Sade’s eyes widen, her eyebrows rising.
‘I’m really thankful for the experience I’ve gained here over the past seven years,’ Tilly continues, before she can change her mind. ‘But I think if I stay for longer I might end up losing something too. And since Joe …’
Her voice wobbles at the sound of his name but she forces herself to take a steadying breath and keep going.
‘I thought that throwing myself into work was the right thing to do. It felt like theonlything to do. But I haven’t really given myself time tostopand process everything. I need time to work out who I am without him and what I want from the rest of my life.’ She thinks again about the money currentlysitting in her bank account. So many possibilities have suddenly opened up for her, and that feels exciting but terrifying in equal measure. ‘I don’t think I can figure all of that out if I stay here.’
Once she’s said it all she feels a little breathless, hardly believing she has said the words out loud. Sade stares at her, her expression unreadable. Then she leans back in her chair.
‘Wow. I guess that’s not something a cereal bar can solve, then.’
‘No. I’m sorry, Sade. I thought I wanted the promotion. But after everything that’s happened … things feel different now.’
To her surprise, Sade shakes her head.
‘Don’t be sorry, Tilly. It’s bad for us, of course – you’re a great editor – but I have wondered if you’ve been pushing yourself too hard these past months. I’ve admired you for it. It’s what I think I would have done in the same circumstances. But I admire you for this even more. Not everyone has the courage to change the course of their life and set out in a new direction. So, what do you think you’re going to do?’
‘I’m not sure, actually. But I think I’m going to give myself some time. I recently came into some money … I think I want to give myself until the end of the year before making any decisions.’
‘January seems like a good time for a new start,’ Sade says with a nod. ‘And you know where we are if you want to come back. But I have a feeling you won’t. Now, given the clients we work with and the need for confidentiality, we’ll have to put you on gardening leave. Effective immediately. I hope that won’t be a problem?’
Sade’s eyes sparkle, one eyebrow raised.
‘I think I’ll manage,’ Tilly replies with a smile.
‘Then get out of here, Tilly Nightingale.’
17
‘Thewindow, Alfie!’ Tilly says as she pushes open the door to Book Lane.
Alfie looks down from the ladder where he is perched, shelving a stack of books. He wobbles slightly, nearly dropping the stack under his arm, then rights himself and adjusts his glasses.
The sun streams through the glass and shines on the covers of the books propped there, each and every one featuring cats. As well as the books there are a few soft toys – Mog and the Cat in the Hat – plus a figurine of Jiji fromKiki’s Delivery Service. Right in the centre of the window is a straw basket where Georgette luxuriates in the spotlight.
‘It looks amazing. You included all the ones we talked about.’
‘Well, I have to thank you for the inspiration,’ Alfie replies. He’s in another knitted jumper, this time a deep maroon. His hair is as wild as ever, sticking up in all directions, and he runs a hand over his jawline, his fingers brushing against his beard. ‘The display has proven very popular. It seems there really is a crossover between book lovers and cat lovers.’
‘See! We were right!’
They smile at each other like two nerdy children who have each just discovered another fan of their favourite book series.
‘I’m after some books,’ Tilly announces, to break the silence. ‘As of one hour ago, I am now unemployed and in need of reading material to keep me occupied.’
‘Oh no!’ He fixes her with his deep brown eyes, hisexpression soft with what looks like genuine concern. ‘I’m really sorry to hear that.’
‘Don’t be. It was my choice. I haven’t felt this … free in ages.’
‘Well, in that case, congratulations. And as for books to keep you occupied, how about we resolve that immediately?’
He climbs down from the ladder. ‘What did you make ofBeach Read? And thanks for the postcard.’
She already spotted it when she came in, pinned to the shop noticeboard. A smile spreads across her face.
‘I loved it. Everything you said about it was spot on. I was hooked. It really helped me switch off.’
‘If you enjoyed it you should read Emily Henry’s other books. And you might like these too …’
