‘Wouldn’t miss it for the world.’ Stella smiled. ‘I came straight from chambers; stopped off briefly at home and scooped up Al – saves us clogging up the streets with two cars.’ Turning to Ed, she said. ‘Fantastic window display, Ed. You’ve really excelled yourself this time with theWuthering Heightsand Top Withens reference.’
‘I know, I couldn’t believe it,’ said Florrie, beaming at her friend.
‘They’re both amazing, mate,’ added Alex. ‘It must’ve taken hours to make everything and put it all together.’
‘It takes a while, but not as long as you’d think, and it definitely helps that I’ve got a contact who sells models and blanks that I can then add to and make more personal so they fit into the theme of the displays.’
‘Well, whatever it is you do, they’re fantastic; very professional. I’m surprised you haven’t been asked to do them for other shops.’
Ed laughed. ‘Funny you should say that?—’
‘Hi, guys.’ They turned to see Jasmine and Max smiling at them. ‘Awesome displays, Ed,’ said Jasmine.
‘Thanks, Jazz.’
‘They’re the best yet,’ Max enthused. ‘Can’t wait to see what you have in mind for the Campion’s windows.’ Max owned Campion’s of York, which had stores in various towns – including Micklewick Bay – its flagship store being in Middleton-le-Moors. The once down on its luck chain was enjoying a renaissance under the ownership of entrepreneur Max and the resurrection of their previous reputation of the place to buy exclusive and discerning gifts.
‘I can’t wait to get started.’ Ed had made no secret of how thrilled he’d been when Max had approached him about designing displays for the Campions’ windows, glad to have another outlet for his creativity. His dyslexia still had the knack of making him feel inadequate as far as bookshop-related things were concerned.
When the seats were eventually filled, Florrie joined Leah and Jean at the window which was at the opposite end of the room from Jack and Jenna. It was where they usually stood for readings, tucking themselves out of the way. Ed had hung back by the doorway, ready to dim the bright overhead light when the authors gave him the nod, signalling they were ready to start. The softer lighting lent a cosy, more intimate air to the room, with Jack and Jenna each having a reading lamp angled over their seats as they read.
Florrie noted the tall stool Ed had set by the wall for her dad to sit on during the reading, but there was no sign of her parents, which surprised her. She ignored the flash of concern, telling herself to stop letting her thoughts get carried away, that everything was fine.
She was distracted by Jack and Jenna as they entered the room, both wearing wide smiles. Jack was looking smart in a tweed jacket, navy chinos and checked shirt, while Jenna looked stylish in her familiar girl-next-door way. She was wearing a sweater dress in dusky pink that showed off her curves to their full advantage, while adorning her feet were a pair of black leather knee-length boots. Her warm smile was emphasised by her trademark deep-pink lipstick. The couple were instantly greeted by a warm round of applause from the eager audience.
‘Thank you,’ said Jack, chuckling. ‘Tell you what, I aren’t half glad to see you lot’ve settled down a bit. I was getting a tad worried earlier, you were that wound up. Maybe it’s quieter now cos the riff-raff’s gone home after having a gander at the windows, leaving the quality folk of Micklewick Bay to spend the rest of the evening with Jen and me,’ he joked, laughing even harder when a rowdy cheer went up.
‘Ah, so there’s evidently still a bit of riff-raff, then.’ Hegave a mischievous grin. ‘Just joking, you’re all good folk, and Jen and me are always incredibly grateful for your support, aren’t we, love?’ He turned to Jenna, affection glowing in his eyes for all to see.
‘That we are, Jack. And, before you start throwing any more insults about, I reckon it’s time we got this show on the road. Fancy calling our audience riff-raff, honest to goodness.’ She shook her head, throwing him a look of mock disappointment that had the audience laughing as Jack’s shoulders shook with mirth.
‘Right then’ – Jack picked up his copy of Jenna’s book, waving it at the audience – ‘anyone fancy some chocolate cake?’
The laughter continued as the two authors made their way through several chapters of Jenna’s wittily written romcom novel, injecting their inimitable style of humour into the reading, not to mention Jack’s hilarious facial expressions.
‘Their chemistry’s amazing, no wonder the audience love them,’ Ed whispered in Florrie’s ear. He’d slipped beside her just as the audience were greeting Jack and Jenna.
Florrie glanced up at him, the soft lighting of the room casting shadows over his handsome face. Her heart skipped a beat. It was thanks to Ed being bold and asking if Jack would do a reading when they’d first taken on the bookshop almost two years ago that they had these events. The author had stunned them by agreeing to it, and they’d become a regular feature ever since. She reached for Ed’s hand, weaving her fingers through his. He glanced down with a smile, making her heart skip another beat.
‘Right, I’m afraid it’s time to lower the tone and get you all feeling as miserable as sin,’ Jack said dryly as he picked up his book of poetry, and turning the couple’s attention back to him.
‘Is Jenna reading from it?’ asked a voice from the audience.
Jenna hooted with laughter. ‘I’m not so sure my Geordie accent would work very well in North Yorkshire dialect; I reckon the poetry would lose a canny bit of its impact.’
‘Maybe we should give it a try, Jen?’ Jack’s eyes danced with amusement as he handed her the book.
‘Oh, go on then.’ Jenna took the hardback, taking a moment toselect something suitable. ‘Right, I’ll apologise in advance, but here goes…’ She cleared her throat and made a start.
‘Aye, lass, point taken,’ Jack said with a cheeky grin when she’d done.
He was halfway through his reading when Florrie’s ears were alerted to the sound of raised voices out on the street. From the way Ed and Leah were looking at her, they could hear it, too. Before she could think any further, the shouting grew louder, causing heads to turn in the audience, voices murmuring.
‘Ey up,’ said Jack, looking up from his book. ‘Sounds like summat’s afoot outside. We’ll give it a couple of minutes, see if it passes.’
But the shouting showed no sign of abating, and a chill started to creep up Florrie’s spine. She glanced up at Ed who met her gaze. From the look in his eyes, he was clearly thinking the same as her.
‘They’re unbelievable,’ he said with a groan.
