‘Oh no! Hopefully that’ll sort itself out soon.’
‘Fingers crossed, because by the time I get to nine a.m. all my chores are done and sometimes it feels like a very long day.’
‘You can always nip across and tidy up our place,’ Pippa suggested with a huge grin on her face.
‘There’s nothing like a bit of cheek,’ Irene replied, smiling across at Pippa before delving into her purse. ‘I’ll get these – my treat.’
Taking the signed Sam Stone novel out of her bag, Elle placed it on the table, knowing everyone would be excited to see it.
When Rona brought the slices of cake and drinks to the table, she noticed the book. ‘Is this the signed one? I’ve heard all about this. You were the talk of the teashop yesterday. Rumour has it the whole thing is a complete mystery.’
‘It is, but surely it can’t stay a mystery for ever,’ added Elle, looking around the table.
‘May I?’ Rona asked.
‘Of course!’ Elle handed her the book.
Rona handled it carefully and opened it to read the inscription. ‘Elle, this is simply amazing,’ she said.
‘I know,’ I replied.
Rona gestured to Felicity to come across. She was soon by her mum’s side. ‘Tell Elle what we found out on the internet about Sam Stone.’ The page was still held open on the inscription.
‘If this is real then it’s very valuable. He barely autographs books. In fact, from what we read it sounds like he’s signed less than twenty books … ever.’
Elle’s eyes widened. ‘If that’s true, then how and why have I got an autographed copy? I really wish I knew.’
‘You’re extremely lucky as whoever has organised this must have friends in high places. I wouldn’t let that copy out of your sight.’ Felicity returned to her table and Rona handed the book back, leaving Elle wondering how exactly this fantastic birthday present came to be in her possession.
‘Whoever organised this won’t be able to keep it a secret for ever,’ Irene said confidently, smiling up at Mim, who had come over to take a look at the book.
‘Wow! This is amazing,’ Mim said, taking the book from Eleni. ‘I just heard what Felicity was saying and she’s right. Sam Stone barely autographs any copies. This is just incredible. And talking of Sam Stone… With Aiden’s bit of news added into the mix, this is going to be a book club to remember.’
‘What do you mean, “talking of Sam Stone”?’ asked Pippa.
‘You’ll have to wait and see…’ Mim had a huge smile on her face. She clapped her hands together to get everyone’s attention before standing in her usual spot at the front of the teashop. Pippa whispered, ‘She is such a tease! There must be something in the water tonight. First Aiden with his secrets and now Mim.’
Aiden grinned. ‘But soon you’ll know everything.’
A moment later, Mim was explaining why this week’s choice of book had her hooked from the very first page. Then everyone listened intently to each other’s points of view and discussed various aspects of the plot before it was time to choose the next read. Mim and the room fell silent as they watched Rona pass a cardboard box over the counter. Elle knew by the look on Mim’s face that whatever was in that box was something special. ‘You’re not going to be disappointed,’ confirmed Mim, looking around the room. She flipped open the lid and pulled out a paperback, which she hugged to her chest before turning the cover around for everyone to see.
‘Ta-dah!’ she chirped. ‘Here’s the book club’s next read. This is the new thriller by—’
‘Noah Jones,’ Pippa finished, giving Elle a tiny nudge.
‘How has Mim managed to get all those copies of his brand-new book when we’ve not even got our library copy yet?’ Elle whispered to Pippa, who shrugged.
Mim continued. ‘But I don’t recommend you take this one to bed with you.’
‘I bet you want to take it to bed with you,’ Pippa whispered discreetly with a wicked glint in her eye.
‘Otherwise you’ll be sleeping with the light on,’ added Mim. ‘And we’re lucky to have a free copy each.’ Min grabbed a handful and began to hand them out.
‘Has anyone read anything by Noah before?’ Mim asked the group. A number of readers nodded and began reeling off some of Noah’s previous book titles.
‘He’s very swoonworthy, isn’t he, Elle?’ said Irene. ‘He came into the library, was it around June time?’
‘July the fifteenth,’ replied Elle.
