‘Oh, no, you don’t have to…’
‘No, we know when we’ve overstayed our welcome.’ Jerry got to his feet and signalled for his sister and Ronald to join him. ‘Come on, let’s leave this man in peace.’
To say my goodbyes,Quinn thought.
At the door, Jerry turned back to Quinn as Hermione and Ronald giggled at something only they knew. ‘Don’t give up, Quinn.’
Quinn wondered if Jerry meant on the shop, or if his words ran a little deeper. He peered over his shoulder at the empty shop, and then glanced up and down the street.
‘Did you see Daniel, by the way?’
Jerry smirked. ‘Left with some guy.’
‘Ah.’
Well, at least someone was lucky in love.
ChapterForty-One
This was one hundred per cent a Christmas Eve he would never forget. The emotions he felt today should have been experienced over the course of a year, not a day. Alone, in his bookshop, allowing him time to take it all in. He should be sad, anguished that everything seemed so uncertain. But instead, he allowed himself to focus on the positive: the friends who had gathered, the support for him and his bookshop and a place for the queer community to feel safe.
He deserved to be happy. He deserved this moment of respite, where he’d exercised all he could do to fight for his right to stay open. He should be proud that he finally stood up for himself. At the back of the shop, the last dregs of champagne remained. He could have one alone. A private toast to the shop before joining the party at the pub. Quinn grabbed a clean glass and poured himself the fizz.
One last moment to indulge.
The glass was inches away from his face when the bell above the door dinged.
‘Sorry, we’re…’
The flute of champagne almost slipped from Quinn’s hand. Standing at the display of ‘A Christmas Carol’ was Noah.
His blond hair was as artfully messy as ever. He wore a black duster jacket coat, a perfect length, and a green jumper, contrasting with his skin. Noah Sage looked at Quinn Oxford, a look that pinned him to the spot, freezing time.
‘Oh.’
Was that really all he could say?
‘There are some Christmas cracker hats left on this display,’ Noah said.
‘Oh, yeah,’ Quinn said. ‘I haven’t got round to cleaning up after everyone yet.’
‘What was the outcome?’ The shop. His future.
‘I don’t know yet.’
‘I see.’
Noah slipped his hands in his coat pockets, looking around at the shop. Quinn crossed his arms, feeling at odds with the situation.
‘I suppose I should clean up.’
Any thought of joining the party at the pub slipped his mind. What was he supposed to do? Leave Noah and fear never seeing him again? Just by looking away, he might break the spell.
‘Let me help you.’
‘It’s okay.’
‘Please, Quinn.’
