The Vintage Bookshop of Memories

by Elizabeth Holland

  ‘Hold on, let me get this straight. You’ve broken up with Elliot so that you can find your father?’ Katie’s eyes were wide as she tried to process all the information.

  ‘Yes but also because his father won’t stop harassing me until I do. We’d never work out Kate, it would end in heartbreak and I don’t want that. I’ve just come home, I want a quiet life and some time to settle into my new life.’ Even as she said it out loud Prue was still trying to convince herself that she would be better off without Elliot in her life. Since getting home she had turned her phone off and shut it away in a drawer, she only hoped he didn’t come round.

  ‘You really like him don’t you.’ Kate always had the knack of knowing how Prue was feeling, even when she was saying the opposite.

  ‘I really like him Kate but it’s just too complicated. It’s not worth the hassle when I have so many other things to sort out.’ Prue decided to go and fetch the diary from her room so that Katie could read her mother’s entries about meeting her father.

  ‘They sounded perfect for each other.’ Katie sighed as she closed the diary and carefully placed it on the kitchen worktop.

  ‘That’s the terrible thing, they were so happy.’

  ‘Have you read anymore?’ Katie asked, leaning forward and squeezing Prue’s hand, she could see how upset her friend was.

  ‘No, not yet. I should though, shouldn’t I?’ Prue had been reluctant to pick the diary back up and read any more. She wanted to treasure the memory of their first date and leave them in their bubble of happiness. The remainder of the day was spent drinking copious amounts of gin and somehow setting fire to a ready meal that they had put in the oven. As they rolled about laughing Prue couldn’t help but yearn for her old life in Brighton. It was too late now though, she had made the decision to come home and home was where she was staying. With Katie by her side Prue knew that the next week would feel that bit easier. It was time she settled herself into the village and got on with her life.

  That night in bed Prue picked up the diary from her bedside table and began to flick through the pages. She didn’t want to read about her parent’s relationship but she did want to read about the grand opening of the bookshop. Prue was busy planning the shop’s re-opening and so she was interested to read about how its original opening had gone. Eventually, Prue found the page that she had been looking for.

  ◆◆◆

  14th July 1994

  I did it! Today was the grand opening of The Vintage Bookshop of Memories. I got to the shop early this morning and just stood in the doorway peering in. It felt like a dream.

  The shop looks like it’s just fallen out of one of the novels inside. Robert has done an amazing job with the balcony and he even sourced an antique ladder to access it. He also surprised me with a new counter and in pride of place on top was an old fashioned cash register. I’d told Robert that it was my dream to have one and so he went out and got one for me.

  Diary, I’m sure you’re sick of hearing about Robert so I promise to only tell you about the bookshop launch today.

  As I stood in the doorway looking in at my own little slice of heaven I felt the excitement bubble up inside of me. Mother has helped me market the shop in other villages and nearby towns as she suspects nobody from Ivy Hatch will turn up. I don’t care if they turn up or not. In fact, I think I’d rather they didn’t, then they wouldn’t be able to tarnish my little shop. I hate them all. Today isn’t a day to be thinking about them though, today is about me and my little bookshop.

  I stayed up all night baking butterfly cupcakes and so when I got to the shop I laid them out on the big table. The table had once stood in the middle of our hallway at the manor, however I persuaded mother to donate it to the shop. Today it’s adorned with cakes and my favourite books - the perfect combination.

  Both mother and Robert are going to be with me today, they’re both concerned about me spending all day on my feet working. Sometimes I get so fed up of having a weak heart. I can’t complain though because it has fallen in love with Robert and in my eyes it’s fulfilled its role. Oh here I go again, talking about Robert.

  Anyway, the day was a dream. We played jazz music in the background softly as lots of people I didn’t recognise came in and out of the shop, many of them buying books. Everyone commented on the little notes that I had popped inside and said they’d be back soon to buy my recommendation. The atmosphere in the shop made me want to burst with happiness. The stories of each book were bursting out of the pages and reflecting on the customer’s faces. There was pure joy on everyone’s face as they treated themselves to a little parcel filled with an alternative world.

