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“Thanks,” I say, taking the book from him and recognising it immediately. It’s his mum’s copy of Lady Chatterley's Lover.
“Didn’t peg Beast for a reader,” Cleveland remarks.
“He isn’t. It belonged to someone else,” I explain. “Not sure why he wants me to have it.”
“Might have something to do with the letter inside.”
I meet Clevelands gaze, narrowing my eyes at him. “You looked inside?”
“It fell out when I picked it up. Apologies, Ma’am.”
“It’s fine.”
Silence descends between us as I stare at the envelope, my name written in neat cursive across the surface. A letter? Beast’s a man of actions, not words. This is a surprise.
Cleveland clears his throat. “Will that be all?”
“Yeah,” I reply, giving him a thin smile. “I’m going back to bed.”
“Goodnight then.”
“Goodnight,” I respond, heading back to my bedroom, Beast’s letter and his mother’s book clutched against my chest.
Once I’ve climbed into bed I stare at the book, my fingers running over the well worn cover. The spine is cracked and creased, and some of the pages are torn. It has that distinct scent of mothballs and dust that all old books seem to have and I lift it to my nose, breathing in deeply. Pulling out the letter, I place it on the bed beside me, then open the book and begin to read.
Half an hour into reading, my phone beeps with a text message. I snatch it up thinking it’s Beast, only to find a message pending from Christy. I immediately swipe to read.
Christy:Stop reading the book, and read his letter.
I gasp, then grin, replying immediately.
Me:You should be asleep.
Christy:Can’t, I had to message you. Read his letter.
Me:You’re a wonder, do you know that?
Christy:Stop stalling.
Me:And bossy.
She sends me a smiley face emoji followed by a devil’s face emoji. Followed by another message.
Christy:Please read the letter. I won’t be able to sleep if you don’t.
Me:You’re being manipulative.
I type, following it up with a smiley face so she knows I’m not being mean.
Christy:Well I’ve got twelve years to make up for. What use is it having an older sister if I can’t twist her around my little finger?
Me:Ha! Funny. Well, I’m not easily manipulated.
Christy:True, but you do realise the best thing to do when you’re scared is to face your fears head on.
Me:I’m NOT scared.
Christy:Liar.
