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“What if I don't like the book? Do I lie?” she asks me worriedly.
“There will be something in there you do, so focus on that. Be as honest as you can without giving too much away.” I lean over, picking a book off the shelf. It’s a thriller, which I loved. “This book kept me on the edge of my seat, so much was happening and yet I still had no idea who the killer was. It was gritty and sad, so well written, thick with detail and intrigue.”
“Well, I kind of want to read that one now.” She laughs, and I hand it to her.
“Just remember to drop it back in the basket upstairs.”
“So is your house like a huge library?” Keeley wonders, following me across the floor.
“Not yet.” I have so many plans for the house, but I didn’t want to throw Beau out of the loop with too much change, it washard enough for her moving to Richmond and her grandfather no longer being here, I want to ease the changes in. The kitchen was always big enough for a dining table, so I plan to move that in there and make the dining room a library and snug. I need to find someone who can build me shelves. I don't want or need anything too fancy. “Beau and I are still adjusting to being back and getting into a routine.”
“Oh, did you live here before then?” Keeley wonders.
“Yes, my father recently passed and left the house to me. I grew up here but moved away in my teens. It's good to be back.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Keeley murmurs, looking suddenly awkward. My father was a hermit, and given how young Keeley is, it’s no surprise she is unaware.
“Thanks, Beau loves being here.” I clear my throat and pick at my shirt. “In fact, do you know anyone who can make me some shelves? The company I hired for the shop, although great, was pricey, and I want to find someone a bit cheaper this time.”
“Oh yes, Cameron Stone. He is the local handyman he also makes custom-made furniture, decking and fencing. He does a bit of everything, plus he is really hot.” She laughs.
“Oh right, is there anyone else?” I ask, moving to neaten a shelf up now that there are fewer books.
“Why would you want anyone else?” She giggles.
“Cameron and I don’t see eye to eye, so if you do know someone else, I’d appreciate it if you could let me know.”
“Oh.” She looks flummoxed. “Sorry, I didn’t know. I can ask around.”
“Great, so is there anything else you need to know before next week?” I ask quickly and check my watch. “I'm due to collect Beau in about half an hour.”
“No, that’s it. I think we should be good to go on Monday. It’s Emily who starts too, right?”
“Yes, she works at the summer club, but with school starting, she needs to find another job. You’ll like her.”
“I think I’ve seen her about.”
“She’s lovely. Thanks for coming in today, Keeley. I'm looking forward to us working together.” I open the door for her and smile as she steps through.
“Me too. Thanks, Holly, see ya!”
As I turn back to go inside, I catch sight of Cameron’s wife watching me from across the other side of the green.
Is she bothered by my return?
I never returned for Cameron; I honestly never thought he would be here. He’d had his whole life planned out, university, a job in London where I could visit during my weekends between studies. He’d wanted to be in banking, so how come he is doing joinery work? I peek through the window and see his wife still flicking glances this way. Cameron has been out of my life for so long, I never suspected we’d meet again or that he would be a part of my life. And I don't want him to be. Am I shocked I still find him attractive? Yes, but that's skin deep. I know that below that flawless exterior is someone who can harm, who isn’t loyal. Beneath is ugly. Desperate to not be consumed by my thoughts, I check my emails and confirm the baked goods with Danielle for opening. Everything is as it should be and we’re ready to open. I could have pulled the date forwards, but I wanted to give myself plenty of time to adjust to having a new schedule and getting everything prepared. I’ve offered an opening discount for each book purchased to rally some business, and with being such a small community, there are always fetes, events and celebrations to pull more customers through the door.
I arrive at the summer club and find Beau sitting with Grace playing with stables and horses, each girl putting on a voice and speaking for the horse. It's so cute and exactly what I envisionedfor my little girl when I returned home. “My mane is the longest in the stables,” Grace says, flicking the horse to waft its hair.
“My hooves are the shiniest.” Beau giggles, and they begin clip clopping on the carpet, and that’s when I feel a presence beside me. I twist, seeing Dan smiling down at both girls.
“Hello,” he whispers and drops a look to Grace, who must sense he is here.
“Daddy!” She laughs, scrambling up his front as I make the connection.
“Hey, squirt, this looks fun.” Unlike other parents who collect their child and hotfoot it out the door, Dan sits, taking up plenty of space on the carpet. He grabs a pony and makes a poor attempt at neighing. I can’t help it. I laugh, and the girls do too, because his impression is terrible.
“Okay, I'm no horse.” He holds his hands up, smiling. I'm still coming to grips with the realisation that I had this whole situation wrong.
