This Book Made Me Think of You(69)

Alfie’s cheeks flush pink.

“It’s very compelling storytelling…”

Tilly glances at him.

“I was very grateful for a meal after surviving for a weekend on cold Pot Noodles.”

He passes her the book, his eyes not leaving hers.

“We’re dying to know what your next book is,” says Prudence.

“Yes, Alfie wrapped them all himself, so we have no clue.”

Tilly thinks back to how out of place she felt stepping through the bookshop door back in January. Now she feels like even more than a regular, like she’s part of the shop in a small way.

“I’ve been meaning to say, the books are always so beautifully wrapped,” she says with a smile, running a hand over the paper. “I love the ribbon.”

Alfie’s cheeks flush. “Thank you, I’m glad.”

“Let’s see what Joe chose this month then…” She slips off the orange ribbon and tears into the paper.

Her eyebrows rise, the book held outstretched in her hands.

“I’ll admit, I was not expecting that.”

Prudence peers closer. “A Lonely Planet guide to London. I thought you lived here?”

“I have, for ten years!” She turns the book over, and the letter falls out. The others give her space as Tilly reads.

Dear Tilly,

I know we fought about where to call home, something I wish I could go back and change. But I also know that I owe London so much. I have had some of my most wonderful years here.

But when you live somewhere, it’s all too easy to take it for granted, sticking to your old favorite places rather than trying anywhere new or going to the famous landmarks that only tourists usually visit.

I hope this book might inspire you to feel like a tourist in the city that I know you love.

Keep having adventures, Tilly, even if they’re close to home. And I will always feel grateful to this city for bringing me you.

I love you,

Joe x



There’s a lump in her throat as she folds up the letter. She distracts herself by flicking through the pages.

“This book is full of stuff I’ve never done.”

“I’m the same,” Alfie admits, looking up from where he’d been discreetly unpacking a box of books. “I’ve lived in London all my life, but I’ve probably been to fewer landmarks than an average tourist gets through on a weekend.”

“Oh, I’ve got a great idea!” says Blue excitedly. “You and Tilly should go to some of these places together!”

“That is a good idea,” says Prudence, nodding and making the autumn leaves woven through her gray hair flutter. “Blue and I can look after the shop for the day. It will give us a chance to do exactly what we like with the window…” She says the last sentence in a mock whisper.

“Although no candles, I promise,” Blue adds hastily. “So, what do you think? You deserve a day off, Alfie. And I’m sure Tilly would be glad of the company.”

Tilly glances at Alfie, who looks as caught off guard as she feels. But with Blue and Prudence gazing at them expectantly, it would feel rude to say no. They are clearly looking out for her, and Blue’s suggestion eases Tilly’s earlier guilt. She clearly has no qualms about their friendship.

“I’m in if you are,” Alfie says, meeting her eye.

Tilly thinks back to the other night, sometimes chatting, sometimes sitting in comfortable silence as they watched Gilmore Girls. Maybe it would be nicer to be a tourist with company.

“OK,” she replies with a nod. “Let’s be the best tourists London has ever seen.”



* * *



—

Once Tilly has left the shop, Alfie turns to Blue and Prudence, who are both grinning like Cheshire cats.

“What was that about?”

“Oh come on,” Blue replies, rolling her eyes. Prudence crosses her arms, the bangles on her wrists jangling.

“Blue was just taking the initiative that you clearly were never going to take.”

The two women remind Alfie of parents standing side by side to scold an unruly child.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Collect all your customers from the airport, do you, Alfie?” says Blue. Prudence cackles. Heat creeps up his neck and across his face.

“She was miserable. I felt responsible for sending her off to the wilderness. It didn’t mean anything.”

“Of course it did, Alfie. You’re just too stubborn and got your heart broken too badly to admit it. But as your friend, I refuse to let you be a grumpy spinster for the rest of your life. You obviously like her.”

To argue suddenly seems pointless. Blue and Prudence have both known him long enough to detect when he is lying.

“She’s grieving. And I know for a fact that she isn’t looking for a relationship.”

“Perhaps not,” agrees Prudence, her expression thoughtful. “But I see the way she looks whenever she walks through that door. She looks like someone who has just come home. And I don’t think it’s just because she loves books.”

The thought makes his chest tighten as if he’s being squeezed. But while Alfie might read romance novels for comfort, when it comes to his own life, he is a realist.