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I cock my head. ‘How’s that fair?’ I’m upset for her. She paid the money back even though she didn’t have to. Her poor excuse for a husband left her to deal with the fallout and they still don’t let her in?By the sounds of it she had been conned just the same as they were.
‘It’s not. But I’d hazard a guess that it’s a self-preservation thing on their part. Word is, there’s a quite a number of people who were duped by him and Charlotte is one of them. In fact, I’m certain Charlotte was instrumental in getting him voted in as treasurer.’
I frown. ‘So she’s bullying Sofia because of her poor own judgement? That’s not fair on Sofia.’
‘No, it’s not. And sadly, she’s not the only one. I really don’t know how to help Sofia. That’s why I got so tongue-tied. She’s been through enough, so how do you tell her it’s because Charlotte got caught up in the hype of her ex-husband? It’ll just make her feel worse. I get the feeling Charlotte leads the pack and has warned others off befriending Sofia too.’
Willow Grove isn’t as pretty behind closed doors, not even close. ‘Finn, I’m starting to regret I ever stepped foot on Willow Grove soil. Please tell me there’s something redeeming about someone?’ I say only half joking.
He gives me a soft smile. ‘I promise you, it’s not as bad as it seems. Everything is heightened because you’ve stumbled on these people all at once. There’s a woman here who knits jumpers for rescue dogs. And there’s a seventy-year-old man who pushes his daughter’s wheelchair in marathons because she always wanted to be a runner. There’s a couple who adopt children and had to extend their house because even as the children grew into early adulthood they never left, so they keep adding on to their house to fit them all in. There’s a mystery elf, who delivers presents to the children’s ward at the hospital every year. Trust me, there’s a lot of good here too.’
‘That’s so sweet. I’ll have to get used to the fact that everyone’s lives are entwined.’
Mary rushes back over. ‘Sorry for the delay, lovelies. It’s bedlam in here!’ She hands us each a leather-bound menu.
‘I’m happy to try whatever you recommend,’ I say.
‘Me too,’ says Finn. ‘As long as it’s not escargot.’
‘Where’s the fun in that!’ I tease.
‘One date and she’s already trying to make me eat slugs. Do with me what you will.’
Mary waggles a brow and says, ‘Leave it with me, treasures. I promise you’ll be impressed.’ She shoots a glance outside and frowns. ‘Oh no Pilferer Pete is lurking. I better shoo him off before he makes away with my pot plants.’
Quick as a flash, my estimations of Mary sink.Pilferer Pete. Really? What chance do these people have when they’re judged like this?
Finn shrugs but his cheeks colour as if he’s embarrassed. ‘Poor guy can’t catch a break.’
‘Sounds like it.’ I don’t want to keep whining either but sheesh. ‘What’s with the insulting names?’
‘Bad habits, and long memories or something like that.’ Silence falls and I struggle to make conversation. Something is seriously wrong in Willow Grove and I can’t stand to live here and be privy to it without speaking up for those who are discussed in such a way, behind their backs no less.
Finn must read my mood and changes tack. ‘If you’re still amenable I’d really like to interview you about your plans to save the library, everyone is curious about the new librarian and I’m sure it’ll help secure more memberships …’
Suddenly I have themostincredible idea! My synapses fire and I have a moment of such clarity as this vision of what could be takes place in my mind.Images of Harry, Alfie, Sofia spring to mind and how they just want to be noticed, fit in, form friendships. I’d hazard a guess that this mysterious Pete is just the same. A fuzzy idea takes shape. I don’t have money to buy books, but I could still provide stories …
The idea is unconventional, but itcouldwork for those special people. First, I’d have to get their permission and work out just how to go about it. It would be an … experiment of sorts. I realise I’ve been sitting there open-mouthed and silent for too long so I hurry to reply, ‘I’d love to, Finn. Can you leave it with me for another few days – I’ve got anamazingidea but I want to pitch it just right.’ The hair on my arms stand on end and I have this overwhelming feeling that if I get this right, it just might save the library.
Now I can see there’s areasonI met these people in the first week of my stay at Willow Grove, of that I’m sure. There’s one intriguing character after another. A whole host of untold stories that are ripe for the plucking if my plan comes to fruition. There’s not enough money in the coffers to buy much new stock so …
If I can’t lend books, then I’ll lend people!
What if members heard their unique tales first-hand, instead of down the grapevine? Everyone has a story, and sometimes you have to read between the lines. They just need a chance to have their stories heard. To be listened to. To beseen.There’s a lot to think about but the idea grabs hold and doesn’t let go.
Chapter 8
I’m spritzing on some citrusy perfume, almost ready to leave for lunch at Sofia’s, when my mobile rings. It’s been such a dream having it ring so sporadically, so very different to when I was an Astor and it beeped and buzzed night and day. I follow the noise and find the phone on my bedside table.
‘Teddy!’ I say, happy to hear his voice. ‘How are you? I’ve missed you like crazy.’ It strikes me I’ve barely given my poor brother a second thought as I’ve been so caught up here but hearing him down the end of the phone line makes my heart squeeze. I do miss him.
‘I’m good, good. You sound happy.’
‘I am, Teddy. Blissfully happy. So far I’ve been on a date with a handsome reporter, and I’m about to have lunch with a local woman called Sofia. I’ve come up with an audacious plan to save the library …’
‘And it’s only been a week! Imagine what you can do in a year.’
‘Right? So how are you, dear brother?’
