‘You’re a romance writer. I’m a woman of the world. We both know that mild peril is a potent aphrodisiac, it will—’
‘What?’
‘No judgement from me. In fact—’ Mrs Casablancas’ voice changes swiftly as River approaches us. ‘While I personally may not have time to help today, I do have a guy I can put you into contact with.’
While I’m still trying to get my head around what she just said about mild peril being hot, Mrs Casablancas heads over to her piano, where on top of it is a stack of business cards. She shuffles through them, handing one to me.
I read it aloud.
It saysAled the Librarian. General Manager at Paddington Library.
‘You want us to go to a library?’ River rubs the back of his neck. ‘That’s your suggestion?’
Mrs Casablancas starts clearing the teapot and cups away. ‘Aled is the one who gave me the book about manifesting. I’m certain he will have practical books about writer’s block on his shelves and he will absolutely know which ones are the best ones because he is tremendous at his job. And forgive me for saying this, but it was books that got you into this mess. I don’t think it’s too unreasonable to suggest that it might be books that get you out of it.’
Bridget’s phone beeps. She peeks down at the screen. ‘Duty calls. I should get home.’
I start to panic again. ‘But we haven’t fixed this!’
Bridget pulls on her motorcycle helmet. ‘Like MrsCasablancas said, it’s perhaps time to go back to the basics. Research. Read. Get some help the old-fashioned way.’
‘Do you think you could try to get me a two-week extension on the deadline? That’s when River has to get back.’
‘I can try,’ Bridget says. ‘The main thing is that you’ve told me now. It’s all out in the open and we can move forward. You must not fret—’
‘Oh, we’vebeenfretting,’ River mutters, now rocking Squish from side to side like a baby, while Squish continues to snore.
‘Bugger. I really do have to leave,’ Bridget mutters as her phone beeps again.
She hugs Mrs Casablancas and pecks me again on the cheek. Then with a quick wave goodbye at River, she exits the flat, tapping away on her phone the whole way out.
Mrs Casablancas grabs Squish’s carry case along with a stuffed Sainsbury’s Bag for Life from beside the fridge. ‘Puppy pads, kibble, toys, lead and some extra kibble just in case. Call me if there are any issues. But please make sure it’s an actual issue if you do call. I really, really would like to sow these oats.’
And with that, she nudges River, Squish and me out of the door, with nothing but a bag of puppy paraphernalia and some random librarian’s business card.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
I haven’t been to Paddington library before, tending to stick to the London Library where I have a yearly membership. But it’s lovely here; expansive and bright and buzzing with more activity than I would have expected for a Sunday afternoon.
‘This building is great,’ River remarks, looking around the old room. ‘Good bones.’
‘Agreed,’ I say, picking a random book off the shelf. ‘I love a library. The smell of old books is like nothing else in the world.’ I take a hearty inhale of the one I just opened and immediately burst into a noisy sneeze as a bunch of dust takes root in my nostrils.
River startles at the noise.
‘I’m an obnoxious sneezer, okay?’ I say defensively. ‘I’ve tried to rein them in, but they just come out really loud, like a town crier relaying an emergency. It’s an issue.’
At this, River laughs out loud. ‘That was terrifying. But I have to admit, I am impressed with that lung capacity.’ He raises an eyebrow.
‘Why are you saying “lung capacity” like that?’
‘Like what?’
‘I don’t know, like it’s sexy.’
‘I’m not!’
‘Hmm. Maybe it’s just that deep voice again.’ I fold my arms. ‘But FYI, I actually do have an excellent lung capacity. I can hold my breath underwater for almost two minutes.’
