Chapter 29

TWENTY-NINE

‘Florrie, lovey, is there any chance Jack and I could have a word with you and Ed at some point today?' Jean asked. They were getting the reading room ready for another visit from the local primary school who'd booked a Christmas storytelling session, which was one of Jean's favourite bookshop events and she'd been humming away happily to herself all morning. Later that afternoon, she'd be telling the group of six-year-olds a festive story written by a popular Yorkshire author by the name of Noah Bentley whose first book had been made into an animated film and was to air on Christmas Day. They were anticipating high levels of excitement to arrive with the youngsters, which was something Jean appeared to thrive on. It often made Florrie think how sad it was that Jean had missed out on Jack's childhood, of being mother to a mischievous little boy. It made her wonder if it was part of the reason being around young children gave her friend so much joy. Jean was a natural with them, her warm nature and kind-heartedness shining through, and they in turn seemed to enjoy being around her.

‘If it's not convenient, we could always do it another time.' Jean's question brought Florrie back into the moment.

‘Yes, of course.' The serious note in Jean's voice made her stop and turn to look at her friend. ‘Is everything okay?' She hoped they wouldn't have anything further to disclose about Dodgy Dick and Dillon's antics from the other night.

‘Oh, yes, everything's fine. Sorry, I didn't mean to worry you. It's just there's something we'd like to run by you both, that's all.'

‘Oh, right. Okay.' Florrie couldn't even begin to imagine what it could be.

‘Would later this afternoon suit? I know your mum's popping in to do a shift. How about while she's here?'

‘Yes, of course, I'll let Ed know. Is three o'clock any good? The school children should be long gone by then and it tends to be a quieter time around the school run hour. I'm sure she won't mind hanging back for a bit, she usually does anyway.'

‘It's perfect. I'll send Jack a quick text right away. I'll be two ticks.' With that, Jean bustled off to find her phone, her face lit up with a smile and an air of excitement about her which only added to Florrie's curiosity.

‘We're dying to know what the mystery's all about.' Ed grinned over at Jean and Jack. He and Florrie were sitting on the opposite side of the large desk in the reading room. ‘It's all very cloak and dagger.'

Jack gave a deep chuckle. ‘Ah, you can't beat a bit of drama to add a dash of interest to proceedings.' He gave his mum a theatrical wink. ‘What d'you think, Mother?'

‘Ooh, I couldn't agree more, son.'

Florrie had no idea what they were about to hear, but judging from the wide smiles passing between Jean and Jack she was relieved to see they weren't about to deliver anything dreadful. She took a sip of her tea, noting the sparkle in Jack's eyes. Was Jenna responsible for that? she wondered. Who are you kidding, of course she is! Florrie caught Ed's eye, exchanging a smile; he was clearly thinking the same thing.

‘Right then, you young 'uns, I reckon we've kept you in suspense for long enough.' Jack beamed at them.

‘I reckon we have, son.' Jean was practically jumping up and down with excitement.

‘Yes, please put us out of our misery, I don't know what to think here!' Florrie chuckled.

‘I'll let you tell them, Jack.' Jean gave him a gentle nudge with her elbow. ‘You're better at saying stuff like this than I am.'

Jack's face took on a serious expression as he looked from Florrie to Ed. He rested his hands on the desk, threading his fingers together. ‘So, recently, my mother and I have been having a chat about things here at the bookshop. We've had quite a few actually.'

‘Oh?' said Ed, stealing a confused look at Florrie.

‘You have?' she said, wondering where the heck this was going.

‘Aye. See, the thing is, my mother took me into her confidence and told me all about your plans for extending the bookshop and creating a tearoom in the flat upstairs – which I have to say I think is a bloomin' brilliant idea.'

Jean interjected, giving an apologetic smile. ‘I didn't think you'd mind Jack knowing, but you'll see why I needed to tell him in a minute. He's the soul of discretion, won't breathe a word to anyone. Until you're ready, that is.'

‘Of course, that's absolutely fine. I'd spoken to Jenna about it and said it would be okay for her to tell Jack.' Florrie wondered if what they were about to hear was connected to the book festival Jenna had mentioned.

‘Yes, 'course.' Ed nodded, equally baffled.

‘Anyroad, owing to finances, I gather you might have to tackle the building work in stages.' Jack paused for a moment.

‘It's looking that way,' said Ed. ‘I've been trying to get a rough idea of costs.'

‘We don't want to find ourselves in a difficult position financially, and end up having to sell the bookshop – especially not to the likes of Dodgy Dick.'

‘Urgh! I don't blame you.' Jack gave a theatrical shudder. ‘Dreadful individual. Makes my skin crawl.'

‘Which is exactly what prompted me to speak to Jack,' said Jean. ‘I felt sorry for you after you'd told me about it. You'd seemed all fired up about the idea – which, I should add, I think is genius – but the concern on your face when you started talking about not getting yourselves into a financially sticky situation just about broke my heart. And as for the way that man's been hounding you, it's a disgrace. What happened at Jenna's reading just spurred us on to approach you about our… well, I'll hand you back to Jack, let him carry on telling you.'

‘Thanks, Mother.' He smiled, turning back to Florrie and Ed. ‘So, pushing that slippery weasel aside, the upshot of our conversation was that we have a business proposition for you.'