Read Online The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan - Free Book Online Page B

lads were thinking.”
    It took Nina a moment to realize that by “the lads” he meant the two old duffers who sat by the bar.
    â€œOh yes?”
    â€œListen, that Wullie, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. He’s had a sad life, you know.”
    Well, I’m having one right now, Nina found herself thinking, quite shocked that the thought had flickered across her mind.
    â€œMmm?” she said.
    â€œWell, we reckon the three of us . . . we can buy it off him, then sell it on to you. You know, if you like.”
    There was a pause. Nina didn’t know what to say. It was so unexpected.
    â€œNot to make a profit, like. I mean, I reckon we’d probably get it cheaper off him than you would. Just to get him to change his mind about selling it to a lass.”
    â€œWell, that’s . . .” Nina was still speechless.
    â€œWe just thought you looked like a lassie who needed a hand. And we really liked that book you left us. I mean, we’d quite like more books.” Nina had told Alasdair the plan and he had not stopped badgering her since. “And that van is an eyesore in the village. And he was wrong not to sell it to you when you wanted it.”
    This was clearly a long speech for the landlord, who sounded embarrassed. Nina rushed in to reassure him.
    â€œAre you sure? That would be really—”
    â€œI mean, only if you haven’t found another one you like . . .”
    â€œI haven’t, no. I haven’t found another one.”
    Nina looked up. The rain was belting against the windows of the coffee shop now; every time the door opened, the wind howled in. The place was absolutely packed, a huge noisy line at the counter, children crying, people looking cross and getting in each other’s way. She looked at Griffin, who was checking his phone. Suddenly he jumped up, full of delight, and punched the air.
    Nina blinked. “Listen, Alasdair, that’s so kind of you. I’ll need to think about it. Can I call you back?”
    â€œAye, of course.”
    He told her the price he thought he could get the van for, which was way below what she’d expected, and she put the phone down.
    â€œI got it!” said Griffin, his face pink with emotion. “YAY!”
    Gradually he lowered his arms, looking at Nina. “I mean,” he stuttered. “I mean, I’m sorry. I mean, they’ve probably made a mistake. You’d have been way better.”
    Nina glanced down at her phone. A new e-mail was blinking. She didn’t even have to open it. “I regret to inform you . . .” was the first line that came across in the preview screen.
    â€œWell done,” she said to Griffin, almost entirely meaning it.
    â€œI’ve got to head up a ‘dynamic young multifunctional team,’” read Griffin excitedly. “Of course it will probably be absolutely awful . . . I’m really sorry,” he said as he saw her face.
    â€œIt’s okay,” said Nina. “Really. Someone had to get it. I’m glad it was you. I would have been hopeless heading up a multi-whatever.”
    â€œYeah,” said Griffin. “You would have hated it. I’m sure I’ll hate it, too.”
    His fingers moved furiously, and Nina realized he had already put it up on Facebook. She could hear the “like” button starting to ping.
    â€œListen, I’d better go,” she said quietly.
    â€œNo, don’t,” said Griffin. “Come on, please. I’ll buy you a drink somewhere.”
    â€œNo thanks,” said Nina. “Honestly, I’m all right. I’m fine.”
    Griffin glanced down at his phone again. “Come on, a bunch of my friends are just around the corner. Join us for a pint. We’ll plan your next move. I must know someone who can help.”
    He was more energized than Nina had seen him in months. She desperately wanted a cup of tea and a quiet sit-down to think things