‘Don’t be late!’ Clara called back. ‘You promised me cuddles!’

Libby looked flustered when Jo arrived at the bookshop, even though it seemed to Jo’s trained eye as if everything was very much under control. The chairs were laid out for those attending the reading. The coffee bar had been organised to offer tea, coffee, or chilled white wine to the customers. All of Ewan's marketing material was on display, and a table display of his latest tome, along with stock of his lengthy back catalogue, was perfectly put together.

Libby, however, was not.

‘What if no one shows up?’ she said, as soon as Jo walked in.

‘Well, I’m here, so that’s that worry out the window at least,’ Jo replied in an attempt to lighten the mood. An attempt which clearly failed.

‘But everyone else? What if no one comes and Ewan McLachlan sits here like a lemon and takes a strop. Or what if the only people who show up are those “this is more of a statement than a question” type of people?’

‘Libby,’ Jo said, taking her friend by the arm and taking some comfort in the fact she was not the only person sick with nerves. ‘These tickets sold out ages ago. You know most of the people who bought them. They are regulars at the shop, and decent people. Well, apart from Edith. She’s definitely a “this is a statement more than a question” type of person, but, if necessary, I can take her out with a well-aimed scone,’ Jo said, nodding towards the coffee bar.

Libby laughed, and pulled Jo into a hug. ‘Thank you. Thank you for making me laugh. This is just a big deal for me. He’s the biggest author we’ve had here and if he spreads the word about us, it would be brilliant! We could up our author visits, and really build on things, you know?’

Jo nodded. ‘I get it,’ she said.

‘Oh God,’ Libby exclaimed, putting her hand to her mouth. ‘I’m an eejit. Of course you get it. How are you? How are your nerves? You look amazing, by the way. I could grow to like this sleek version of Jo Campbell. Très chic! That suit looks even better on you today. It’s perfect for you.’

‘Yes. Yes it is,’ Jo said. ‘And you’ll be seeing a lot of it because it cost so much that I’ll be wearing it to every wedding, funeral, birthday, Halloween party and trip to the supermarket for the next five years at least. But, yes, I’m nervous.’