Chapter 46

Chapter Forty-Six

Four Months Later

Quinn wiped sweat off his forehead as the sun beat down on him. It was going to be a hot day, judging by this weather. It was only 8am and the curtains were drawn over his shop windows. He slipped through the door, making sure nobody was behind him, and surveyed the scene.

Relaunching a shop was harder than he'd thought. Hermione's book took precedence, consuming every part of his psyche. Also, Hermione had become a total authorzilla, and he'd been a little afraid to do anything but write.

But now it was publication day, which also fell on reopening day. Incense burned in each corner, a sandalwood smell, which was now his favourite. It reminded him of the scent Noah wore when they first kissed. The smoke rose from metal censers, and flames burned in large white pillar candles. He'd set a chair up at the altar, more of a throne, with a red carpet leading from door to throne for added Hollywood effect. The bookshelves were back where they were meant to be, crammed full of titles old and new.

A table in front of the throne, stacked full of Hermione's books, with a photo of her on the cover, captured all of her Hollywood essence. The posters for the signing had been tacked up for two months. Excitement in Hay had started to build when they'd realised that Kings & Queens was coming back.

It didn't matter that Hermione's book wasn't a gay title. They'd made an exception.

A knock at the door. Taking a deep breath, he peered through the curtains, seeing Noah.

He let him in, making him squeeze through the gap.

‘This is top secret,' Noah said when he was in.

He looked fantastic. He had dressed for the hot weather, wearing shorts that showed off toned legs, and a red T-shirt. Quinn kissed him, then showed him the display.

‘What do you think?'

‘She's going to love it. I haven't seen her this happy in forever.'

‘She deserves every part of it.'

Getting her to help launch Kings & Queens with her signing had been a straightforward decision. They'd worked on the book in partnership, so this felt like a fair trade-off. With Hermione marketing the book, the publisher marketing the signing, and Quinn marketing the shop, he was expecting a very busy, albeit hot, day.

‘ You deserve it.' Noah placed his hands on Quinn's face, scanning him with his eyes. It always made Quinn giddy when he looked at him like that. ‘Do we have time for a quickie?'

Their eyes drifted to the confessional booth.

Whatever desire they had fled when another knock on the door came. Quinn peered outside and saw…

‘Bloody Blair Beckett,' Quinn whispered to Noah, before opening the door and letting Blair and Ivy in.

Blair came prepared with a camera crew. ‘Lunch time news.'

‘Of course.'

As the cameraman set up, Ivy fussed over Blair's suit, dusting his shoulder and adjusting his tie.

‘Things going well between you two?'

‘Oh, the best.' Ivy smiled.

In no time at all, the queue would be outside the door, and Hermione would be the major attraction. It filled Quinn with nerves as he wondered if his shop was good enough, if people wanted it back. Today would be busy, but would tomorrow?

He hadn't realised he'd been biting his nails, a habit he'd picked back up while getting the shop ready, until Noah slipped his hand away.

‘You're going to be alright. This is perfect. All of it is.'

‘You think so?'

‘Look at it, Quinn. We're all where we're meant to be.'

He could see the shadows at the windows, hear the voices muffled behind the glass, and something changed within him.

Because it didn't matter if every day didn't look like this one. It didn't matter if only one customer came in tomorrow. What mattered was having this space open, where he could help others who needed it most, champion LGBTQ writers, and keep Hay gay.

Kings & Queens was more than just a bookshop. It was a sanctuary, a respite, and a friend.

Another knock at the door as people cheered.

‘That must be Mum,' Noah said.

He went to get the door, but then Quinn heard the voices of Deb and June.

‘We love you!'

‘Is Noah there?'

‘We love him!'

‘Probably best they don't see you yet,' Quinn told him, a smile on his face. ‘They'll rip your clothes off you before I can.'

Noah moved closer. ‘But I want June to touch me.'

‘Hey, I want June.'

They laughed, Quinn ushering Noah away from the door, and then he opened it in time for Hermione and Jerry to slip through.

‘You okay?' Jerry asked his sister.

Hermione wore a dress that reminded Quinn of Diana's revenge dress. She was dressed more for a book signing in Piccadilly than in Hay, and Quinn loved her for it.

But if she felt overwhelmed, scared, or nervous, like Jerry expected her to be, then she shook it off.

‘Therapy is helping. I just can't believe all those people have come to see me.'

‘How big is the queue?' Noah asked.

‘It looks like it goes to Lion Street,' Jerry said.

‘I can't believe they're here for us,' Hermione said.

‘They're here for you, Hermione,' Quinn said. ‘Now get settled at that table and I'll start letting them in!'

‘Can I get you anything?' Ivy asked Hermione. ‘A tea? Coffee?'

‘Latte?'

Ivy looked at Quinn.

‘We only have a kettle, milk, and coffee.'

‘I'll have a regular coffee,' Hermione said.

As Hermione settled at the table, holding her pen and practising her signature, Quinn took a moment to take it all in. He never thought he would stand in his shop again, with that familiar smell of earthy notes, leather, and books. With the creaky floorboard near the door, or the confessional booth that bore witness to so many stories. The pride flags, from transgender to non-binary, fluttered above their heads, across the counter, and outside the shop. It was like he'd never left, like it hadn't been empty.

And what made it all the more perfect was Noah.

The door creaked open, and two men slipped in.

‘Daniel. You came.'

‘Wouldn't miss it for the world,' Daniel said, holding hands with the person next to him. ‘Quinn. This is my boyfriend, James.'

‘Nice to meet you, James,' Quinn said, shaking the hand of the young man. ‘Not James Bond, is it?'

He meant it as a joke. Daniel Craig dating James Bond.

Only…

‘Actually, yes.'

‘Well, blow me.'

‘Places, people,' Ivy called. ‘It's opening time.'

A thrill rushed through Quinn as he squeezed Noah's hand. Daniel and James made themselves look important. Hermione sat a little taller. The room went deathly quiet.

Then Quinn opened the door.

‘Welcome back!'

Deb and June entered first. He fought back tears, thinking that having a breakdown in front of paying customers again was not the best idea.

‘I always loved your work,' Deb said to Hermione.

‘And your son is sexy,' June said.

‘Thank you,' Hermione said.

‘Will you sign my tea cosy, too?'

Noah giggled, and Quinn wrapped his arms around him, squeezing him.

‘Thank you for being here.'

Noah kissed him on the head and slipped a hand to his back. He did tower above Quinn.

‘Look up, handsome.'