Page 56 of The Breakup Bookshop

As the interview comes to an end, I blink at the bright lights behind the camera. I breathe a sigh of relief.

Just as Sarah, the presenter, is packing up, the door opens.

Rory.

‘Ah, here’s the artist that I mentioned,’ I say, moving towards Rory, as though I’d expected to see him here all along. ‘He painted the mural.’

Sarah takes one look at Rory and visibly swoons.

‘Hi,’ Rory says, throwing her a smile. ‘Sorry to interrupt. I just wanted to see if you needed any quotes from locals or shop owners about the bookshop. It’s such an asset to our local area. I can say it on camera, if you need any more interviews. I work in the DIY store next door.’

Sarah flutters her eyelashes as he folds his muscular arms across his chest. Hearing him say that, advocating for me and the bookshop, I too melt inside, more than I’d like to admit.

He is here, doing this for me.

Congrats.

‘I thought you were an artist?’ Sarah presses.

‘That’s more of a hobby. I’m happy to give a supportive quote, as a local shop owner, though.’

Sarah nods. ‘That would be great.’

She is thinking the same as me – this handsome Scotsman being earnest and kind about small businesses will certainly help to boost her viewing figures. As the camera turns to Rory and I look at him, really look at him, and listen to him lie to the world that, from the beginning, he welcomed the bookshop with open arms, knowing it would be such a boost to the local area, my heart pounds in my chest.

Maybe, just maybe, things are looking a little brighter.

19

My phone blows up once the six o’clock news airs and I share the content on my social media feed. According to Donna – and she is definitely an authority on the subject – the whole village is talking about the bookshop putting Ullapool on the map. There is a stream of messages and calls from people looking to join The Next Chapter’s support group too.

Even my mum messages with her ever-supportive words of wisdom:Saw the show. Make-up was a bit drag queen.She’s added a clown emoji to drive the message home. I roll my eyes. Thanks, Mum.

Eilidh’s delight over the news piece is short-lived, as another unexpected bill pops through my letterbox. Something to do with a licence fee, which apparently is overdue.

‘This media interest is all very well and good, Ava,’ Eilidh says, ‘but we do need to think about money. You need to be able to pay your bills at the end of the month. Have you filled out the funding application yet?’

Annoyingly, she is right. And no, I haven’t.

‘You should charge people to attend the breakup bookshop,’ she suggests.

I shake my head. ‘I can’t do that. It was set up to help people, not to make money.’

‘Yes, but it’s attracting the most interest in your business. It’s your USP. You need to monetize everything to start making some profits.’

I shake my head again. ‘We need to come up with another way.’

Let me think about it. I know you’re right, but everything should start turning a corner at some point. My social media engagement is through the roof. Look at these figures.’

I point at my weekly interaction statistics, but Eilidh rolls her eyes. ‘We can celebrate when that’s your bank balance, Ava.’

‘I’ll get there. I’ll get the funding application submitted soon,’ I say, more confidently than I feel. I make to change the subject. ‘Anyway, what’s happening with Mark? Is he taking the boys with him on holiday?’

Mark recently asked whether he could have the boys during half-term. He’d said it would be good for them to bond with his new girlfriend before the baby came.

‘Well, I still want to shove a parasol so far up his arse that he can’t walk for a month, if that’s what you mean,’ she sighs. ‘But I have to think about what’s best for the boys. What kind of mother does it make me if I stop them from going on holiday? Theyshouldbe having fun. I just can’t stand the thought of them going without me. Making memories without me, you know? With her…’

Her voice starts to wobble and my heart breaks for her.