  Only one person from the village came in, her name was Maggie. Maggie and I were once very good friends but that seems like a lifetime ago now. She was lovely and we sat and talked for a few minutes about our favourite books. She was afraid to buy anything in case her husband discovered where she had been but she promised to come back soon and like everyone else, she left with a big smile on her face.

  The residents of Ivy Hatch don’t like me and so they’re avoiding the shop. Today was obvious but it doesn’t upset me in the slightest. My shop will be a safer place without them frequenting it.

  I’m exhausted after all the excitement today. I can’t wait to spend everyday in my little bookshop as people come in and out to buy their books.

  Goodnight diary.

  ◆◆◆

  Chapter Twenty One

  After reading her mother’s diary entry Prue had considered delaying the launch of the bookshop. She wanted it to be perfect and to honour her mother’s memory, however she was worried that given the villager’s opinion of her the day could be ruined. Katie had pointed out how unhelpful that would be towards her getting on with her life and so Prue decided to be brave and re-launch the little shop. With this in mind the two girls dedicated the week to getting the little shop ready for its Saturday launch. Thankfully Elliot had left her alone, the one time they had bumped into each other in the village Katie had been completely oblivious and kept chatting away, giving Prue the perfect excuse to ignore him. She knew it was harsh but she had to do it, she had to show him that she didn’t care so that he could walk away. Inside, her heart was breaking all over again. She had to keep reminding herself that the pain would be worth it once she was settled into the village and a part of the community. She would have her home again and then she could start considering a relationship, just not with Elliot.

  The bookshop was looking amazing. Katie had designed posters and they had put them up around town and even dropped a few off at the cafe. Over the past week the new contracts had been rolled out and the villagers seemed happier, at least there had been less hateful glares towards Prue. Yesterday the pub landlord had even offered her a drink on the house the next time she popped in. It was strange yet gratifying to see the shift in their attitude towards her.

  It was now the morning of the launch and the girls woke early to set everything up. The table in the centre of the shop sat proudly, still with the war theme. Prue had asked the villagers for some pictures of local soldiers and they had complied. The pictures sat proudly on the table surrounded by cupcakes made at the local cafe. The cakes were a nod towards the shop’s first open day, however Prue had opted not to bake them herself, she didn’t need anyone sampling her baking. Prue was proud of her hard work, the place looked amazing and she couldn’t wait to share it. Katie had suggested they promote the shop on one of the local radio stations and so on Wednesday they had driven to the studio and been interviewed about The Vintage Bookshop of Memories. It had been lots of fun and had generated quite a bit of interest. Prue only hoped that the few people in the village that still held a grudge against her didn’t ruin the day.

  Prue hadn’t seen Arnold since he had come to the manor and for that she was very thankful. She didn’t think she could face him right now, at least not without turning into an emotional mess. She was still incredibly angry over his actions. There
was a part of Prue that was willing Elliot to come today, she wanted to see his face again and for him to see what she had done with the shop. Deep down she knew it was a silly dream and that seeing him wouldn’t do any good, it would only make not seeing him harder. She couldn’t help it though, she missed him, even after such a short time knowing him. There was a gap in her life where he had been. He had made her smile and comforted her when she had nobody else around and she had repaid him by being so cruel and cold hearted.

  ‘Stop it.’ Katie whispered in her ear. Prue jumped and turned to look at her friend, how had she known what she had been thinking about?

  ‘You had that wistful look on your face again.’ Katie replied and shrugged her shoulders.

  Prue couldn’t dwell on it as her first customers had just walked into the shop and she went over to greet them. It was Mr and Mrs Burrows who owned the village shop, which sold everything from apples to wool.

  ‘Thank you for coming.’ Prue beamed at them, as she walked towards them.

  ‘This place hasn’t changed a bit.’ Mrs Burrows gasped as she glanced around.

