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Callum stared at Lexi. For some reason, he happened to glance out of the shop window and saw another train crash heading his way. ‘Oh, no.’
‘Callum, what’s wrong?’ asked Thea.
What was wrong was that his two best friends were heading towards the bookshop. ‘Not now, not today,’ said Callum under his breath. He quickly plonked the tray down on the coffee table, slopping the tea. ‘One sec, I’ll be right back. Er … help yourself to biscuits.’
Callum dashed out of the shop.
‘Callum!’ Jack spotted him. ‘There you are. We came to Aldeburgh today.’
‘And we spotted your van parked along the beach near the car park,’ commented Beth. ‘Or rather, Fergus did.’
Jack added, ‘We thought we’d find you here, in your bookshop. How’s it going? Got a buyer yet, or have you decided to stay on after all and run it yourself?’
Oh, god. Oh, god.Callum glanced at the bookshop. He could see Thea sitting on the couch, craning her neck, looking his way. He turned back to his friends. It had never occurred to him that they would turn up. But it should have. He’d told them where he was; it was only a matter of time before they showed their faces, especially as Beth did business with Lili across the yard in The Potting Shed.
‘Aren’t you going to show us around?’ asked Jack.
Callum vehemently shook his head. ‘It’s not ready. Come back on opening day. I’ll be in touch and tell you when that is.’
Beth frowned. ‘But we’re here now, and I can see people in your shop.’
‘Oh, er … they’re just friends, helping out.’
‘You’ve made new friends? We’d like to meet them.’
Callum was still shaking his head. ‘No, that’s not a good idea.’
‘Why ever not?’
Callum caught Jack staring at him. ‘Oh.’
Beth looked at her husband. ‘What do you mean – oh?’
Jack said, ‘It’s her – isn’t it?’
Callum took a deep breath. ‘Look, she doesn’t know – all right. She found the keys. She thinks … she doesn’t know about me, about the fact that dad …’ he trailed off.
‘So, you think it’s true.’
Callum nodded at Jack. ‘I do.’
Beth looked from Jack to Callum. ‘What’s going on? Did I miss something?’
‘Please, please, don’t say anything,’ said Callum cupping his hands together. ‘She knows I’m famous, and I grew up in Scotland. That’s it. Don’t, for god’s sake, mention Henry!’
Jack nodded. ‘All right. But when are you going to tell her?’
‘After the reopening of the bookshop.’
‘Is that before or after you put it up for sale?’ Jack glared at him. ‘You’ve got to tell her, mate.’
‘Guys!’ Beth got their attention. ‘What is going on?’
Jack turned to Beth. ‘I’ll tell you when we get home. But if we’re going to go in the shop, just keep your mouth shut.’
‘What?’
‘Callum?’ Thea called out. ‘Are these your friends?’
