We also had double rooms for friends who preferred to stay together and a group room for readers who wanted the fully immersive reading sleepover experience and didn’t mind sharing with three other bookworms. That option was cheaper and meant that there were prices to suit a range of budgets.
‘I’m so happy to be here!’ said one of the guests, who I think was called Ava.
‘Glad to hear it!’ I replied. Jane and I were in charge of running the retreat this weekend, which meant that we’d be staying here with the guests and be on hand to help with whatever they needed.
‘So this weekend, the objective is to read, obviously, but also to make friends with other romance bookworms and enjoy yourselves. We’ll have some ice-breaking and fun activities like a romance book quiz, but don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to put a decent dent in your TBR list,’ Jane explained.
‘Unlimited reading snacks and tea are included in the deal. So whenever you fancy anything, just head to the kitchen, where you’ll find popcorn, nuts, smutty cookies, a selection of teas and of course coffee for those of you who pull an all-nighter and need something that’ll help you readjust one more chapter!’ I laughed.
‘That’s amazing!’ another guest said.
‘There’s a massive pile of blankets in the cupboard under the stairs too, so help yourself. And if you’d like to read in the front or back gardens or head to the beach, again feel free. This is your home for the entire weekend!’ Jane added.
‘So that’s the important parts. You’ll find all the other info in the guides we left in your rooms with your goody bags,’ I said.
‘Oooh!’ One of the guests grinned. She was right to be excited. The tote bags had branded Romance Library pyjamas and fluffy socks, a free book and discount vouchers to use in our bookshop as well as Love & Lattes.
‘Jane and I will be here with you for the whole weekend, so if there’s anything else you need, let us know. Oh, and if you run out of books, you can borrow some from the library or buy your own copies to annotate the hell out of from our bookstore,’ I added.
‘I bought five books an hour ago!’ a guest called Bola laughed.
‘Excellent!’ I said, glad that would help to boost the library’s bottom line.
‘Now that we’ve gone through all the housekeeping, let’s do a little icebreaker so you can get to know your fellow romance bookworms, then after that, you can all get stuck into reading!’
It was great to see the readers enthusiastically introducing themselves. We had guests from all over the UK—including Edinburgh, Manchester, and Devon as well as London and the South East. But Jane and I were blown away when one of the guests said she’d come all the way from New York! It was fantastic to see that the Romance Library brand had reached so many people.
Once the introductions were done and everyone was curled up reading their books, Jane and I headed up to the loft bedroom that had been created to give us privacy from the guests, but still ensure we were close enough for them to reach us if they needed something.
‘That seemed to go well!’ Jane said as she closed the door, then sat on her double bed, which was positioned opposite mine.
‘Yeah! And they all seem so lovely. I would’ve killed to have a place like this to visit near my old town.’
‘Me too! It’s brilliant to have somewhere to read with like-minded people. You and Ben did a great job putting this together.’
‘I didn’t really do anything. I just shared a few ideas. Ben and Theo did the rest.’
Hearing Ben’s name mentioned made butterflies erupt in my stomach.
I liked himsomuch.
Especially after he had confided in me about his past last Sunday.
When I heard how his cow of an ex jilted him, my heart broke. I knew first-hand how difficult it was to be dumped. But the thought of getting dressed up and inviting your friends and family to witness you declare your love for someone, only for them not to turn up (and not even bother to message you) must’ve been next-level devastation.
Turned out that only Ben’s brothers and a few friends knew about it. He’d even sworn Theo to secrecy, so not even Jess was aware of what he’d been through. So the fact that he’d trusted me enough to share something so painful meant the world.
It also explained a lot about his behaviour. I’d already worked out that hislife and soul of the partyplayboy persona was a front. But I hadn’t realised it was a mask that he wore to disguise those deep wounds.
The Ben that I’d come to know was loyal and kind and wonderful. And I was sure that if he committed to a relationship, he’d be faithful too.
He was also strong, brave and determined. True to his word, he’d gone shopping with Theo that Sunday. Apparently, it made Theo’s day and the trip was a success. Their suits had to be adjusted, but they’d be ready in time for next month.
Yep. It was all systems go for the wedding. Ben also helped me to plan when he got back, just like he’d promised.
Between us, we’d sorted the catering. Jess and Theo wanted fish and chips at the reception, so Candace was taking care of that.
Maddie was making the wedding cake.
