Page 44 of The Bookshop By the Loch

“No. It’s not a coincidence. One of my old fishing buddies who I still keep in touch with from here told me about you and the bookshop.”

I let out a burst of loud, sarcastic laughter. “No, don’t tell me. Let me guess. It wouldn’t happen to be that old reprobate Gilbert Guthrie by any chance, would it? That man couldn’t hold his own water.”

Dad gave a self-conscious nod. “Yes. Gilbert told me a few weeks ago that today was the official re-opening.”

I couldn’t disguise my sarcasm. “And you just thought you’d fly across the Atlantic and turn up in Bracken Way today to wish us well. Pity you weren’t so considerate twenty-three years ago.”

Rhiannon rubbed at her eyes, embarrassment still gripping her. She let out an audible groan, as she shuffled from foot to foot in her trendy suit. “I had no idea who he was. I feel like this is all my fault. I’m so sorry.” She dug her manicured nails into her bag. “He just started chatting to me. I think he must have overheard me talking about the bookshop opening to Lester and thought I could get him in here.” She closed her eyes for a few moments. “If I’d known he was your dad, I would never have brought him here.” She noticed my stormy expression. “I’m so sorry, Lexie.”

“No need to apologise. My dad has always been a smooth talker. That was part of the problem.”

My father flinched and struggled to look at me.

Rhiannon was still blushing. “I still feel awful about it though, especially today.”

I rubbed at my exhausted face. “Look, let’s forget it,” I said with added emphasis. “It isn’t important.”

Trevor desperately tried to melt the frosty atmosphere. “We’ve had a lovely day and the relaunch has got Book Ends off to a wonderful new phase.”

I wrapped my arms around myself, my shocked gaze now morphing into a furious one at my father. “Well, whatever the reason is that you decided to show up today, I want you to leave. Now.”

My dad took a hesitant step towards me. “Lexie. Please. All I’m asking is for a few minutes to talk to you.”

I was shaking my head so much; I was in danger of dislodging my up-do. “No. I’m busy.”

It was then that Trevor suggested he and Chloe head home.

They both grabbed their things, eager to give my father and me some space.

I thanked them again for all their hard work. I got the impression that after the soap opera they’d just witnessed, they were relieved to leave Book Ends behind for the day!

I hugged Trevor and Chloe and watched them leave, exchanging smiles and chatter as they went.

Rhiannon, meanwhile, continued to shuffle awkwardly, apologising for the twentieth time, until I asked her to go and buy us a bottle of something crisp and white for later.

I gave her a reassuring squeeze. “Honestly, it’s fine. He played you. He has an ability, don’t you, Dad? Don’t give it another thought.”

My father blanched as we watched Rhiannon disappear up the sun-spilt high street and head back towards her hotel.

I swung round to face my father. “I don’t want you here, Dad. We have nothing to say to each other.”

I waited, but still he hovered.

“Lexie. That’s not true. I have something to say to you.”

I made a noise that was a cross between a laugh and a bewildered snort. “Whatever it is, I don’t want to hear it. You’ve had a wasted journey. Now go.”

A strained silence permeated.

“I think you should leave, sir.” Tobias was polite, but his voice was laced with assertiveness. I’d momentarily forgotten that Tobias was still here with us.

Undeterred, my father pressed on regardless. “Please, Lexie.”

I scowled.

“What bit of piss off don’t you understand?” I shrieked, biting back a sob in my voice.

Tobias stepped forward. “Sir, you can see you’re upsetting your daughter.”