“I’m afraid his name’s actually Montmorency,” the man said with a little sigh. “I call him Monty because it’s less ridiculous.”
“FromThree Men in a Boat?”
The man raised an eyebrow. “You know it?” he said, sounding relieved. She wondered how many times he’d had to explain the reference.
“It’s one of my favourite books,” said Carrie with a shrug.
Realisation seemed to hit the man as he looked at her and he opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted.
“Hello, I’m Poppy!” Carrie’s daughter appeared beside her mother. “We’re looking after this shop while my Great Auntie Mary is away on a cruise. I want to learn how to use the till. I like your dog.”
There was a pause while the man evaluated the information he’d been given. “My name is Michael,” he said. “I sometimes fix books for your great aunt, and I think my dog likes you too.”
“Nice to meet you,” said Poppy, holding out her hand.
Michael shook it solemnly.
“May I stroke your dog?” Poppy asked.
“I’m sure he’d like that.”
Poppy rounded the counter and began making a fuss of Monty who rolled over on his back and put his little legs in the air.
“Can I show him around the shop?” the little girl asked.
“Of course.” Michael handed Poppy the end of the dog’s lead.
“I’m Carrie,” said Carrie, realising that she and Michael hadn’t actually introduced themselves to each other.
“I’m Michael,” said Michael, then rolled his eyes realising she knew this already. Carrie smiled. “You don’t remember me, do you?” he added.
“Have we met before?”
“We have. It must be twenty years since I last saw you. You used to come to spend the summer here with your aunt and uncle. I’m very sorry about his passing.”
“Thank you. I think I do remember you. You used to read in the corner. Your hair was much longer.”
“Yeah, it was a look. And I was skinny as a pole. Your aunt and uncle were very good to me.”
“I remember them saying you’d gone off to university and then I didn’t see you again.”
“I went up to York for uni and then worked in Plymouth before I moved back here.”
“Well, it’s really good to see you again.”
“You too.” Michael held her gaze. “I’ve actually got some books to drop off,” he said, breaking the spell and indicating the box he carried.
“Oh, you’re Michael Thomas? My aunt mentioned you’d be coming,” Carrie said, holding up her sheets of notes.
“Yes, I’m a bookbinder. I’ve been putting new covers on some vintage books for your aunt. My shop’s next door.”
“Peter’s shop?” Carrie asked. “I remember him from when I used to visit.”
“Yes, I became his apprentice. I took over when he retired a few years ago. I still think it’ll be another thirty years or so until the locals completely accept me in his place.”
“I’m sure they’ll come around eventually,” said Carrie with a laugh. “According to my notes, I’m supposed to get your invoice and put the books in the office for Seren to sort out.”
“The invoice is in with the books,” Michael said. “I’ll take them through for you.”
