Page 108 of The Sugar and Spice Bookshop Bakery

Graham is the last person she wants to see at the opening of her new business, but she can hardly tell his daughter that.

‘I can’t wait to show him the book nooks,’ Maddie says. ‘Especially Narnia.’

‘I can’t wait for everyone to see the book nooks. They’re so beautiful.’

‘Before we open, I’m going to take more photos of them, now the books are on the shelves. Then I’ll do loads of posts on social media. See if I can create a bit of a buzz.’

Theo is back at the table now, grasping three drinks precariously in his hands.

‘It’s Cabernet,’ he says, pushing a glass of red towards Louise. ‘They didn’t have the Val… the one you asked for. Not by the glass. Hope that’s okay.’

‘Thank you.’ She turns to Maddie. ‘Sheila confirmed she’s coming, with the police dog and his handler.’

‘That’ll be great for the socials,’ Maddie says. ‘This business is going to fly. I just know it.’

Theo makes a sound – not quite a laugh, not quite a cough. ‘Most small businesses fail in the first year.’

‘Theo!’ Maddie’s smile falters.

‘What? I was just saying.’

Louise’s fingers tighten on her wine glass. ‘Well, aren’t you a ray of sunshine.’

‘I’m just saying. Don’t most people read e-books now? And buy their books on Amazon?’

‘Not everyone,’ says Louise.

Maddie frowns at her boyfriend. ‘Independent bookshops are really popular. Plus, it’s got a bakery.’

‘A bakery which has been successful for three generations,’ Louise adds.

‘I’m sure it has,’ Theo says in a tone that belies the fact he doesn’t quite believe her.

Louise wants to leave. Wants to drag her stepdaughter out with her, shake her, ask her why on earth she’s staying in a relationship with this insufferable man.

But she doesn’t. She sips her wine, then glances at the bar, where Tom is polishing the same glass over and over, unable to take his eyes off Maddie.

Thirty-Six

On the day of the grand opening of the Sugar and Spice Bookshop Bakery, a package arrives on Louise’s doorstep, just in time.

Louise rips off the brown paper. Miss Anderson’s books!

Considering they’re second-hand, the copies are in excellent condition. In fact, two appear never to have been read. One copy has evidence of its previous owner turning corners of pages rather than using a bookmark – seriously, why do people do that? – but, on the whole, Louise is pleased with her purchases, and gives The Silent Garden pride of place on her local authors’ shelves in the main part of the shop. Miss Anderson can’t fail to spot them there.

The bakery has been closed for the day, much to the irritation of the locals, who seemingly can’t manage without their fix of Granny’s ginger cake for an entire twenty-four hours. Anna is holed up in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on a delicious selection of savoury canapés and miniature cakes, which Elizabeth is arranging on plates and trays.

‘How many people are we expecting?’ she asks for the umpteenth time.

Louise shrugs. ‘Worst case scenario, no one will come. Imagine. How mortifying would that be, with the local paper here and Sheila standing there cutting a ribbon. But on the other hand, the entire village might show up.’

‘Do you think I’ve made enough?’ Anna gestures at the cling-film-wrapped trays she’s prepared, that cover every inch of work surface in the kitchen.

‘I’m sure you have,’ Louise says. ‘And it’s just a little bite anyway. They’ll all go home afterwards and have their tea.’

At half past two, Maddie arrives with Theo, who is, as usual, on his phone.

‘He had to leave work early yesterday,’ Maddie says, ‘so he’s catching up on a few things.’