This Book Made Me Think of You(33)
At the end of the meal, they all exchange numbers and firm hugs. She leaves the restaurant feeling as though she has just made five new and unexpected friends.
* * *
—
When Tilly gets back to the apartment, she flops onto the bed, leaving the curtains open so she can see the lights of the city twinkling outside. Lying on her stomach with her heels kicked up behind her and the view of the Parisian rooftops outside, she sends a reply to Rachel’s message.
Hey, sorry not to have messaged you sooner but yes—I have left Splash. I’m actually taking a bit of a career break for a while. I’m currently in Paris for a few weeks! One of the other editors will be picking up the Esmerelda Love project so will be in touch with you shortly. A drink when I get back would be nice. And I finished Tomorrow x3 and LOVED it. I have THOUGHTS. T xx
Paris! Fantastique. Hope you are having a wonderful time. And a career break sounds like a brilliant idea. Have a great rest of trip. Can’t wait to see you and chat about the book with you when you get back. Xx
Tilly pauses for a moment. Me too, she writes in reply, realizing as she types it that it’s true.
Her phone lights up with another notification, this time telling her that she has been added by Lola Ricardo to a WhatsApp group called Paris Grief Gang.
Lola: Welcome to the club that absolutely no one would choose to be part of!! Thanks for a lovely evening.
Fairooz: We should get t-shirts made
Pierre: Or badges. With skulls on them.
John: Count me in! Just home safely. I think I may be a little tipsy! An enchanting evening, nonetheless.
Cécile: Agreed! Thank you all for coming.
Tilly smiles as she reads the messages, then types a reply.
It was lovely to meet you all. I’m actually going to be in Paris for a few weeks and it’s my first time in the city. If anyone is around and wants to meet up again I’d love that.
John: Sacré bleu! A Parisian virgin! You are very welcome to come for tea at my little apartment in 7th arrondissement. It would be a pleasure to show you the library my husband and I spent our lives curating.
Cécile: Say yes! John is being modest, his place is ENORMOUS and his library is directly opposite the tour Eiffel. Magnifique! And I’d love to show you some of my favorite bookshops in Paris. You must see Librairie Jousseaume in the Galerie Vivienne—it’s the most charming place.
Pierre: I’d recommend a walk along the Canal Saint-Martin. It’s trés jolie at this time of year.
Fairooz: Parc des Buttes Chaumont is my favorite park in Paris. I live nearby so could show you around.
John: Oh, and you must see the museums too. The Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay…I’d be delighted to accompany you.
As more suggestions come pinging in and Tilly glances out at the shimmering view of the City of Light spread out beneath her window, she feels a tingling sense of excitement take hold. Suddenly three weeks doesn’t seem so long after all.
May
Book Lane Recommends
Books that will inspire you to take up a new hobby
You Will Be Able to Draw by the End of This Book, Jake Spicer Field Notes from an Unintentional Birder: A Memoir, Julia Zarankin By My Hands: A Potter’s Apprenticeship, Florian Gadsby The Curse of the Boyfriend Sweater: Essays on Crafting, Alanna Okun
Twenty-Two
Alfie is helping a regular customer choose a birthday present for her niece when Tilly Nightingale arrives on the first of May, red hair worn in a long braid tied with a green bow that matches her vintage-style dress. Usually, Alfie would relish taking the time to find something perfect for a customer, but it’s hard to take his eyes away from Tilly as she walks up to the counter with a bounce in her step.
She looks different somehow, not just because of the braid or the fact she’s shed her usual scarf and coat, her arms bare and covered in nearly as many freckles as her face. She seems to…sparkle. Alfie shakes himself, trying to pull his attention back to the customer but not before he spots Tilly looking around, a smile lighting her face when she sees him. He gives a little nod, then turns back to his customer.
As he gives a synopsis of each of his suggestions, he half listens to the conversation between Tilly, Blue, and Prudence at the counter. Tilly recounts her Parisian trip, telling them of all the bookshops and galleries, bakeries and parks.
Alfie’s customer weighs the options in her hands. “Hmm, I like the look of all of them. You’re not making it easy for me.”
Over the customer’s shoulder Alfie can see Prudence handing Tilly May’s book from its spot on the collection shelf. Blue heads over to continue unpacking a delivery, but Alfie and his customer are in a tight spot in the shop, so Blue takes hold of Alfie’s hips and moves him to one side with a “Thanks, my love.”
“I think I’m going to take this one,” Alfie’s customer says decisively.
“Great choice,” replies Alfie, spotting Tilly looking in his direction, her latest book tucked under her arm. He hopes she might stay long enough for him to hear about her adventures himself and maybe even get to see her open this month’s book, but before he has time to speak to her, she waves and is gone, leaving behind a faint scent of apples and vanilla.
“Did you hear about Fred’s Café closing down?” the customer says as she pays for her book.