Chapter Twenty-One
Effie let herself into the shop early on Easter Saturday morning. Opening day. Sipping a cup of herbal tea, a burst of pride shot through her as she took in what she’d achieved.
Shadows hung over the shop from where the blinds were still down. Through the grey stillness, the spines of the books burst in a rainbow of colours from the shelves. Effie ran her fingers along them, imagining people picking them up, flicking through pages, devouring blurbs as they chose what book to buy. Who would like the ghost stories? The romances? The historical volumes? Effie couldn’t wait to see where Polcarrow’s reading tastes would lie, what it would reveal about the people.
The two yellow chairs had arrived the previous afternoon, their delivery cutting it fine and doing little for Effie’s already jangling nerves as she waited to add the finishing flourishes. However, they had been worth the wait. Situated in the large bay window, with book-shaped cushions placed onto them, they provided the perfect spot for customers to sit and peruse their purchases whilst contemplating the sea view. She’d stacked some photography books on the table between them, to entice readers to pick them up, flick through them.
Beanbags and baskets of soft toys completed the kids’ area tucked away at the back of the shop. Effie had placed a sign on the counter that listed the story times that were available and had chosen the most enchanting picture books to entice both children and parents. The teen section was well stocked with a variety of different genres and storylines. She’d selected titles written by less well-known authors in order to encourage younger readers to branch out and explore literature they wouldn’t normally encounter.
Effie ceremonially raised the blinds, allowing fresh morning light to flood the space. She watched as it came alive, the muted colours bursting bright before her eyes, the bunting she’d hung and the vases of fake spring flowers added additional pops of colour. Effie gave herself a little round of applause. The shop was everything she’d dreamed a bookshop could be. OK, so it was more in line with her own personal vision than the Books by the Sea brand, but since Clive hadn’t put up much real resistance to her vision, she’d decided it was worth just going for it. She could always change it back.
Checking her watch, she saw it was only 8 a.m. The sun glinting off the sea caught Effie’s eyes. Could she? A swim would definitely calm her nerves, centre her. But there was still so much to do before the grand opening at ten. She didn’t think she’d have enough time for a swim and a shower, plus she’d washed her hair the previous night and didn’t fancy having to tackle that task again.
Effie was just about to head upstairs when a knock on the door caught her attention. Her face burst into a smile as bright as the morning sun when she saw Jake standing there, in his trademark white T-shirt, making her wonder how he really did keep them so spotless. She unlocked the door and let him in.
‘I couldn’t sleep,’ he confessed, ‘I’m so nervous and excited.’
‘Why are you nervous and excited?’ Effie laughed.
‘For you, silly, you’ve put so much into this shop, I want it to go well.’
His concern for the shop touched her heart, making it melt in a way she wasn’t ready for. Not sure what to say, she reached out and touched his arm, enjoying the fuzzy flow of electricity that passed between their bodies.
‘Thanks, Jake, and for everything you’ve done.’
‘I enjoyed it, honestly, maybe I’ll get back in with my dad and his decorating business if the photography thing doesn’t work out.’
‘It will work out. Your photos are brilliant. Could you take some today if it’s not too much hassle?’ she asked shyly. ‘I’m sure Clive will be able to cover any expenses.’
‘For you, Effie, I’ll do it for free.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘I could do with a bit of exposure. Are you all set?’
Effie nodded. ‘Think so. If I’ve forgotten anything, it’s too late now. I just need to set out the refreshments table. Pop the corks on the fizz and we’ll be all done.’
‘What time is the guest speaker?’
‘Christie is due to arrive just after half twelve ready for her reading at one. I hope it’s going to be popular. In fact, I hope the whole shop will be popular, I’m starting to feel the pressure.’
‘You’ve done an amazing job, Effie, done everything you can. Your boss chose the location, if it doesn’t work out, then it’s really down to him.’
‘Of course, it might sound silly, but the entire time I’ve been down here setting the shop up, it’s felt like it’s my own. I’m a little worried I’ve made it too much my own and about what Clive might think.’ She signalled to the chairs and the bunting.
‘It looks fantastic, Effie, honestly. I’m sure he’ll love it.’
Effie gave him a small smile and exhaled. ‘Don’t mind me, I’m just nervous.’ She signalled down to where she was still wearing her floral pyjamas. ‘Look, I need to pop upstairs and get changed. Shall I meet you in Lola’s in a few minutes?’
‘Of course! I’ll order some breakfast. I’ll try and get the best seat. Even if I have to fight Scruff for it. See you in a bit.’ Jake paused, leaned in momentarily as if he was about to kiss her on the cheek, before awkwardly pulling back and making a hasty retreat from the shop.
Effie watched him go, her cheek blazing with the almost kiss.
‘Don’t you look smashing?’ Alf said as Effie pushed open the café door and stepped inside. ‘Doesn’t she look lovely, Jake?’ Alf gave the younger man an elbow that caused him to almost choke on his coffee.
Effie smoothed down the skirt of her yellow and white gingham midi-dress. It was slightly lower cut than she was normally comfortable wearing, but the little puffed sleeves had been too cute to resist. She’d plaited her hair into a coronet and wound spring flowers into it like a crown. She gave her audience a twirl. Scruff barked his appreciation. Alf gave a whistle. Effie’s eyes caught on Jake’s. He was speechless, as if he’d never seen her before. Self-conscious, Effie nervously patted her hair.
‘Wow, Effie, you look . . . beautiful. But you always look beautiful,’ he fumbled, before turning back to his breakfast, his ears flaming red.