  ‘You remember it?’ Prue asked. From her limited interaction with the village everyone had remained silent about the history of the shop, all pretending they didn’t know about its existence.

  ‘Of course I remember it. This was your mother’s pride and joy.’ It brought tears to Prue’s eyes to hear someone speaking so fondly of her mother and of the bookshop. This reaction was not one Prue was accustomed to.

  ‘I hope she would be proud of what I’ve done with it.’ Prue’s voice wobbled a little as she thought about what her mother might think of the shop.

  ‘She’d love it dear.’ Mrs Burrows took Prue’s hand in hers and gave it a quick squeeze before moving out the way so that others could enter the shop.

  The day was a success, most of the village and lots of people from further afield popped in to see The Vintage Bookshop of Memories. Everyone was so kind and lovely, Prue almost felt as though the last few weeks had been a bad dream. Seeing everybody coming together today and being so friendly made her feel like the struggles to win the village over had been worth it. Of course, there were still a few people that were unhappy with the outcome but they were now in the minority.

  As the day whizzed by and Prue spoke to everyone she couldn’t help but keep an eye out for Elliot. She didn’t catch a single glimpse of him. However, his mother did pop in. Prue made sure she kept her distance and allowed Katie to welcome the woman and offer her any assistance. It would be too painful to speak to her, to look into the eyes that mirrored Elliot’s. She had enough to contend with today without the heartache and longing for him. Once Elliot’s mother had left and Prue threw herself back into the event at hand she found herself soon smiling again. There was something contagious about the atmosphere within this shop, it was as if all the happiness from the books were seeping out and casting their spell on the unknowing occupants.

  Every time a book sold Prue couldn’t help but think about the little note that would be stowed away inside. Her mother’s handwriting that she would never see again. A part of her had wanted to take the note out of each book and keep them but she knew that the handwritten recommendation was part of the bookshop’s charm. It was something she intended to continue and it was only right that the little piece of her mother remained inside the books.

  ‘That was amazing!’ Katie exclaimed as they shut the door behind their last customer. It had been one hell of a day.

  ‘I can’t believe how well it went. Some of the villagers were positively nice to me!’

  ‘I think you’re going to be very happy here Prudence.’ Katie giggled as she threw an arm around Prue’s shoulders. Prue rolled her eyes at Katie’s use of her full name, only her grandmother had ever called her by it.

  ‘Shall we try the local pub for dinner? There’s no way I’m going in there alone so we’re going to have to go at some point while you’re here.’ Plus Prue really didn’t feel like cooking after such a busy day.

  The girls agreed and so after a quick clean and tidy they grabbed their coats and off they went. Stowed away at the bottom of Prue’s bag was a new book, she had spotted it in the course of the day and decided to treat herself. It was a romance based in the eighteenth century and looked like it was just the kind of book to snuggle down with after a long day. As much as Prue was looking forward to dinner she couldn’t wait until she was in bed with a cup of tea and her book. For now though she wanted to live in the moment, tomorrow was Katie’s last day with her and she wanted to make the most of her company.

  With some trepidation Prue pushed open the door to the pub and both girls walked in. Every head turned but unlike last time there were a few smiles and nods towards them. It was bizarre having gone from such extremes, to be hated by an entire village then to suddenly feel accepted by them. Prue had to just accept it though, it would do no good to keep dwelling on it. They made their way over to one of the tables at the back of the pub. It wasn’t very busy but the usual locals were in. As they sat down the landlord came over to give them each a menu.

  ‘Well done today Prue, the shop looks amazing. We’re glad to have you as part of the community and helping bring tourists into the village to keep our businesses running.’ Prue was taken back by his words, she hadn’t been expecting such a warm welcome.

  ‘Thank you for giving me the chance to prove myself.’ Prue couldn’t express how she was feeling in words. She was finally feeling happy to be home.

