The Little Book Café: Emma’s Story

Emma refused to rise to the bait. In truth, she didn’t know how to. She got on with most people she met and was fairly easy-going. This immediate and undeserved antagonism was new to her. ‘It’s Emma,’ she answered, equably. ‘And I never really knew what I wanted to do.’ She shrugged. ‘Did a few dead-end jobs, pubs and waitressing mostly, and then joined here when I was twenty-two. Liked it, so I stayed.’

‘Emma’s skill is her ability to hone in on what people want,’ Tash said, loyally. ‘I’ve yet to meet anyone she couldn’t charm. In this business it’s people skills as well as qualifications that get the job done.’ She smiled. ‘That, and the ability to stay calm when all around you is chaos.’

‘And that is my real talent,’ Emma put in, laughing. ‘If you live with a family like mine, it’s a developed survival tactic.’

‘Fascinating,’ Leona said, making it clear it was anything but. ‘So neither of you have any qualifications beyond school?’

Tash and Emma’s eyes met. ‘Nope,’ they said in unison.

‘Oh.’

The phone rang, piercing the frozen silence and making them jump. Emma rose to answer it. ‘I don’t know if I’ll be able to manage this,’ she muttered. ‘What with only my GCSEs and all.’

Tash shot her a look. ‘Let’s go into the back office, shall we, Leona? I can fill you in a bit more and we can agree on your workload for this week.’ They got up and disappeared through the kitchen.

Emma watched them. She and Tash got on well and had done so ever since they’d begun working together. Despite Tash being her boss, they were more like friends. She hoped the arrival of Leona, who had the makings of being a prize A bitch, wouldn’t change that. Fervently praying that it was just first day nerves that had made the woman so unlikeable, she picked up the phone. She put on her best estate agent’s voice and answered it.

Chapter 3 (#ua81c0a23-8d0a-5e2b-b634-c24dc76f87a9)

The creamy evening September sunshine, shining through the vast, double-height windows of the reading area in Millie’s bookshop, turned everyone a mellow autumnal shade. Since its launch, the previous month, the bookshop had turned into a roaring success. Much to the relief of owners, married couple Millie and Jed, and manager Amy. Even at this late hour there were people downstairs in the main shop, browsing the bookshelves and enjoying its unique, chilled atmosphere.

Emma looked around at the mezzanine reading area with admiration. ‘Another book group.’ She rubbed her hands together. ‘I love it! Millie and Jed have made a real success of this place – and in such a short space of time too. It’s a fabby extension to their café.’

‘I know,’ Tash answered. ‘Doesn’t seem five minutes since the launch party last month. I’m so pleased for her. I really admire her – so hardworking. She had a shitty time when her parents died. Had to give up going to university and everything. Instead of feeling sorry for herself, she took over the café and worked 24-7. And it’s lovely to see her so happy with Jed too. She deserves all the happiness she can get.’ She sipped her wine appreciatively. ‘The catering is always great at book club too.’

Emma eyed her. ‘You going soft in your old age? Not like you to be sentimental.’

‘Nothing sentimental about it. Millie just gets on with things and I respect that. I’ve got to know her a bit better lately at the commerce meetings and she’s always full of enthusiasm about everything she does. And she’s got a lot on her plate too. The café, the wedding planning business, and now this place.’

‘Just as well she’s got Petra in to manage the café, then.’ Emma winked salaciously. ‘Mind you, I’d be pretty motivated to get into work too, if I worked alongside a husband who looked like Jed Henville. There’s something about him that makes me very … enthusiastic.’

Tash laughed. ‘Emma, it’s about time you stopped lusting over other men, isn’t it? What with you having the lovely Ollie in tow.’

‘Ollie is lovely,’ Emma said, robustly. ‘But I’ve still got eyes, haven’t I? And hormones. No harm in looking. Keeps the blood flowing, or so my Auntie Tess says.’ She screwed up her face in a leer, a picture of Jed’s blond hair, wicked brown eyes and long legs springing into her mind. ‘And come on, Tash, have you seen the man?’

‘He’s very easy on the eye, I agree,’ Tash agreed, serenely. ‘And, more importantly, he is completely and utterly besotted with his wife, Millie,’ she said, emphasizing the word “wife”.

‘As if I’d do anything to stop that! Even if I could. Great believer in the sanctity of marriage, me.’

