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“When she has a book to finish, she usually comes and stays here for about a month or so. She likes to sit in the front lobby by the window and work, or she stays in her room upstairs. Evenings she comes down, has a few drinks, then takes dinner in her room. She likes things exactly the same every time. She’s an odd one that.”

“Olivia isn’t her real name though?”

“Olivia is her real name. She puts something else on her books, she says her mother would die if she knew what she wrote.”

“She likes to talk to you?” I ask.

“Mr Waters, bar keepers and hair dressers know everyone’s secrets. I’ve worked here for a long time now, and she’s sat at my bar for eight books I think it is, now,” he says jokingly. “I think Olivia would talk to anyone who listened, she seems very lonely.” That’s a strange observation, you would think being as popular as she is that her life is filled with people.

“Has she been back since her last stay?” I wonder if she’s here now?

“Nope, she only stayed a week, then left. Strange for her, she’s usually here much longer than that.” He puts the wine bottle down beside me. “She’s not been back, it’s too soon. Maybe in a few months.” So she isn’t here, but she is somewhere in Tribeca.

“Why so interested?” he asks, and I consider telling him but decide not to. I don’t need someone else laughing at me over this. Paige and Birdie have that covered.

“Just curious, my sister likes her books.”

“Your sister who advertised your single status on TikTok?” he laughs. Damn Birdie. “She seems like a hoot.”

“She’s a pain in the ass.” I roll my eyes, only Asher would think Birdie is cool. “I wanted to see if I could get her a signed book.” I lie through my pearly white teeth. It would make me brother of the year if I did, but it’s not why I came. I came because I had hoped she might just be here. “It was worth a try.”

“I can let you know when she comes in again — just don’t rat me out, I need this job to pay my rent,” He says, straightening his uniform bow-tie.

“I’d appreciate it. My sister loves her.” I wonder if he can tell I’m lying? It’s not a complete lie, she did say she would sell her shop for a signed book. My motives are more personal though.

“No problem.” He moves off to serve a couple who has just walked in, leaving me to drink my wine and wonder about Olivia. After Asher’s assessment of her — her being lonely — I’m more intrigued than ever, and the need to find her doubles.

I guess it’s time to get myself back on social media. Fuck.