How to Find Love in a Book Shop by Veronica Henry Read Free Book Online Page B

the situation. Rebecca came back from meeting him a little subdued, but relieved that there hadn’t been a scene.
    ‘It would have been different if my mom had come over,’ she told Julius. ‘Dad says she can’t even speak about it. I know Mom. She’ll turn it round to be her crisis. Her drama.’
    ‘She sounds awful,’ said Julius.
    ‘She just doesn’t like anything that doesn’t fit into her vision of how things should be.’
    ‘I suppose she’s not alone in that.’
    ‘No. But boy, do you know about it if it’s your fault.’
    ‘Well, it’s lucky she’s not here.’
    ‘Yes,’ agreed Rebecca. ‘Dad wants to meet you, though.’
    ‘No problem,’ said Julius. ‘I think we should meet.’
    He wanted to reassure Thomas Quinn as much as he could.
    Rebecca eyed him with interest. ‘You’re very brave.’
    Julius shrugged. ‘I’ve done nothing wrong.’
    ‘You do know most guys would have totally freaked out.’
    ‘There’s no point in getting hysterical. Or pretending it hasn’t happened. You’ve just got to get on with it.’
    Rebecca hugged him. ‘You know what? You make me feel safe. I never knew that’s what I wanted …’

    Julius met Rebecca’s father Thomas the next day in the drawing room of the suite he had hired. Rebecca had decided to keep out of the way.
    ‘I’ll only get emotional if he says something I don’t want to hear. Don’t let him bully you.’
    ‘Don’t worry,’ said Julius. He wasn’t nervous, though he was apprehensive. He didn’t want to make a tricky situation turn nasty.
    Thomas Quinn was scrupulously polite, ushering him in and ordering coffee. It was a little bit surreal, thought Julius, sitting in opposing armchairs in this formal setting. He felt like a head of state about to discuss foreign policy.
    ‘I want to make this situation as least disruptive as possible,’ Thomas told him. ‘You know, of course, what a smart girl Rebecca is. She has a very bright future.’
    ‘Yes,’ said Julius. ‘She’s very clever. Far cleverer than I am.’
    ‘And, as her father, it would be wrong of me not to want her to make the most of her potential.’
    ‘I’m sure that’s what we all want for our children.’
    Julius held his gaze.
    Thomas Quinn cleared his throat.
    ‘I appreciate that you have been a gentleman and agreed to stand by her. Rebecca tells me what a tower of strength you are. How supportive. I’m very grateful.’
    This wasn’t quite the tack Julius had expected. He’d anticipated disapproval. Criticism.
    ‘Thank you,’ he replied, wondering what was coming next.
    ‘However, I think you’re both being idealistic. I don’t think either of you really have any idea of the impact having a baby will have on your careers, your lifestyle, your economic circumstances. I mean, you don’t actually have a career, as yet – do you? You’re working in a book shop?’
    Julius stared, intense dislike starting to boil up inside him. He’d thought it was too good to be true. He remained calm and polite.
    ‘Yes. But I have a good degree. I’m quite confident—’
    ‘Your confidence is charming. But you’re being naïve. Take it from me. I’ve had three children. Good intentions are all very well in theory. Admirable. But you will find the reality a very different story.’
    ‘Mr Quinn, people have children every day and bring them up perfectly well—’
    Thomas Quinn cut him off again. ‘I don’t want to see my daughter’s potential wasted. I want her to be the best person she can be. I don’t think having a baby at nineteen is going to enable that. No matter how much support she has from you.’
    ‘She can carry on her studies. We’ll find a way.’
    Quinn gave a dismissive snort.
    ‘Look, I’m not going to pretend I think this is a good idea on any level. Rebecca is a pistol, on the surface. But underneath, she’s actually very vulnerable. And not as strong as she comes across. Believe me, I’m her father. I know Rebecca. Which is