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We spend the next hour making plans for the week, including advertising space for a writer’s group, a poetry group and inviting the historical club to use the library for their meetings. I bring up the subject of a cooking demonstration, but I don’t mention Sofia’s name. The idea is on hold for now anyway but it’s something to consider.
The way Sofia cooks is quite theatrical, and I’m sure members would enjoy the show. I can’t handle Maisie gossiping about another person in the space of an hour so I stay quiet about who the demonstrator will be for now. Because of her earlier remarks I hold back on telling her about the People Library experiment too – I’m not sure about Maisie’s motivations,and I don’t want the news spread around town before I’m ready to share it.
‘You can’t cook in here, among the books; the place will smell disgusting.’
I pinch the bridge of my nose as a headache forms. ‘Italreadysmells like boiled cabbage, Maisie, so I’m sure whatever’s cooked can only be an improvement. Besides, it would only be a demonstration, using electric hobs so we could hold it in the open part of the library where there’s room for spectators. We’ve got to think outside the box to get enough memberships in a town where not everyone wants to use the library for books. We have to draw them in somehow.’ Little Alfie springs to mind – cooking is a practical skill we could incorporate into his home schooling.
‘Fine, I’ll leave that with you then. I’ll get onto advertising the space for these groups and posting on social media. Anything else?’ Maisie seems to be enjoying handling the social media side of things, so that’s something at least.
Our never-ending to-do list flashes in my mind. ‘If you could set up the children’s area for our sessions this week that would be fab. And I’ve got some posters on my desk for Alfie’s cubicle if you could show him those when he comes in. He might like them in a particular order, so it’s best if we let him decide.’
At the mention of Alfie, she softens. It makes me think Maisie might eventually come around if only she’d give away with that brusque manner of hers.
‘Oh, there’s the carpet cleaner.’ I wave to a guy who is dressed head to toe in an orange jumpsuit. ‘Can you let him know what we want? Neutral stuff so it doesn’t upset Alfie’s time here. Get a quote and find out how long it needs to dry and when he can do it by.That should sort that boiled cabbage smell once and for all!’
Once our meeting wraps, I go to the health section and hunt for some books on the psychology of shoplifting, because as far as I can see without meeting ‘Pilferer Pete’ he is on the outer edges of society, just like the others. I’m curious to know what drives someone to shoplift, other than economic reasons. I find some books and check them out in my own name.
‘Some light reading?’ I jump at the voice.
Finn. ‘Do you always sneak up like that?’ Somehow, he makes the space brighter when he’s around. Gone are the drab brown carpets and dull beige desks and all I see is him, as if he’s got a giant spotlight above him, showing me the way. It’s hard to reconcile this feeling. Is it some kind of love-struck thing? I do feel slightly woozy when he’s around and my mind scatters like a thousand marbles. It’s quite the predicament not being able to think straight.
‘Always use my ninja stealth mode,’ he says. ‘I’m a nosy reporter, remember?’
I raise a brow. ‘I remember. So what can I help you with today, Finn?’ I try to keep things professional while my heart beats a rumba, and I pretend we didn’t spend the better part of the weekend texting back and forth.
‘I’ve come to join the library, and to ask you if you’re ready to be interviewed.’
‘Yay! Another member! And I’malmostready. I just need to get permission from the “books” first.’ I make air quotes so he knows I don’t mean actual books.
‘Thebooks?’
I give him a secretive smile, but I’m sure he thinks I’m batty because what do air quotes really mean in this situation! ‘Yes, the books – it’ll all make sense soon, I promise. But for now, let’s get you signed up as a member before you change your mind.’ I need to chat to Alfie and his mum Jo before I explain to Finn about the People Library experiment.
‘I heard there was some sort of sweetener to sign up. I could be wrong …’ He gives me a look I can only describe as sizzling.
‘Oh yeah? What did you hear?’ I fold my arms and pretend to be suspicious about this so-called sweetener.
‘Something about … a long lazy dinner Friday night? I’ve heardallabout your cooking prowess from Harry.’
I laugh. ‘Well, he’s still alive so that’s always a good sign, but the cooking thing is kind of new to me, so don’t get your hopes up. And this sweetener is only being granted because you’re the world-famous reporter who puts places on the map so I’ll have to take my chances.’
‘Anything for you.’
‘Friday night it is.’
‘I’ll bring the wine.’
‘Deal.’ We stare at each other for what feels like an eternity and I find myself wishing it was Friday already.
Finn inspires romance for some inexplicable reason, so while I’m feeling love-struck I have another idea I’ve seen in bookshops before. I find a bunch of popular romance books and wrap them up in butcher paper and tie them with red ribbon. On the front I write a short description about each book without giving too much away. Then I make a sign saying,Blind Date with a Book, and go to laminate it. The old-school laminator chugs along at a snail’s pace so while that’s doing its thing I go outside into the blazing sunshine and pick some wild flowers.Back inside I take the sign and set up another table with the books and a vase for the flowers. Everyone needs a little romance in their lives and sometimes the best place to find it is in a book!
Later that afternoon, Alfie arrives and goes to his cubicle, checking that everything is in place. When he sees the posters on his desk he claps his hands across his mouth. ‘Wow! These are surprisingly good quality. I’d expected something … cheaper-looking, like a photocopy.’
You can’t help but smile when Alfie is around. ‘Hey, Alfie, good to see you like the new additions.’
‘Well except the periodic table – I find that super boring but the shark posters are cool!’ A harried Jo comes in, carrying his schoolbooks and library bag.
‘Oh, Elodie, these arelovely.’
