‘I can tell.’ Taff’s colour turned ruddy. ‘By the way, did your old woman come banging on the door? I screwed up and let it slip before—’
‘It’s okay.’ He grabbed his friend’s arm. ‘In fact, I want to thank you.’
‘What the bloody hell for? She wasn’t after getting her claws into you again, was she?’
‘No!’ Gage told a brief version of what had happened with Victoria and ended by reiterating that Taff had done him a big favour. He noticed Tamara gesturing towards the people waiting at the till. ‘I’m sorry, but I’ve got to get back to work.’
‘No rest for the wicked. If the offer’s open, I’ll pop down another day and we can have a few pints for old times.’
‘Anytime, Taff, you know that.’
‘Off you go, Prof, and sell your precious books.’ Taff chuckled. ‘If you can bear to part with them.’
Out of nowhere he hugged his old friend, both unsure which of them was the most startled. Breaking it off to go and serve saved them both from further embarrassment.
At first, Gage had been stiff and awkward with customers, unsure how to act or speak, but gradually he’d learned to allow his love of books free rein. Gage made a point of delving into what customers were looking for in a way the online retailers could never emulate. They might be cheaper, but his shop’s personal service couldn’t be rivalled. The next challenge was how to build up his customer base once the initial novelty of having a local bookshop wore off, but he relished having something to get his teeth into.
‘Come on, Prof. We’ve got books to sell.’ Tamara appeared by his side.
With all the emphasis on Christmas today, it reminded him that the big day loomed in a little more than a fortnight and he still hadn’t bought her a present. What could possibly top everything she’d already given him? Now that reallywasa challenge.
Chapter Twenty-Six
‘Do you think anyone would miss us if we don’t turn up for the quiz?’ Gage flopped on one of the shop’s easy chairs and his face fell into deep, tired creases.
Tamara could see one drawback to this new job was the need to be on his feet more than was ideal. Once the café opened and hopefully brought in more business, he should be able to afford to hire an assistant. She certainly couldn’t be in two places at the same time.
‘I suppose it was a good idea of Pixie’s to shift the quiz and have it a week earlier than usual. No one would’ve wanted to do it on Boxing Day. I’m sure we aren’t the only ones, though, who wouldn’t have minded a bit if it was cancelled this month,’ she said. ‘I suspect it’s all part of Pixie’s determination to keep busy and stop her dwelling on Christos’s shitty behaviour. She’s far more shaken up than she’s willing to admit. Betrayal takes a long time to get past. I know.’ She shook her head. ‘I let it rule me far too long.’
Gage’s dark eyes locked with hers.
‘Not any longer though.’
‘Good.’ He tugged her over onto his lap. ‘Letting go of the hard stuff is... hard.’
His quirky smile melted her heart.
‘What do you think I should do about this?’ He pulled out his wallet and extracted a crumpled piece of paper.
Tamara recognised Becky’s neat handwriting. This was the first time he’d shown any interest in discussing whether or not to reach out to his father. The old adage about leading a horse to water couldn’t be truer.
‘It needs to be your decision, not mine.’
‘But if you were me, you’d contact him?’
‘How can I know? I’ve never been in that position. My dad was the loveliest man, who worshipped my mum and treated Tracy and me like princesses.’ She choked back a sob. ‘Losing him when Toby was little, and then my mum not long after, was the worst thing ever.’
‘I can’t begin to imagine.’ He looked stricken. ‘Family dynamics are a minefield for me.’
‘I totally get that. Even though it’s been a long time now, every year when Christmas comes around, I feel their absence like it just happened. All the advertisers conjure up images of loving families gathered around the dinner table, smiling and laughing and opening presents together. But is that the reality for most people?’ A few steadying breaths kept her going. ‘That’s the main reason Pixie started the Spirit of Christmas meal and I willingly got involved.’ Her smile re-emerged. ‘I know we haven’t talked about how we’ll spend Christmas, but I hope you’re good with us joining in? There’s generally about thirty of us from all around the village. We’re a mixed bunch of couples who don’t want to eat alone, families who can’t afford to make a proper Christmas dinner and lots of singles of course. No one judges. No one asks why you’re there. Everyone is welcome.’
‘Sounds wonderful to me. It’ll remind me of being back in the marines, but hopefully with better food.’ Gage chuckled. ‘It never used to bother me, being on duty over the holidays, but a lot of the younger blokes and the family men found it hard. We made the best of it, though.’
‘Pixie likes to get a rough idea of numbers, so I’ll sign us up.’
‘What about Toby and Chloe?’
‘He’s already told me he’s working Christmas Eve night, but he and Chloe will join us on Christmas Day at the pub. On Boxing Day morning, they’re heading upcountry to see Chloe’s parents.’