‘Are you?’ Tash looked at her curiously. ‘I never knew that.’

‘Yup. You might think it’s old-fashioned but I think marriage is the only way. Got some great examples in my family. Mum and Dad, Uncle Ken and Aunty Tess. They bicker like crazy but they love each other to bits, really. That’s what I want. Eventually.’ Emma stuck her nose into her glass and swallowed some wine, aware she might have revealed too much. She and Tash didn’t often get this deep. She deflected the focus back onto Tash. ‘And here’s you, all loved up with a fit new man.’ Emma made googly eyes. ‘You’re still at the stage when you don’t notice anyone else, let alone a hottie. Maybe it’ll be you asking Millie to plan a wedding next. How long’s it been now?’

‘Since I got together with Kit?’

‘And said bye-bye to Arsehole Adrian.’

‘Two weeks, one day and …’ Tash glanced at her watch. ‘Three hours.’

‘Aw. So sweet. Still counting the hours,’ Emma teased. ‘Seriously, though, I can’t tell you how happy I am for you, babe. You look as if you’ve won the Lottery.’

Tash burst out laughing and Emma wondered why. ‘Something like that.’ She smiled, radiating joy. ‘I can’t believe I’ve only known Kit for a month or so. It feels like a lifetime.’

‘Hopefully in the right way.’

‘Oh yes. In absolutely the right way.’

‘Any news on the legal stuff?’ Tash’s ex-boyfriend had been accused of raping several women in Manchester and Emma knew the pending court case was hovering like a thundercloud over Tash’s new life with Kit. Because Adrian had abused Tash too, she might be called to give evidence.

Tash shook her head. ‘Early days yet.’ She forced a bright smile. ‘Let’s not spoil a good evening at the book club with mention of any of that, shall we?’

Emma put a finger to her lips. ‘Point taken, boss.’ In an attempt to lighten the atmosphere, she added, ‘At least my hair won’t be quite as obvious this evening.’ She giggled as they sat down and she glanced around. ‘Everyone’s gone orange in this light.’

Tash looked amused. ‘Why on earth did you want to dye it, Em? Your natural light brown is lovely.’

‘Mouse, you mean.’ Emma took a mouthful of wine. ‘Boring.’ She shrugged. ‘Just wanted a change. Be more Demelza.’

‘Who?’

‘Tash!’ Emma said, aghast. ‘Demelza. You know. Married Ross Poldark. “Be More Demelza” is my new mantra for life.’

‘Oh right. Poldark. Watched bits of the first series but never really got into it.’

Emma watched as Tash’s eyes were drawn to where Kit was sitting talking to Biddy, another book group member.

‘And I don’t have time for TV now,’ Tash said. ‘We’re expecting another donkey this weekend. Had to get another stable ready.’

‘You and Kit really going ahead with this animal sanctuary idea, then?’

‘Think so. It seems a good way to use the land he’s bought and you wouldn’t believe how many need a safe home, especially horses. Kit’s so passionate about rescuing animals. He’s had yet another batch of battery chickens this week. He’s marvellous with them.’ Kit sensed he was being discussed and looked over. Tash blushed.

Emma’s lips curled in amusement. ‘So loved-up,’ she teased.

‘You could say that.’

‘And you’re sure Arsehole Adrian hasn’t made contact? No more creepy stalkery stuff?’

‘Nope. Thank God.’

Emma reached for the wine bottle and refilled their glasses, then grabbed a handful of kettle chips. She was munching a mouthful when a woman joined them.

‘Hello, Natasha – oh, and Emma too.’ It was Marti Cavendish, another book group member and an ex-neighbour of Tash’s. She slid herself down onto the sofa next to them and sipped her wine, one little finger cocked. ‘I hadn’t realized you were selling up?’

‘What do you mean, Marti?’

Emma felt her friend go rigid and cursed Marti. Tash had had a rough time last month and, with the court case pending, she was finding it difficult to get closure over her life with Adrian. She didn’t need any reminders about her abusive ex-boyfriend and his executive four bed on the new estate on the edge of town.

Marti made an innocent face. ‘Oh dear. Have I made a teeny faux pas? There’s a for sale sign outside where you lived with Adrian. Of course, I may have the wrong house but you are number forty-seven, aren’t you?’