  ‘I think you’re going to be fine here Prue. You just had to be strong and show them that you’re here for the duration.’ Katie reached across the table and gave Prue’s hand a squeeze. Prue would be sad to see Katie go home on Monday but she knew her friend would be back soon. Her visit had been just what Prue had needed, a reminder that she wasn’t alone in all of this.

  The girls ordered their meals and a bottle of red wine to share. Prue was finally feeling as though she was able to relax. There was the odd glance towards their table and hushed voices but that was something Prue would have to learn to live with. She owned the majority of the village so someone would always have an opinion on her. Despite the few glances Prue was getting she felt as though there were another pair of eyes on her but she couldn’t locate them, it was beginning to send a chill down her spine.

  ‘Katie, is someone behind me staring at me? I feel as though someone’s watching me.’

  ‘There’s four people at a table behind you, looks like a mother, father, possibly a son and his girlfriend. The son is the one looking at you, he looks around our age. He’s really good looking actually, dark hair, dark eyes and some stubble.’ Prue felt her heart plummet at the description, it sounded like Elliot. She wondered how she could look without making it obvious.

  ‘Pick up your glass and smile at me.’ Katie instructed as she pulled out her phone to take a picture. As much as Prue really didn’t want to have her picture taken she did want to see who was staring at her and so she gave in and smiled for the camera.

  ‘Was it a good one?’ Prue asked, playing along and reaching across the table to look at the picture. She zoomed in to the table behind her and sure enough there was Elliot sat there, staring towards them. Prue felt her heart constrict as she looked at his face, he looked just the same as he had the last time she had seen him. That wasn’t what captured her attention though. Also sat at the table were Elliot’s mother, father and a mysterious blonde. The woman looked to be overly friendly with Elliot as she was leaning in to whisper something into his ear. Prue felt sick looking at the picture, it hadn’t taken him long to move on. Their relationship may have been short but she had thought it had meant something.

  ‘That’s Elliot.’ Prue whispered, sliding the phone back across the table. Katie’s eyes flashed with recognition and she glanced over at the table again.

  ‘I think they’re leaving. Please don’t let it spoil your day.’

  Prue knew Katie was right, she had wo
rked too hard for today, she couldn’t let something so trivial ruin it. Their brief relationship had obviously meant nothing to Elliot and so she shouldn’t waste anytime pining over him. It was time her life moved on and she had enough to keep her busy for the time being.

  Chapter Twenty Two

  Katie’s final day had whizzed by in a blur of laughter and happy tears. They had spent the day at the bookshop again. The customers had kept coming and everyone had something nice to say about the little bookshop. For Prue it was a dream come true to see her mother’s legacy living on, with a little help from herself. After a chat with Katie they had agreed that perhaps Prue should consider employing somebody in the shop for a few days a week. Prue had to agree, as much as she loved the shop she also missed her own work. To some working at an auction house may sound boring but to her it was a glimpse into history. She got to handle pieces from people’s lives and consider their history and value. There was no better role for Prue. It was something that she would always enjoy and Katie was right, she shouldn’t dedicate her entire life to the village or her mother’s memory. It had hurt to hear it but Katie had her best interests at heart, Prue had her own life to live.

  That was Prue’s focus for the coming week to find someone willing to work in the shop and to research some local auction houses. It felt good to have a plan and to know that she finally had her life on some form of track. Katie had encouraged her to keep busy, she suspected that her friend understood just how heartbroken she was under the happy facade. It would be okay though, after all Prue was only just re-building her life, she had a long way to go yet.

  On Monday morning Prue dropped Katie back at the station and they both shed a few tears as they said goodbye. Katie had promised to visit again soon and Prue knew she would keep her word. With a final goodbye Prue jumped back into her car and began the journey home. The shop was shut today and so she had the day to herself to do whatever she wanted. She knew she should begin on her list of tasks but she didn’t feel like it today. After such a busy week there was nothing Prue wanted more than to curl up with the book that she had brought home from the shop on Saturday. She hadn’t had the chance to even open it yet, Saturday night she had cried herself to sleep after seeing Elliot at the pub.