I know you said not to follow you but I’m still up if you need me. I hate the thought of having upset you. Let’s talk about this, Tils Xx
*
Please, Tilly. I know you’re not asleep, I can see the light under your door xx
*
I can’t believe youleft, Tilly. When I woke up Constanza told me you’d got a taxi to the airport and are getting an early flight home. I know you’re upset but you didn’t have to leave. Let’s meet up when I get back in a couple of days and we can talk properly. Everyone else says hi and that they were sorry not to get to say goodbye xx
*
Come on, Tilly. You can’t ignore me forever. Let’s just talk about this.
The string of messages ends with the words Tilly sent this morning.
Tilly:
I don’t feel ready to talk. I need some space. Please respect that.
There have been no further messages from Harper but there is one from Joe’s mum.
Ellen:
See you next weekend. Send us your flight details and we can pick you up from the airport. It will be good to see you. And to talk x
Tilly slips her phone back in her bag as she approaches the bookshop. The window is full of books piled in a colourful striped deckchair, with beach balls dotted about. The sight of the shop calms her and she has managed to stop shaking by the time she pushes open the door.
Prudence is busy with a customer but gives Tilly a wave. Alfie looks up from behind the counter and smiles.
‘Tilly!’ The enthusiasm in his voice makes Tilly smile too. ‘How was Italy?’
Her smile immediately drops.
‘It was beautiful and the pasta making was great. I met some brilliant people. But Harper and I had a huge fight.’
Alfie closes the large leather-bound book he’d been looking at, his eyes fixed on Tilly, eyebrows dipping in concern.
‘Oh no, I’m sorry. What happened?’
‘It turns out she created a secret dating profile and has been trying to set me up with someone behind my back.’
‘Oh wow, that’s –’
‘Crazy?’ Tilly finishes for him. ‘Especially after I’ve told her so many times that I’m not ready to date.’
Alfie coughs, a hand rising to rub his jaw. ‘Of course. So, what do you think you’re going to do?’
‘Nothing for now. I’m off to America next weekend for Joe’s birthday. I can’t deal with everything with Harper, on top of that.’
‘How are you feeling about seeing your in-laws again?’
‘Nervous. My mother-in-law says she wants to talk, but if it’s just to remind me how wrong she always thought I was for her son then I’m not sure I want to hear it. But I’ve booked a few days in New York, because it seems silly to go all the way there andnotgo to New York. I’m looking forward to that. I’ll just have to get through the weekend with Joe’s family first.’
When she booked the hotel in New York she experienced a small flash of anxiety. There is still a healthy amount in her bank account but she isn’t used to spending money without any coming in. Before too long she is going to have to make some big decisions.
‘I hear there are some wonderful bookshops in New York. I’ve never been.’
‘Joe and I went a few times together. It’s an amazing place. But this time I don’t feel the need to go to the big tourist places. I plan on eating and reading my way around the city.’
