Twelve Days

By Isabelle Rowan

Sequel to A Note in the Margin

Christmas can be a time of love and joy, but to three men at the bookstore called Margins, it also brings reflection on what was and what will be, highlighting the importance of home and family during a hot Australian Christmas. Their lives are intertwined by the bookstore, but individually David has difficulty reconnecting with the son he knew, John discovers something about the father who abandoned him, and Jamie braces himself for what he thinks will be his first Christmas on his own.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
• Release date: Dec 21, 2011
• ISBN: 9781613722787

Isabelle Rowan

A black cat for a witch may be a cliché, but add a whole bunch of tribal tattoos and an intolerance to garlic (seriously), and you have Isabelle Rowan. Having moved to Australia from the North East of England as a small child, Isabelle now lives in a seaside suburb of Melbourne. Recently retired from teaching, Isabelle spends a lot of time in cafes drinking coffee and writing—a great place to watch the world go by and find future characters. Isabelle’s love for Australian landscapes, both city and country, are a constant inspiration to take readers to places they’ve never visited, or experience the new and unusual if they have. Maybe you’ve walked past a vampire on Chapel Street. Isabelle is a movie addict and follows far too many TV fandoms. She also spends all her money on traveling… but then again, life is to be lived. Website and blog: www.isabellerowan.com Twitter: @Aussie_Izzy Instagram: @rowan.isabelle Facebook: www.facebook.com/public/Isabelle-Rowan

Book preview

Twelve Days

WALKING up to the door of his apartment felt different these days. In the past it was simply somewhere to dump his brief case before heading out to a business dinner or a bar. But as he slid his key into the lock it was accompanied by an anticipation he’d never felt before. John was home.

The living room was quiet. John closed the door but didn’t immediately continue into the room; instead he just stood and smiled. David was stretched along the couch, one arm under his head and the other bent so his curled fingers rested near his lips. His light breath shifted to a soft snore fluttering the strands of dark blond hair that had fallen over his face.

It still amazed John how the simple sight of David asleep on the couch could set butterflies rampaging through his belly. That he loved the man there was no doubt, but the intensity of his feelings always caught him off guard. A whole world away from his disgust at the filthy homeless man he’d found huddled in the old chair at the back of the book store. I’ll never let you go back to that, Dave, he thought. I need you just as much as you need me.

David stirred slightly and gave a soft murmur. John’s smile broadened and he walked quietly to the end of the couch to give David’s bare toe a little tug. I’m putting the kettle on for a cup of tea, you want one?

With a grunt, David stretched and shook his head. I’m okay, but you get one.

John nodded and walked into the kitchen. David had been quiet all day, sorting shelves and keeping to himself. It was a pattern John had become used to over the past year, and he’d gradually grown to accept it as a coping mechanism rather than something to worry about. It was clear David had something on his mind and he had to leave him to sort it out. John knew he’d find out what it was when, and only when, David was ready to tell him.

With his mug of tea in hand, John returned to the couch. Lift your feet up, he said and sat down, pulling David’s feet onto his lap, being careful not to spill his tea. You sure you don’t want some?

I’m sure, David answered softly while he watched John settle at the other end of the couch.

They sat together, neither needing to talk, while John sipped at the hot drink. Even though it burnt his tongue, the first cup after work was always the best, and John let out a satisfied sigh. It’s good to be home.

David smiled and nodded his understanding of the truth in those words.

John looked at him and waited. David would say it soon because the tension of earlier in the day was gone from his eyes.

I’ve been thinking about Christmas, David stated simply.

John blinked; that was not a topic he’d expected. Okay, he said slowly and leaned forward to put his mug on the coffee table. Thinking about Christmas past or present?

Both I guess, David said thoughtfully. Jamie told me today that he was going to hunt out the decorations for the store and we could put them up tomorrow because according to him, ‘It will be twelve days before Christmas, so it’s time.’

John chuckled at Jamie’s adherence to traditions. "I suggested we put them up earlier, but he wouldn’t hear of it. ‘We’re not one of those book stores,’ I think he said, only with a lot more colorful language. John wrapped his hands around David’s feet, absently massaging the soles as he spoke. For such a young guy, our Jamie is very set in his ways. Bit of an old woman at times."

He was telling me about some of the Christmases he had when he was little, and it started me thinking, David said in a tone that John couldn’t quite read.

About when you were with Adam? John proceeded cautiously. David’s relationship with his son was improving and they’d met a few times over the past months, but David still found it difficult to open up either with his son or about him.

David shrugged. Yeah, then and some other times.

Christmas was one of those difficult times for a lot of people and John knew David had spent a few of them surviving on the streets. He leaned forward to grab his mug and lifted it to his lips, mainly to stop himself asking more questions. In his own time… don’t push. John then offered the mug to David, who pulled himself a little higher against the armrest and took a mouthful.

Not enough sugar, David grimaced almost playfully and passed the mug back.

So, are you going to help the Christmas Elf put up the tree tomorrow?

Reviews for Twelve Days

[penny01-2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

a nice update on "Margins." 3.75 stars