She hung up and straightened her shirt. One disaster averted, several more probably waiting just outside the door. She took a deep breath and stepped back into the shop.
???
Eveline watched with growing surprise as the woman who’d just half an hour ago knocked over an entire display, now efficiently helped a customer find exactly what she was looking for. She’d accepted the help out of desperation, a spur-of-the-moment decision that she’d regretted the second she’d made it. But actually, perhaps things weren’t turning out so badly.
“She knows her stuff,” Abe said from his usual chair, nursing his second cup of tea. “And looks like your regular Saturday crowd likes her.”
Eveline glanced around. It was true. The modest morning rush had turned into a steady stream of customers, and Emery was handling them with surprising ease. Even Mrs. Holloway,who normally insisted on speaking only to Eveline, was nodding appreciatively at whatever Emery was saying.
“She seems to understand publishing timelines quite well,” said Eveline, narrowing her eyes slightly. “I overheard her explaining to a customer why they'd have to wait nearly a year for the sequel to that fantasy bestseller.”
“That's just common knowledge, isn't it?” Abe said.
“Not the specifics she was giving. Acquisitions, developmental edits, copy edits, design cycles… she was breaking it down month by month. That's insider information.”
“So she knows someone in publishing. Or reads a lot of author blogs.” Abe raised an eyebrow. “You're being suspicious again.”
“I'm being cautious,” Eveline corrected him, but she couldn't help smiling as Emery enthusiastically recommended a book to a teenager who'd wandered in looking thoroughly bored and was now actually listening.
The bell above the door jingled, and Maya bustled in with a box in her arms. “Afternoon, my loves. I've brought treats to brighten this dreary day.” She stopped and raised an eyebrow at the buckets still scattered around the shop.
“The plumber is coming back this evening,” Eveline said, accepting the box with a grateful nod. “Again.”
“Third time this month,” Maya said. “You need a new one, dear. Chapman's about as useful as a chocolate teapot.” Her gaze drifted to Emery, who was behind the counter chatting to a customer. “And who might this be?”
“Temporary help,” Eveline said quickly.
Maya's eyes lit up with interest. “Really? Well, isn't that lovely?” She bustled over to the counter before Eveline could stop her. “Hello there. I'm Maya from the bakery next door. Welcome to our little corner of Notting Hill.”
Emery looked up with a smile. “Emery. Nice to meet you.”
“Emery's helping out. Just for today,” Eveline interjected, feeling the need to clarify.
“Oh?” Maya glanced between them, a knowing smile on her lips. “Right, well, better than nothing, I suppose, though you really do need someone permanent, Eveline. Especially with the Romance Book Club meeting coming up.”
Eveline groaned. “Don't remind me about romance novels.”
Emery perked up. “Romance Book Club?”
“Oh yes,” Maya explained cheerfully. “We've got quite the passionate group that meets over at Cafe Lila down the street. They're always discussing the latest love stories.”
“And buying up the questionable literature they force me to stock,” Eveline added with an eye roll.
Abe chuckled from his chair. “Don't mind her. She pretends to hate it, but she orders every title they request.”
“Only because they buy them,” Eveline said. “Business is business, even when it involves improbable tales of dukes falling for governesses.”
Maya unpacked the box that Eveline had put on the counter, placing flaky pastries and small cakes on the counter. “I've brought extra today. It’s a new recipe, rose water and pistachio. Thought it might sweeten the day.”
As Eveline helped arrange the treats on a plate, she caught Emery watching her, a strange expression on her face. Their eyes met briefly, and Emery quickly looked away, her cheeks coloring slightly.
“These look amazing,” Emery said, accepting a pastry from Maya. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure, dear.” Maya tilted her head, studying Emery with interest. “You know, there's something familiar about you. Have we met before?”
Emery's eyes widened. “I don't think so. I'm not from around here.”
“Hmm.” Maya shrugged. “Must be one of those faces. So, what brings you to The Turned Page on this particular Saturday?”
