Page 40 of The Bookshop By the Loch

“Thank you.” I gestured at him. “Likewise.”

His mouth broke into a stunning grin, exposing his perfect teeth and my stomach performed an impressive backflip. Good grief! I’d never seen him smile like that before. It lit up his eyes. I felt like I’d been winded.

Mum, Trevor, Chloe and Grandpa, who was nursing yet another cup of tea by the counter, joined Rhiannon in exchanging meaningful glances with one another.

“I can understand what you meant when you said your mind has been on other things,” hissed Rhiannon, giving Tobias an appreciative once over as he moved away to illuminate his gallery. “Who’s the dishy Jon Snow lookalike?”

I hoped my face wasn’t scarlet. “Tobias Black. He’s the bookshop owner’s nephew. He also owns the portrait gallery section just behind you, Mirror Image.”

As if on cue, Tobias returned and introduced himself to Rhiannon. Her attention trailed after him, once they’d exchanged handshakes and a few words.

She observed him inspecting his paintings. Then she waggled her plucked eyebrows at me in a suggestive way.

I clapped my hands together for something to do and ignored her dancing brows. “We’re work associates. He pays his uncle rent to use the space. That’s it.”

“How boring,” joked Rhiannon. Her attention flitted in Tobias’s direction again. “I wouldn’t be getting any work done if I had someone like him to look at every day.”

I waved my hand, keen to change the subject. “Anyway, enough about Tobias. I’m still reeling from you being here. When did you arrive? Where are you staying?”

She flicked some hair back from her face. “I drove up last night and I’m staying at The Drawbridge.”

“And how long are you here for?”

“Till Monday afternoon. Thought I’d make the most of the bank holiday weekend.” She threw me a cheeky smile. “We can catch up, have a laugh… discuss why a brilliant editor like you has left us in the lurch…”

I narrowed my eyes at her. “Don’t make me regret having you as my best friend.”

“Ok, ok,” agreed Rhiannon with a dramatic sigh. “Point taken. The wine and chocolates will be on me.”

Half past nine saw the arrival of Tobias’s trio of gazelle-like members of staff. They trotted in, wobbling about in needle-thin heels, black shirts and tight trousers. They looked more like they were a superstar singer’s glamorous backing vocalists.

Octavia was a highlighted blonde who swished her hair around a lot; Suki was a statuesque brunette with a gravelly laugh; and Anais had stunning looks and seemed far more interested in our books than Tobias’s portraits.

They awarded us megawatt smiles from their lofty positions in Mirror Image, when they weren’t flirting with Tobias.

Not that I was bothered about that, I assured myself.

10am arrived in a final flurry of activity and panic.

The trestle tables were covered in the brilliant-white fluttery tablecloths and glinting champagne flutes.

The bookcase contents were appreciated, browsed, examined and in many cases, purchased. People were relaxed and wreathed in smiles, appreciating the late May bank holiday weekend weather and the bustle of Bracken Way.

Some locals drifted around, savouring the atmosphere, appreciating the array of books and sipping their champagne.

Others took a few moments to examine the books they’d just bought.

Compliments flowed, as did the champagne and there was a general feeling of optimism and delight for the new-look Book Ends.

Mum was a godsend, making sure glasses were topped up.

My grandfather, meanwhile, joined Trevor, Chloe and me behind the counter, serving customers, chatting about the cricket on TV and sliding purchased books into our jazzy new gift bags.

The joint opening of Mirror Image saw arty friends of Tobias, critics and intrigued customers mingling and exchanging pleasantries with the bookshop customers. I overheard snatches of his conversations, discussing blending surfaces, intermediate colours and citrus turpentine.

Tobias observed a couple of ladies, armed with their purchased copies of two dark thrillers, stroll into his domain to admire his portraits and ask details about his work.

One even purchased a smaller print of his little girl and teddy portrait.