The Broken Hearts Book Club by Lynsey James Read Free Book Online

dog Hobie died recently and then there’s Denise who lost her teenage daughter, and Diane whose husband Derek died of a heart attack.’
    ‘So you didn’t get involved or anything then?’ George grinned and rolled his eyes. ‘Just went in for a little look, as usual?’
    ‘It was amazing George; they come together every week and discuss what book they’ve read as well as how they’re coping with their broken hearts. They’re like a little support network for each other and it’s lovely – if Nana Lily thinks I could lead them and help them be happy again then maybe I shouldn’t dismiss that so quickly.’
    ‘Well if you’re looking to swell your ranks, there’s a prime candidate over there.’ He gestured to the bar, where Jake was looking utterly miserable. ‘Go and sprinkle some fairy dust on him and you’ll be able to see if you can do it with the rest of the members.’
    Shaking my shoulders to psyche myself up, I approached the bar. Every step I took felt like I was treading on eggshells. I wasn’t really sure what to say to him, given that I’d accidentally flashed him earlier that morning.
    He smiled when he saw me, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. ‘What can I get you?’
    ‘Two orange juices please.’ I waited until he handed them over before bringing out my fairy dust. ‘You’re not looking too happy. Is everything OK?’
    ‘Nothing that a one-way ticket to Brazil wouldn’t sort out.’ His tone and smile were wry, but I could tell something was lurking underneath that beautiful façade of his. ‘Talking of which, your mum and dad are over at their cottage. Looks like it’ll be dry sooner than they thought, so they’ve moved all your stuff back across. An electrician’s coming to check the electrics are working, but you should be back in your own house before too long.’
    ‘That’s great,’ I said, throwing him a dazzling smile. ‘I reckon we’ll have to ban Dad from trying DIY in the future though! Thanks for putting us up, by the way. I hope we weren’t too much trouble –’ I trailed off blushing when I thought of my impromptu striptease earlier that morning. ‘Why do you fancy a one-way ticket to Brazil, by the way?’ I said hurriedly to change the subject.
    His eyes flicked upwards to look into mine and for a brief moment I could see raw pain and sadness that I’d seen before in the members of the Broken Hearts Book Club. Before I could even begin to wonder about it, he’d plastered a weak smile to his face and was trying to look like nothing was wrong.
    ‘A million and one reasons that I won’t bore you with now. You’re making it hard for me to do my usual cheery barman routine, you know.’
    ‘Sorry. I’ll bugger off and leave you alone if you like?’ I hoped he’d say no so I could delve more into what was bothering him.
    ‘Don’t be silly, it’s not every day we have Luna Bay’s Joni Mitchell in The Purple Partridge. I’d like to make the most of you while you’re here.’
    ‘I prefer Lucy, you know. Joni Mitchell’s just my stage name.’
    When he looked at me, I stuck my tongue out.
    ‘Lucy it is then. Your wish is my command, o talented songstress.’
    My cheeks burned furiously under his gaze. When he turned on his charm, he really was quite lovely. You’d never guess at how sad he was, that was for certain.
    ‘O talented songstress eh? I could get used to that! Now we just need to find a name for you. Let’s see…’ I drummed my fingers on the bar and pretended to think long and hard. ‘How about the Lord of Luna Bay?’
    He grinned, but shook his head, ‘Jake will do fine, Lord Hartley if you really fancy it. In fact, what about Your Highness? I’m the king of all I survey. Which isn’t much but there you go,’ he said, suddenly dropping the bravado and giving me a sheepish smile.
    ‘And yet you still need a miracle worker. Why’s that?’
    His easy smile fell away and was replaced with an expression etched with sorrow and