The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove

by Kellie Hailes

  Herring Cove was her home. Her hair salon was her livelihood. Her two kids were her everything; surely she wouldn’t rip them away from their home just because some man in a fancy suit flashed some money in her direction?

  She heard the click of a door closing and pressed herself to the wall, leaning over just enough that she could look down on the lane without being seen.

  Alexander filled her field of vision. Was that a spring in his step? A triumphant smile on his face? Damn it. She couldn’t tell through the late evening gloom.

  There was only one thing for it.

  She snatched up a lightweight sunshine-yellow cardigan from the back of the couch and shrugged it on. Summer may officially be here, but the nights were cool enough that an extra layer was called for. Even if you were only going next door.

  She jogged down the stairs, then locked up the shop, even though she didn’t have to. Crimes committed were few and far between in Herring Cove, and usually of the petty variety, like kids nicking off with flowers from flower boxes the night before Mother’s Day. Still, it was better to be safe than sorry. She didn’t have much, but what few trinkets she had were touchstones to her parents, and losing them would mean losing a little more of her heart.

  She walked the few steps to her neighbour and friend Natalie’s home and business, opened the door, and poked her head over the threshold. ‘Nat? You in?’

  Miniature elephants running over the wooden floorboards answered her call.

  ‘Muuuuuummmmm!’

  ‘Mummy!’

  ‘Aunsof’s here!’ Natalie’s two children chorused in unison, as they opened the flat above the salon’s door and two identical mops of brown curly hair with matching sparkling chestnut brown eyes came into view.

  Sophie smiled up at them, the weight on her heart and mind instantly lightening. Joe and Bella, along with Natalie and Ginny, were the closest thing she had to family.

  She’d witnessed their christenings and attended all their birthdays. She’d almost been there for Joe’s first steps, but had seen his eighth, ninth and tenth as he tottered into her shop. She’d been named Bella’s godmother. And from the day Joe could say her name she’d been Aunsof because he couldn’t get his wee tongue around Aunty Sophie, a title Natalie had insisted on. A matter of respect, she’d said. But Sophie suspected it was Natalie’s way of giving her the family she knew her friend longed for, but didn’t see herself ever having.

  The shipwreck that was her last relationship had seen her vow to never get involved with a man again. She’d risked her heart once, and as far as she was concerned, when it came to love and falling in it she was all washed up. Even if a tiny, sliver of her heart tried to convince her otherwise. Whispered in her quiet moments that she should let love in, learn to trust again.

  She’d let the loneliness win once, and where had that got her? Alone, broke, with no desire for a repeat performance.

  Natalie’s head appeared around the corner. ‘You kids, get out of the doorway. Give Aunty Sophie some room.’

  The worry that had tinged Natalie’s words in the past few months was gone, Sophie noted as she entered the lounge – an exact replica of hers, but painted in a riotous blaze of yellow and red, instead of the calming purple hue that had been Sophie’s mother’s colour of choice. There was also a brightness in Natalie’s tone that she’d not heard since her husband had left her for another woman.

  ‘Hey.’ She squatted down on the floor beside Natalie, who was folding a mountain of laundry, and gave her a half hug and a kiss on the cheek. ‘Need a hand?’

  ‘Always.’ Natalie rolled her eyes good-naturedly. ‘I swear Joe just needs to look at dirt and it’s on his clothes. And Bella changes three times a day and refuses to wear anything that hasn’t been washed. I try tricking her by putting the clothing all nice and folded back in her drawers – but it’s like she knows. Strange child.’ She shook her head, affection warming her face as a smile blossomed.

  The adoration on her friend’s face tugged at Sophie’s heart. What would it be like to look at a little person in that way? To feel bemused, frustrated, and absolutely unstoppably in love, all at the same time? Was that how her mother once looked at her, before the crash that had stolen her away?

  She faced the window and blinked, refusing to entertain the tears that threatened. There was no point in pondering the past. Or considering that kind of future.

  It had been hard enough for her to commit to a cat, but there was no way she could’ve left wee Puddles to look after himself when she’d found him wandering the lane, mewling mournfully. No family of his own to be found. He’d been so small, innocent and helpless, and before she could overthink the situation she’d scooped him up in her arms and taken him home with her.

