Page 24 of The Bookshop By the Loch

“Certainly not. At least not for the time being. If there is any chance, however small, that Book Ends can be saved, then I’m willing to give it a try.” Trevor aimed a measured look at Tobias. “That’s why we’re going to give it twelve months to turn the shop around.”

Tobias’s features dropped. “A year to improve its fortunes? Channelling money into a business that looks doomed to fail anyway? And then what?”

“If things haven’t picked up by then, I sell it.”

“But it won’t come to that,” I insisted with far more confidence than I felt.

Trevor’s look was steely, which was unusual for him. “No. It won’t.”

My heart lifted in gratitude.

He offered his shocked nephew a measured stare. “Now, would you like us to update you on our plans?”

Tobias flicked a dismissive hand at the new paint and the tradespeople going about their business. “And you’re ok with this?”

“Of course, I am. Lexie and I have discussed and agreed everything.”

My teeth ground together. He was doing it again, inferring that I’d forced Trevor’s arm up his back about the changes.

What a bloody cheek, sweeping in here and throwing his weight around. “How many bookshops do you frequent, Mr Black?”

“A few.”

I raised my chin a little higher. “I’ve worked in publishing for several years. I know my way around a bookshop.”

“We’ll see about that,” muttered Tobias from under his tousled curls.

Outside Book Ends, a couple of gulls bickered over a piece of bread. Their cries and indignant shrieks reminded me of the heated conversation playing out right now between Tobias, his uncle and me. Except compared to this obnoxious man, the fighting gulls had better manners.

“Tobias, if I’d decided to continue with the sale of the lease, then of course I would have kept you informed and you would’ve had the opportunity to buy.” Trevor paused for effect. “But not everything is about money.”

I gave Trevor an appreciative smile.

Tobias muttered something under his breath and glowered around the shop interior. Behind us, there was the intermittent sound of hammering.

My annoyance was fast reaching a critical level. Talk about making inaccurate and sweeping assumptions. He might look like Kit Harington, but he was arrogant and judgemental.

Trevor adjusted his round spectacles. “Anyway, I’m rather confused. Why are you here in Bracken Way? Just visiting? We’re not exactly close to Glasgow here.”

Tobias’s expression changed. He performed an awkward shrug. “I’m thinking about moving back.”

Back? I studied him. Tobias was from Bracken Way too?

His uncle’s dark eyes widened. There was an uneasy wobble to his voice. “What, here? You mean, permanently?”

Tobias shifted from foot to foot. “Well, I don’t mean to Gotham City.”

My optimism plummeted through the floor. If this nephew of Trevor’s did relocate to the area, what would that mean for me? Would he be frequenting Book Ends, interfering in everything? I bloody hoped not!

His stunned uncle considered this for a few moments. “Right. I see. Well, that’s a surprise. I wouldn’t have thought Bracken Way would be your cup of tea anymore.”

“Why?”

Trevor floundered around. “Too quiet and provincial perhaps.”

Tobias fidgeted again. “I feel like I need a change of scene. And anyway, I do come from here, if you remember.”

A strange expression flashed across Trevor’s face. “Yes. Of course, I remember.” He eyed Tobias from under furrowed brows. “But I thought you loved living in Glasgow. And what about your gallery there? You can’t just walk away from that?”