Page 112 of The Romance Library

When my mates were worrying what dress to wear to a party, I was stressing about how I was going to pay the rent. We didn’t have anything in common anymore, so although I kept in touch with a few of them, I knew we were growing apart.

And by the time I started dating my ex, Silas, his jealousy meant that I stayed in touch with them less and less, until in the end, we lost contact altogether.

Now, the only true friend I had was Sarah. But I knew now that when it came to friendship, it wasn’t always about quantity. It was the strength of your bond that counted. And I’d struck gold with Sarah.

‘I’m not surprised. But you’ve got through it. And now you have an amazing opportunity with the library.’

‘If I win.’ My stomach twisted again.

‘Whatever happens, you’re going to fly, Jess.’ Theo reached up to my face and stroked my cheek. ‘Don’t ask me how I know, but I just believe good things are coming your way.’

Hearing those words instantly made me feel better. As Theo’s gaze met mine, I saw the sincerity in his eyes. He meant every word.

‘Thanks. And sorry for talking about this. It’s supposed to be a day to remember your mum, not mine.’

‘I’m glad you told me. Obviously I wish we didn’t have this kind of grief in common, but at the same time, knowing you understand is comforting.’

That made me happy too. All I wanted today was to make Theo feel better.

‘Well, I’m here to talk whenever you need me. Okay?’

‘Thanks.’

‘You hungry?’ I unzipped my rucksack and pulled out the paper bag from Sweet Treats and the other stuff I’d bought at the supermarket earlier.

‘I am, actually.’

‘Good! I’ve got sandwiches that Maddie made for us: cheese and pickle and ham and pickle. I’ve also got cheese and onion crisps, some apples, and to wash it down, the bottle of bubbly we won at the talent show.’

‘I’d forgotten about that champagne! And I thought you hated cheese and onion crisps?’

‘Hate is a strong word! They’re just a bit stinky, that’s all. But they’re your favourite, so I thought I’d make an exception.’

Theo leant forward and kissed me softly on the lips.

‘I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me today,’ he said.

‘It’s no big deal.’ I waved my hand dismissively.

‘It is. No one’s ever done this for me before. Especially volunteering to eat cheese and onion crisps just to make me happy.’

‘Ha-ha! Yes. That’s definitely going to be a challenge. But it’s fine. We can be stinky together.’

‘Mmm.’ Theo kissed me again. ‘I like the sound of that!’

After lunch, we sat on the grass and read for a bit, opened the champagne, raising a glass to Theo’s mum, then I gave him some time alone by the lake to say a few words to her.

Then we wandered hand in hand to Hyde Park to visit the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, where we slipped off our shoes and joined the other visitors walking in the refreshing water barefoot.

After that, we walked through Green Park and when we came out near the station, an idea struck me.

‘I’ve just realised. We’re right by Piccadilly Circus!’

‘Correct.’ Theo frowned. ‘Why’s that important?’

‘Come with me!’ I took Theo’s hand, led him down the street, then stopped when we arrived at our destination. ‘This is Waterstones Piccadilly: the largest bookshop in Europe! Did you know they have over eight miles of bookshelves?’ I said, my eyes wider than a child’s on Christmas morning.

‘I didn’t. But now you’ve told me, we must go inside immediately and look at least seven miles of their bookshelves!’ He laughed.

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