah made joggers look sophisticated.
‘Thank goodness you’re here,’ Ivy said. ‘We need help. Noah, you can direct people at the signing desk down through the aisles. Let me explain to you how the system works.’
Quinn didn’t have time to say hello. His mind raced that Noah was wearing his jumper like they did that. Like that was a regular and normal part of their day. He didn’t mind one bit, but seeing Noah in the jumper left him dumbfounded.
‘Chop, chop, Quinn,’ Ivy said. ‘Gosh, what’s with you today? Hello, you there at the door. Queue like the rest of them, please.’
‘This way for Blair’s signing,’ Noah called, ignoring the shocked stares he got from customers. With the three of them working together, they got the crowd moving with efficiency, and it left Quinn no time to think about anything other than ensuring people had a good time.
Once the teas and coffees were handed out, disgruntled customers thawed, and all was forgotten as soon as they got to meet Blair Beckett, who was as charming and vivacious as ever. Quinn could hear his happy-go-lucky voice from the back of the shop at the counter, so loud it cut through the excited chatter of people here to meet the news reporter.
But he wasn’t as loud as Deb and June, who, when they got in the shop, were shocked to see Noah at the signing desk, too. Noah outshone Blair during the signing, but each time, Noah deflected, ensuring that Blair had his moment, and telling them he would sign books at the same time, same place, tomorrow.
There was no appeasing Deb and June, and they got their books signed by both of the men and then promised to come back tomorrow with their other editions from home.
Quinn’s eyes filled with tears, but not because of Deb and June. Instead, when there was a moment to breathe, he observed the scene before him. Radiant faces, laughter, excited people craning their necks to get their first glimpse of Blair at his desk. By this point, word spread that Noah was also there, and people couldn’t help but whisper about whether he would sign books.
Quinn could see the community coming together, as well as faces he didn’t recognise, and he couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed. He sank back into his armchair, letting the tears flow, realising how lucky he was to have this, to be part of this, to feel so supported and loved.
Ivy, still at the door, caught him crying. ‘Quinn?’
Quinn shook his head, assuring her he was okay. She seemed reluctant to not come to him, but she stayed at the door and greeted those still pouring through.
People seemed to come from all over. To his small shop, his queer shop, the space that meant too much to him. A pang of sadness welled in him, the tears overflowing now; the dam broken.
Noah, who was looking down the second aisle, hurried towards him. His figure blurred from Quinn’s tears, but the familiar scent of citrus confirmed it was him. Soft hands were on Quinn’s arms again. His breath, minty fresh, brushed across his skin.
‘What’s wrong? Is everything okay?’
‘I’m fine.’ Quinn wiped his tears. ‘I just…’ He gestured to the people in line, a smile breaking through the tears.
Noah wrapped an arm around Quinn, bringing him close. He didn’t want to cry on Noah’s shoulder, but he leaned against him, feeling exhausted.
‘This is all for you,’ Noah said. ‘Everyone is here for you.’
Fresh tears rolled down Quinn’s cheeks. ‘I know.’
Noah’s finger ran across Quinn’s face, brushing away the tears. Their eyes met, stood at the counter of their shop, and Quinn wished he wasn’t an ugly crier. Noah smiled, his eyes darting to his hair, to his lips, to his neck. Quinn noticed the inch of space between them and closed the gap, wishing he could be closer, even though he was already against Noah.
‘Thank you,’ Quinn whispered.
‘Anytime.’
Noah moved away first, leaving Quinn standing at his desk, remembering where he was. He looked around, almost expecting the whole shop to be looking at him, but of course, they weren’t. Mere seconds had gone by, but it felt like forever for Quinn.
Only Ivy saw the exchange. She raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk on her face, and Quinn shrugged, the image of the lover’s tarot card coming back to him.
Noah was back at the signing desk now, helping to guide people out of the shop, and Quinn wished he was still next to him. Daniel waved goodbye, joining the throng of people after completing his shift.
The last customers, being Deb and June, left the shop with reluctance, leaving Quinn with Ivy, Noah and Blair.
Ivy closed the door, a thud that was a bit too loud, and turned the sign to closed. She wiped her brow. ‘Phew. What a day.’