  Now he was her constant companion, her little shadow. Her little light.

  ‘You’re a million miles away, Soph.’ Natalie laid a warm hand upon her shoulder, bringing her back to earth. ‘What’s up?’

  Sophie settled herself into a more comfortable, cross-legged position and tried to brace the subject of Natalie potentially selling to the Fletcher Group as casually as possible. ‘Something strange happened today. A man from that company that wants to build the resort in Herring Cove came to the shop. He wants to buy it.’

  ‘Aha…’ Natalie’s lips mashed together.

  ‘Does that seem weird to you?’

  Natalie shifted her gaze from Sophie to the floor. ‘Yeah. I mean, no. We’ve all heard the talk down at the pub. They’ve bought the farm behind us. Mr Murphy’s sold as well. If they want that land it makes sense that they’d want your land… or mine.’

  Sophie’s suspicion deepened. A knot formed in her stomach. Natalie was acting strange. Off. Like she was hiding something. Keeping something from Sophie.

  ‘Nat? Do you have something to tell me?’

  Nat shook her head. ‘No.’

  The word came out a squeak.

  ‘That “no” sounds like a yes.’

  ‘I don’t want to say. I don’t want to upset you. So if I say nothing, you can’t be upset with me.’ Natalie zipped her mouth shut, then turned an invisible key.

  Sophie’s stomach plummeted and nausea swelled. ‘Are you trying to not tell me that you’ve sold the shop? Your business? Your home?’ Sophie tried to keep the reproach from her voice. The hurt. She scooted back, up onto the couch. Needing space to get herself together. ‘I mean, it’s your business to do what you want with. Your flat. But, I don’t know… Selling this place is a huge deal. Massive. I just… I can’t believe you weren’t going to tell me… That you haven’t told me that it was even a possibility.’

  Natalie shuffled over to sit beside her on the couch, rose up, fished out a naked baby doll, tossed it aside, then sat down again. ‘Like I said, Soph, I didn’t want to upset you. I love you to bits. And I know how much Herring Cove means to you. How important routine is to you. It keeps you safe, secure.’ Natalie opened her arms as Bella ran full tilt towards her wanting a cuddle. She caught her in her arms and brought her close, breathing in the scent of her hair.

  Apples and sunshine. Sophie knew. Sophie had taken enough surreptitious sniffs of her own.

  Natalie released Bella and turned to face Sophie. ‘Have you seen the offer? You must’ve if he’s been to see you.’

  Sophie sucked in her lower lip, refused to meet Natalie’s gaze.

  ‘You didn’t? Oh, Soph.’ Natalie shook her head. ‘He’s not some dodgy dealer trying to get the best deal possible in order to turn a quick buck. It was serious money. Well above what this place is worth. I mean, the roof leaks even when it drizzles. I have to get all the pots, pans and buckets out when it rains proper. To fix this place up?’ Her eyes searched the ceiling, as if its peeling paint would provide answers. She shrugged and met Sophie’s gaze once again. ‘Well, it’d cost more money than I’m likely to have anytime soon. But what he offered me? Offered us? It’s a game-changer.’

  Curiosity loosened the anguish in Sophie
’s stomach. Not because she’d sell. That would never happen. She’d no more share what few remaining memories she had of her parents for fear she’d lose them. The way her mother’s hugs smelled of rose-scented moisturiser. The way her father’s jumpers were a mix of his spicy aftershave and the smoke from his pipe he’d enjoy every evening after dinner, while nursing a whisky.

  ‘Would you look at that. I think I see a reduction in that worry wrinkle of yours. Does this mean you’re interested in just how rich I’m about to become?’

  ‘No, not at all.’ Sophie massaged the line between her brows. ‘Not really. Just…’

  ‘You’re wondering what you’re missing out on? Wondering what it would take for me to leave this leaky old house with a fabulous view of the sea that stretches all the way out to the horizon?’ Natalie’s knee nudged Sophie. ‘Go on, admit it. You want to know.’

  Sophie returned the nudge, a smile playing about her lips. She didn’t get in a funk often, but on the odd occasion that she did, Natalie always knew how to get her out of it. ‘Fine. I’m just a bit… Okay, a lot interested. But not because I’d sell.’

