He nods. ‘Miranda’s been begging me to visit Once Upon a Spine.’
Inwardly, I groan. I will have to spend my time at work with Miranda, who will be in a state of emotional hysteria. With Oliver in the bookshop, she’ll be chaotic, hormonal, and loud.
‘Wow – you look over the moon at hearing I’m coming to the bookshop,’ he says, casting me a bewildered look.
‘It’s not you, it’s Miranda.’
He smiles before taking a sip of his coffee. ‘I’m sure she’ll be okay.’
‘You don’t know what it’s like to work with Miranda.’
25
When I arrive, Miranda is twirling around the romance section. Thankfully, the shop has not yet opened. ‘Morning, Nelly,’ she coos, stopping by the display table and stroking the spines of Oliver’s latest book. ‘He’s coming in today.’
‘I know.’
She dances over to the counter where I’m standing. Today, she’s dressed in a green vest and trousers, both adorned with a bold tropical plant print.
‘How’s life living with Oliver James?’
‘Okay.’
Her pencilled eyebrows rocket up her forehead. ‘Okay? Nelly, you are living with publishing’s hottest romance author, and you say he’s… okay.’
‘What do you want me to say?’
She leans in closer. ‘Have you seen him fresh from the shower yet? Maybe with a tiny towel wrapped around his waist?’
‘Miranda!’ I exclaim.
She giggles. ‘I know he’s a bit rough around the edges nowadays, but I think he still looks divine.’
‘How’s Frank?’
Her groan is loud and dramatic. ‘I think I might be invisible. My fashion stylist is shocked he still hasn’t said anything about my outfits.’
‘Maybe you need to change fashion stylists?’
She casts me a horrified look. ‘That young woman is worth every penny.’
‘Shall we open up?’ I ask, trying my best to distract her.
‘Of course.’ She giggles, before hurrying over to the doors.
After serving a customer and observing a vision about how the love for his girlfriend will end when he catches her in bed with his… twin brother, I suck on a boiled sweet and wait for the sounds of the bookshop to come back.
I hear a familiar voice. ‘Hello.’ It causes a fluttering in my chest and compels me to glance up from tidying up the pens and notepads on the till. Oliver is here and is standing in front of the counter.
His hair has been tamed, his stubble has been tidied, and the beard has been removed. He’s swapped his T-shirt and worn-out jeans for a fitted blue shirt and beige trousers. He looks almost polished.
Miranda spots Oliver and squeals. She rushes over to greet him. He smiles and gives her a huge hug. I turn away as seeing others hug is difficult for me.
‘How’s my favourite bookshop owner?’ he exclaims as they break apart. Wow – he knows how to light Miranda up. She casts him a coy look and twirls her brown hair around her finger. ‘All the better for you seeing you, Oliver James.’
Two young women in the romance section look in our direction. Oh, God, they must have radars for ears. I watch as they hurry over. ‘OMG, it’s Oliver James,’ cries one, nudging the other who’s rummaging inside her bag. ‘Where is my sodding phone?’
Miranda slips her hand through the crook of Oliver’s arm. ‘He’s better in the flesh – isn’t he, ladies?’
