Alfie smiles as he picks up a box of books.
‘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.
She raises her eyebrows in surprise, 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 favourite 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 to 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’s 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!’
‘Thatisa good idea,’ says Prudence, nodding and making the autumn leaves woven through her grey hair flutter. ‘Blue and I can look after the shop for the day. And 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 feels caught off guard and glances at Alfie who looks as uncertain 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 apparently 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 watchedGilmore Girls. Maybe itwouldbe 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.’
