‘This is the whole of the BBC. That was just local.’
A tearful noise came from under the hoodie.
‘Oh, for fuck’s sake.’
‘Let me get you a coffee.’
There was no answer from the large figure now prone upon the case.
‘Um,’ said Carmen. ‘We are, believe me, so appreciative.’
She really and truly was. They had taken money continuously; the old till had tinged and rung and the stack of Blair Pfenning books had dwindled to nothing. She had never known anything like it, not even during one of the periodic bursts of craft sales in haberdashery that followed Kirstie Allsopp appearing on television.
‘But would you mind if I got into the till?’
He glanced up at her, his eyes hollow.
‘Whatever,’ he said.
Emily had left to get coffee, and they were alone in the shop.
‘Are you all right?’ said Carmen wonderingly.
‘Don’t I look all right?’
‘You did two minutes ago,’ said Carmen. ‘Now you’re lying down in a shop.’
‘Uh, jet lag?’
‘I’ve had jet lag,’ said Carmen. ‘I could still lift my own head.’
He sighed.
‘Well, bully for you.’ He looked up at her suddenly. ‘Is there anywhere really cosy and lovely to eat around here?’
‘There are loads of places to eat around here,’ said Carmen. ‘I’m sure Emily will know them.’
His face fell.
‘I’ve spent thirty-five hours with Emily and I have another four days to go.’
Carmen raised her eyebrows.
‘Professionally,’ he mumbled into his hoodie. ‘Please. Could we go? Could you take me? Before she gets back.’
‘Um, I can’t really shut the shop.’
‘Fuck off,’ came the voice. ‘I just trebled your week’s takings and you know it.’
‘Yes but—’
‘Say I forced you into it.’
‘Well, I would have to,’ said Carmen. ‘Seeing as you’re trying to force me into it.’
He glanced up then.
‘Do you want me to go full Charming Blair?’
‘Not particularly.’
‘I will, you know. I’ve got low blood sugar and if I don’t get out pretty soon I’m going to throw a tantrum. So let’s try this first.’
She narrowed her eyes at him as he threw himself upright, pulled down the hoodie and shook back his hair. He leaned into her and stared right into her eyes.
‘It would be good and nourishing for the soul, underappreciated bookshop girl, if you were to let me take you out for lunch and add a little lustre to this grey miserable day and of course … ’ He grinned the grin. ‘It would be beyond my honour and pleasure to escort you and treat you.’
‘Is that supposed to be charming?’
‘It is fucking charming! Six million copies’ worth of charming!’
‘I think it’s creepy.’
‘It’s creepy, yes, okay, whatever. Please. Come on. Aren’t you hungry? I haven’t eaten for twenty hours.’
‘Why not?’