With no time to waste, I set the empty cups in the sink and walk out into the tearoom. “Mr Mercer, great to see you again.”
Cam was about to take his order and pinches her eyebrows.
“Ah Grayson. I have something for you.” He reaches into his satchel and hands over a hardback edition of one of his books.
I turn to the inside page where he’s signed it just for me. My jaw hangs open. “Thank you, sir. I can’t wait to read this one. You should bring in a signed box, and I’ll display them for you.”
“I’ll do that. Much appreciated.”
“Let me get you your usual, on the house.”
“No, no. I’m not staying. I just wanted to drop this off.”
“Please, I insist. One Earl Grey with lemon and sugar coming right up.”
Felix sits down by the window and collects the morning paper from his bag.
Cam glares at me, hot on my heels as I make my way behind the counter. “On the house? We’re selling his books for him. He should pay us. Is he a friend of yours?”
“A local author. He’s an amazing writer, a literary genius.” I hand her the laminated hardback.
She runs her fingers over the gold foil blocking. “The Reckoning, by Felix Mercer. Never heard of him.”
“Where have you been? He’s famous worldwide. What sort of books do you read?”
“Man of the Month Club are my favourite books. They’re also works of literary genius, specialising in the art of passion.”
A smile curves my lips. I shake my head. “At least now I know why your head was in the gutter when I gave you that apron.” I point to the winking Santa on her chest.
She chews on her lip. “I have an idea for our first pop-up event.”
“You got that from Felix’s book? You haven’t even read it. I told you he was a genius.”
She whacks me with the hardback. “I’mthe genius, dumbass. And this tearoom is going to be filled to the rafters.”
“As long as it isn’t on Sunday.”
She saunters over to Felix, leaving me to make his tea. Damn it. What’s she up to? I carry the tray over, adding an iced cherry bun and slide it onto his table.
“Absolutely not. I don’t do events.” He folds his paper and drops it on the table. “Thanks Gray. You really didn’t have to.”
“It’s my pleasure, sir.”
Cam taps her pencil against her little notepad. “Just think about it? I can set up a booking system, you can do a talk and then sign a few books, then be on your merry way. An hour out of your day, tops. Will be good footage and images for your socials. An opportunity to engage with your fans.”
“Gray, does she ever stop talking?”
“Afraid not.” I widen my eyes and nod towards the back, but she continues.
The door dings. Harlow walks in, waving at us as. Felix sits up straighter, his eyes warm, small lines appear on his temple as a smile unfurls from his lips.
I wave back. “Hey Harlow.”
Cam has a mischievous grin. “Harlow, would you like to see Mr Mercer here do a book signing?”
“That’s a great idea. I’d come. I’d love a signed book.”
Felix parts his lips. “You don’t need to come to a book signing for that. I’ll see that you get as many signed copies as you like.”