  ‘I know. You never would.’ Natalie draped an arm around Sophie’s shoulders and brought her into a cuddle.

  ‘Never could. I love that place. It’s where I belong. But enough about me, tell me, just how much money is being flung your way?’ Sophie glanced out the window. Night had fallen and though she couldn’t see the endless stretch of sea, the sound of waves crashing onto sand told her it was still there. As it always would be.

  ‘Enough money that I’m in the mood for a celebratory glass of wine. Just the one though. This lot had me up at the crack of dawn. Any more than one glass and I’m liable to fall asleep on the couch and they’ll be putting themselves to bed. Bella and Joe should’ve been in bed an hour ago as it is, but they’re refusing.’ Natalie stood and ruffled Bella’s hair as she passed her on the way to the kitchen. ‘Pinot gris okay?’ she called out.

  In typical Natalie fashion, she didn’t wait for an answer and not twenty seconds later she walked back in with a glass of chilled wine in each hand. ‘Here you go.’

  Sophie accepted the glass, then raised it in a toast. ‘To you, my friend. You’ve had it hard the last few months. You deserve this bit of luck.’

  Natalie settled down onto the floor and began folding washing. ‘Indeed. And this money. Oh, it’s a glorious amount.’ A teasing smile flirted about her lips.

  ‘Enough that I’ll be seeing chunky diamonds dripping off those dainty fingers of yours? Or that you’ll be swanning round head to toe in designer duds?’

  Natalie slid her hand into her jeans pocket and pulled out a perfectly folded square of crisp cream paper. Identical to the one Sophie had been offered and ignored earlier that day. ‘I’m not really meant to share how much it is… but you’re my best friend, family really, and I know you’re not going to blab it all over town if I show you, so, here.’

  Sophie took the proffered piece of paper, opened it slowly, as if afraid it would bite. Or worse. Tempt.

  ‘This can’t be right.’ She glanced up to see Natalie nodding, a giant grin on her face. ‘There has to be one too many zeroes on here, surely?’

  The nod morphed into a shake. ‘That’s what he offered. That’s what I accepted.’

  ‘Nat, with this kind of money you could…’ Sophie didn’t know where to start. She could buy a home that the family could grow into. She could build a house from scratch and still have plenty left over. This was life-changing money.

  The kind of money that could change her life?

  Sophie shoved the thought away. Yes, she needed money. But not if it meant selling the one place she loved more than anywhere else in the world.

  ‘So, what are your plans, Miss Moneybags?’

  Natalie paused her folding, twisted a small pair of shorts around her hands, averted her gaze towards the corner of the room. Her smile disappeared as a cloud of concern darkened her features. Natalie was worried? When she may as well have won the lottery? But why?

  ‘I’m going to leave Herring Cove.’ The words came out a constrained whisper. Like it hurt her to say them. ‘I’m sorry.’

  Now she understood. Natalie had been cagey about the deal because Natalie didn’t want Sophie to feel abandoned. To feel like she was losing her little family.

  A painful lump appeared in Sophie’s throat. ‘I see.’

  She knew she couldn’t leave it with just those words. Natalie deserved more. She’d always been so supportive, so there. Bringing Sophie home for afternoon tea after school. Inviting her to Christmas dinner leftovers knowing Sophie’s aunt would have fallen into a food and heavily-laced-with-sherry trifle coma after lunch that would last until the next morning.

  When Sophie turned eighteen and her aunty decided it was time she returned to Manchester, it was Natalie, along with Ginny, who’d spent as many nights as possible at Sophie’s. Keeping her company. Keeping her sane. Ensuring she didn’t fall into the doldrums.

  And how could she when they’d been the bright spots in her life. Her life could have gone in a very opposite direction without the love and strength of her friends. Their gorgeous qualities had reflected on Sophie, infused her. Given her a positivity and determination to keep on going even when loneliness or sadness reared its head.

  ‘It’s just… there are too many memories here.’ Natalie’s knuckles further whitened as she wrung the shorts tighter.

