Mostly, however, Effie was enjoying running the bookshop and pretending it was her own. After all, she’d done all the hard work, she thought with satisfaction, as she glanced around at the full shelves, the armchairs with the sea view that had been a social media winner, why not indulge in a little fantasy. She rearranged the romance novels she’d set out on the local fiction table, still considering the idea of setting up a romance-only book club.
Effie was just reading a blurb on the back of a book when the shop door opened and Lola stepped inside.
‘Just checking numbers for later,’ she said.
Tonight was the inaugural Polcarrow book club. Almost all of Effie’s suggestions had been steamrollered by Sue, who’d been trying, unsuccessfully, to set up a book club for years and was thrilled to have someone else to back the venture. The opening of the shop had given the residents just what they needed to have their arms twisted by Sue. The original plan had been to host it in the shop, however the number of residents who’d signed up meant they’d had to switch venue to Lola’s café. Effie was secretly pleased, it would mean one less job for her, especially as Lola had leapt at the opportunity to host.
‘I think there’s twenty,’ Effie said, ‘but Sue was convinced she could persuade some more people to attend.’
Lola laughed. ‘Sue’s always good at a bit of arm twisting. I have a confession though.’
‘Oh, go on.’
‘I’ve not read the book.’
Effie laughed. ‘That’s OK, most people don’t read the full book at a book club, they mostly come along for the socialising.’
‘Phew.’ Lola pretended to wipe her brow.
‘Thanks for offering up the café out of hours, Lola, I know you work so hard already.’
Lola shrugged. ‘It’s fine, my lovely. You know, when I arrived Polcarrow was this sleepy little village, lost in time, so anything that helps breathe new life into it I’m more than happy to be involved in. Sue has been trying to reinvigorate the community for years, so she’s over the moon to have us here.’ She was cut off by her phone ringing. ‘Oh, it’s the florist. I better go, see you later.’ Blowing a kiss goodbye, Lola left the shop.
At seven that evening Effie was tweaking the collar of her blue and white checked blouse and wondering if she should apply lipstick rather than lip gloss when a text came through on her phone.
Good luck! You’ll smash it. Managed to convince that hunky photographer that you’re the girl for him?!?! xxxxxxxxxxxx
Effie smiled at Maddie’s wishes and the extreme amount of kisses attached to the end of the message. She sent a quick reply, omitting anything about Jake. In fact, she hadn’t seen much of him since their swim and walk two days previously. He’d had meetings with a couple in Newquay about photographing their wedding and had been staying with his brother. She had missed him but didn’t like to examine too closely what that meant.
Deciding to forego the lipstick she rarely used, Effie gathered up her copy of Christie’s book and the notes she’d made to go along with it. Considering almost every-one in Polcarrow had bought the book, it had been the logical choice as recommended reading. Effie was curious to know what other books people might bring along, not only was she full of recommendations, she loved adding new authors to her out of control to-be-read pile.
After locking up the flat, Effie headed down the stairs and out into the cool evening air. The weather had taken a turn following the glorious golden sunshine of Easter weekend and April was rolling out in muted greys and lazy clouds drifting across whatever sun did show. When she entered the café, Sue, Lola and Freya were already there, all gathered around the counter, peering at something on Lola’s phone. Effie hovered, not wanting to intrude.
Lola glanced up, her attention caught by the sound of the door closing. ‘Effie, come and have a look. I’m trying to choose my wedding bouquet, what do you prefer?’
Clutching the strap of her bag, Effie made her way over. Being so easily enveloped in the already formed friendships was still taking some getting used to. She studied the photos Lola was showing her. ‘I think I like the classic red roses the best.’
‘That was my choice, but the others prefer the yellow,’ Lola told her.
‘Like you were going to listen to us,’ Freya playfully jibed before telling Effie, ‘Once Lola has her mind made up, there’s no going back. I didn’t say I didn’t like the red, they are more you.’
‘Definitely—’ Sue nodded ‘—but I prefer yellow for a summer wedding.’
‘Like it’s that summery out there. I had to turn the heating on this morning,’ Lola replied before slipping her phone into her pocket. ‘Right, is this set up OK, Effie. I’ve done mini brownie and blondie bites and we’ll be offering pots of tea and filter coffee, is that all right?’
‘That’s perfect,’ Effie confirmed.
‘I’ve read the book and have lots of thoughts,’ Freya said. ‘That’s why I don’t want to spend the evening making complicated lattes.’
‘I’ve made a list of questions and topics for discussion,’ Sue said, pulling a notebook out of her bulging bag. Her copy of the book had Post-it notes poking out of various pages.
‘Erm, so have I,’ Effie said, holding up her similarly annotated copy.
‘We can exchange notes, I’m sure we’ve come up with the same things.’ Sue picked up her coffee and headed over to the table by the window.
Effie glanced at Lola and Freya. ‘I thought it was supposed to be my book club?’
‘Sue just can’t help herself,’ Lola said, ‘you try taking back control. Here, have a consolatory blondie.’
