As soon as the doors were open a stream of people filed into the library. Wilson, juggling a box, followed swiftly behind.
‘Here he is. Morning, mate.’ Aiden reached out and took the box from him.
‘Sorry I’m late!’ His face was flushed. ‘It’s been one of those mornings.’
Jenny walked in behind Wilson. ‘What he means is that it’s my fault.’
‘For once, Mum, I’m not going to argue.’ Wilson smiled, quickly kissing her cheek. ‘I’ll catch you at teatime,’ he said, waving as he dashed back outside into the courtyard.
‘He’ll forgive me,’ Jenny said. ‘The internet isn’t working at home, and I was wondering whether I could use that computer over there?’ She nodded towards the desk on the other side of the room.
‘Of course, that’s what it’s there for,’ Elle replied. Then, noticing how tired she looked, she added, ‘Do you need any help with anything?’
‘No, thanks, I’ll be fine,’ she replied, walking over to the computer, scrabbling inside her bag as she went.
Grunting noises from the other side of the room made Elle look in Aiden’s direction. He’d opened the box and was grappling with a poster that was too large to manage by himself. ‘Urghh,’ she heard him mutter before he thumped the poster in the middle to try to straighten it out.
Elle hurried towards him. ‘Here, let me help,’ she said, pulling up a chair and reaching towards the top as Aiden smoothed down the bottom half.
‘Thank you,’ he said, finally securing it to the wall with some drawing pins. They both took a step back and gazed at the poster.
Pippa joined them. ‘Sam Stone’s latest novel,’ she said admiringly. ‘What a marvellous cover. In fact, I finished reading the book last night.’
‘What did you think of it?’ asked Aiden.
‘Absolutely awesome as usual. It was one of those books I couldn’t put down. Hence why I have huge bags under my eyes this morning,’ she said, pointing to her face. ‘The only downside is, now I’ll have to wait months for his next book.’
They stared at the poster for a moment longer before Pippa moseyed over towards the children’s corner and Aiden began to put returned books back on the shelves.
Drifting back towards the front desk, Elle noticed Jenny was still sitting at the computer. Even though she was staring at the screen, she looked distracted. Twisting her wedding ring round and round on her finger, she exhaled before scribbling something in her notepad then closed it quickly.
Elle walked up behind her and Jenny started.
‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you jump. Is everything okay?’ Elle noticed a tear roll down her cheek. She quickly pulled out a tissue from her pocket. ‘Here, take this,’ she said softly. ‘It’s clean.’
Jenny dabbed the corner of her eyes. ‘Thank you. Yes, ignore me. I’m just having a moment – nothing to worry about.’
Elle could see Jenny was far from okay. There was sadness written all over her face, but Elle didn’t want to pry or draw attention to it.
‘Let me make you a cup of tea.’
Jenny nodded her appreciation. ‘Thank you, that would be lovely,’ she replied, her voice faltering.
Elle gestured towards Pippa that she was going to the staffroom for a moment and five minutes later returned carrying a tray of mugs and biscuits for everyone. The library was quiet aside from an elderly couple standing amongst the children’s books with a toddler in tow, chatting with Aiden.
With a smile, she placed a mug of tea and a plate of chocolate biscuits in front of Jenny.
‘Thank you.’
‘A chocolate biscuit always works wonders for me,’ said Elle, dunking one into her tea. ‘If you need anything, please give me a shout.’
Jenny nodded.
Elle walked over to Aiden, who was kneeling down next to a little boy, showing him a book on steam engines. The boy was making train noises and giggling infectiously.
‘I’ll pop your drink up here, Aiden,’ Elle told him, placing the mug on a high shelf away from the toddler.
‘Thanks, Elle. While you’re here, can I introduce you to Louisa’s mum and dad?’ he said, gesturing towards them both.