  Sophie slid off the sofa and sat beside her friend, so close their knees were touching companionably. ‘Give those to me.’ She held her hand out for the shorts. ‘You’re going to tear them in two.’

  Natalie relinquished the shorts. ‘I mean, there were great times here, but finding my ex cheating on me. In our bed. In this house. I can’t un-see it. It’s ruined the place.’ Tears welled up in her eyes, and she brushed them away. ‘Ugh. I’m not feeling sorry for myself. Not when I have that.’ She nodded to the paper, held gingerly between Sophie’s thumb and forefinger. ‘Not when I don’t have to give him a cent of it because I got that loan to buy him out when he left. A loan I can now easily repay in full.’

  ‘So where will you go?’ Sophie fixed a smile on her face, forced a lightness into her voice. ‘The sky’s the limit.’

  ‘Well, not quite. I don’t see myself buying a mansion in the country anytime soon. But we could certainly get a bigger place. In a bigger town. One where people won’t whisper about “that poor woman”.’ Natalie’s smile faded quickly.

  Sophie rubbed her friend’s arm. ‘No one ever talked about you like that. What I heard was, “That idiot, what was he thinking?” And they were right.’ She picked up her glass and took a long sip. The cool liquid soothed her nerves. Settled her mind. ‘You do what you have to do, Nat. You deserve all the good things in the world. And besides, it’ll be wonderful to have free accommodation… wherever it is that you end up.’

  Natalie took Sophie’s hand in her own. ‘You’re amazing, Soph. The best. What I’d do without you, I wouldn’t know.’

  ‘Actually, I think that sentiment needs to be switched round. You’ve always been there for me. Right from the beginning.’ Sophie pulled herself into a crouch, then stood. ‘If you need help packing, or if I can look after the kids while you sort house-finding things out, let me know. I’m only one door away.’ For the time being, anyway.

  Natalie hefted a pile of folded laundry into her arms and pushed herself up to stand by Sophie.

  ‘Thanks, lovely. There’s no hurry though. Alexander said a few loose ends had to be tied up before the project could go ahead.’ Natalie stifled a yawn. ‘Right, I’ve got to get these kids to bed. I’m not long for the sack either.’

  Loose ends? Was she a loose end? Could the resort not go ahead without her buy-in? Or should that be sell-out? And if she stuck to her guns, did that mean her friend would lose her chance at happiness?

  She stashed the questions away to mull over later. There was no point worrying Nata
lie now, not when Sophie had no answers.

  She fixed a smile to her face and pecked her friend on the cheek. ‘Night, Nat. Sweet dreams.’

  ‘I’m rich. Well, by my standards. My dreams will be full of golden paths and fancy cars and four-bedroom houses with solid unleaky rooves.’

  Sophie forced out a happy laugh, then traipsed down the stairs. She stepped into the cool night air and scowled at the pro-Fletcher poster someone had placed over the anti-Fletcher poster. A towering building with a bright red tick over the top.

  There was no way that offensive piece of propaganda was going to be staring her in the face all day tomorrow. She marched up to the pole and pulled it down, reinstating the anti-Fletcher poster.

  Natalie was right. She liked her routine. Thrived on it. She enjoyed knowing everything had its place, and the Fletcher Group had no place in Herring Cove.

  They could throw all the money they wanted at her, she wasn’t budging.

  She unlocked the shop and stepped inside. The musty smell of books mixed with furniture polish washed over her. Reminded her of what was important.

  Her home. And she was going to do everything she could to save it. To keep her place in the world.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Alexander checked the lay of the land as he reached Sophie’s shop window, and readied himself to enter and spell out the reality of what was about to happen to her bookshop if she didn’t sell, and how much better her situation would be if she changed her mind and signed her land over to the Fletcher Group.

  Sophie was hunched over a notepad, her face covered by her sheet of auburn hair as she scribbled away, while a blonde-haired woman Alexander didn’t recognise sat next to her, her lips moving as fast as her hands.

  He pushed open the door, his client-ready smile fixed on his face and paused at the threshold as their heads jerked up to see who’d interrupted their gathering.

  The silence was broken by an exasperated sigh. Alexander could have had his eyes closed and he’d still have known which of the two women the puff of displeasure had come from.