Page 101 of The Sugar and Spice Bookshop Bakery

‘The bakery part is. And I’ve some books for sale in the main part of the shop. But the book nooks in the garden aren’t. I’m planning a grand opening, inviting the whole village along.’

‘I hope you’re going to ask your favourite author along to cut the ribbon at the opening,’ Sheila says.

‘Yeah, I’ll see if Rosie Hartwell is free that day,’ Louise says.

‘Oi!’ Sheila punches Louise’s arm playfully.

‘Would you seriously come? After all that’s happened?’

‘Only if there’s a ribbon. I have always wanted to cut a ribbon.’ She makes a snipping gesture in the air with two fingers, then pauses. ‘And perhaps Brian and Axel could come along too?’

‘Brian? Axel?’

‘Brian’s the police dog handler and Axel’s his dog. I told you about them – they come on TV with me.’ She steps a little closer to Louise and lowers her voice. ‘Brian’s rather lovely actually. But paws off – I saw him first.’

Thirty-Four

The Sugar and Spice Bookshop Bakery is ready to open. Well, almost. Anna is in the kitchen, finalizing what food they’ll serve for the grand opening. Jack is building one last set of shelves for the crime nook. Maddie is beavering away from London, posting pictures on social media and writing a press release for the local newspaper. Louise is arranging – and re-arranging – books on the shelves at the very front of the bakery. She just can’t make her mind up where everything should go.

The door opens and Louise looks up from arranging a display of cookery books. Her heart sinks. Miss Anderson and her cronies are filing in, removing their hats and coats with that air of entitlement they always seem to have.

They settle at their usual table by the window. Louise takes a deep breath and goes over to take their order.

‘The usual?’ she asks, forcing a smile.

‘Yes, please,’ says one of the GMGs.

As Louise turns away to fetch their order, Miss Anderson says, ‘So the whole village is invited to this grand opening of yours?’

‘They are,’ Louise says, then hurries off towards the coffee machine, offering up a silent prayer that Miss Anderson won’t come. Why would she? Who’d go to the opening of a business that they so vehemently disapprove of? That’s owned by a person they detest? Well, not much happens in Applethwaite, she supposes. You take your entertainment where you can.

‘Could you plate up this cake order, please, Anna?’ she calls through the serving hatch as she makes a start on the drinks. She catches Miss Anderson’s voice carrying across the bakery. The woman is making no attempt to keep her conversation private – she clearly wants the whole place to overhear.

‘…causing more traffic and added noise in the village ..’

Louise’s hand freezes on the coffee machine.

‘…and there’s nowhere to park. Mark my words, it’ll be a disaster.’

Louise sets down a mug with more force than necessary. Anna, who’s about to take a tray of cakes over to the GMGS, looks at her nervously.

‘I’ll take those.’ Louise practically snatches the tray off her.

She carries it over, plonking it unceremoniously in front of them, and snarls, ‘I’ll bring your drinks over in a minute.’

Miss Anderson is still holding forth. ‘The level of service in this place! And don’t get me started on those dreadful shacks in the garden. It looks like a shanty town! They lower the tone of the entire village.’

Louise’s hands are trembling. Her heart pounds.

Until the words are actually out of her mouth, she isn’t sure she’s really going to say it. ‘I’m just wondering why you’re so against the bookshop bakery. You’ve been in here often enough, been quite happy to drink my coffee and eat my bakes.’ She gestures at the ginger cake.

The other customers have gone quiet. Everyone’s too busy watching.

‘I’m not against the bakery,’ Miss Anderson says primly. ‘There’s been a bakery in this village for many years.’

‘Yes, I’m aware of that. My gran started the business. You’d think that as a former English teacher, you’d love to see a bookshop in the village, encouraging everyone to read.’

‘I’m not against you selling a few books.’ Miss Anderson gestures at the shelves inside the shop. ‘Although I’d question some of your literary choices. You’ll be pandering to the masses, no doubt, but in principle, your bookshelves are a nice addition to your little shop.’