“I’ve finishedThe Great Gatsby. You were right—it’s amazing,” he said, oblivious to her embarrassment. “Although what a terriblebunch they were. Gatsby may have known how to throw a good party, but I wouldn’t want to be mates with him.”
June and Alex had been swapping book recommendations over the past month. June had shared some of her favorite classics, fromAlice’s Adventures in WonderlandtoTess of the D’Urbervilles, and after a few false starts with horror books, Alex was now lending her some of the fantasy and science fiction that he’d loved as a teenager.
“How are you getting on withThe Hobbit?”
“Good,” June said, relieved to be back on the safe subject of books. “I never thought I’d enjoy Tolkien, but it’s great.”
“Isn’t he an amazing storyteller?”
“I can now see why people love fantasy novels: they’re the perfect escape from real life.”
“Things still bad here?”
June lowered her voice. “Yes, but I can’t talk about it now.”
“Well, how about we go for a drink tonight and you can tell me then?” June waited to see if she’d misunderstood again, but Alex went on. “My aunt’s helping in the takeaway today so I’ve finally got a night off. I was thinking of going into Mawley for a change of scene; I’d love some company if you’re free.”
June busied herself stamping his book so she didn’t have to reply straightaway. It was Friday night, which meant the pub would be crowded and noisy, and once they’d talked about books, then what would they say to each other? June imagined the strained silence between them, Alex necking his pint quickly so he could escape from her.
“I can’t tonight,” she said, handing him back the copy ofThe Librarian.
“Oh, that’s a shame.”
“I’m sorry, I’ve just got lots on. I have to—”
“Well, well, what do we have here?” Linda was standing behind Alex, grinning at them both. “Are you George’s boy? Look at you, all grown-up! Your dad tells me you’re a solicitor now.”
“Eh, yes. Hi...” Alex looked to June for help.
“This is my next-door neighbor Linda,” she said.
“Next-door neighbor? Is that how you describe me to people?” Linda arched an eyebrow. “I’ve known June since she was four; I was best friends with her mum. When she was little, she used to run round my back garden completely naked and—”
“Do you need to return those?” June said, pointing at the books in Linda’s hand.
“Oh, yes, please, love. They may be a little overdue.” She turned to Alex. “June always cancels my fines for me.”
“It’s useful to have friends in powerful places,” he said with a smile.
June was aware of Linda winking at her over Alex’s shoulder, and she prayed her face wasn’t still as red as it felt.
“I’m afraid I’ve got to dash now,” Alex said. “I’m sorry you can’t come tonight; maybe we can grab a drink some other time?”
“What’s that?” Linda said. “You’re not busy tonight, are you, June?”
“Actually, I am,” she said, glaring at Linda and hoping she’d get the message.
“Doing what, reading boring old Russian books? Surely you can give that a miss for one night.” June opened her mouth to respond, but Linda was talking to Alex. “June’s a shy one, as you might have noticed, so she takes a bit of coaxing to let her hair down. But I’m sure she’d love to go out for a drink tonight. Wouldn’t you, love?”
June wanted to resist, but she knew that Linda was not going to let this one go without a fight. “Sure, that would be great.”
“Cool,” Alex said, although he looked bemused by the exchange he’d just witnessed. “Meet at seven outside the takeaway?”
As soon as he’d left the library, Linda looked at June with satisfaction. “He seems like a charming young man. And so handsome...”
“Linda, why did you just do that?” June said with a groan.
“Do what? I know you wanted to go on a date with him really; you were just being coy.”
