Page 122 of The Romance Library

‘He did.’ Theo stood up. I was afraid to look him in the eye because just as the realisation hit me that I’d won, I realised that he’d lost and my stomach dropped. But when I looked at Theo, there wasn’t even the slightest trace of anger or resentment in his eyes. ‘Congratulations, Jess.’ He opened his arms and I stepped into them.

‘Thanks! I can’t believe it!’ I rested my head on his chest and he wrapped his arms around my back.

At this point I was too stunned to worry about the fact that we were hugging in front of Edwin.

‘I can. You deserve it. I’m so proud of you.’ Theo rubbed my back and before I had the chance to stop it, I started sobbing.

I pulled away quickly. His shirt probably cost more than I earned in a week and I didn’t want to stain it with my mascara.

‘Sorry.’

‘Don’t be sorry.’

‘I hope those are happy tears?’ Edwin asked softly.

‘They are.’ I nodded, wiping the back of my hand over my damp cheeks. ‘I… this is amazing. You don’t know what this means to me. Thank you!’ I stepped towards Edwin, then threw my arms around him.

‘You’re very welcome.’ He patted my back, then I realised maybe hugging him was too forward.

‘Sorry about the hug. Hope it wasn’t inappropriate.’

‘You’re part of this community now, so hugs are perfectly acceptable. And, Theo, I want you to know that you are also part of our family too. I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to move forward with your proposal, but I want you to know that I was very impressed. Especially with the community initiatives you suggested, which I feel came from a genuine place. I hope your father realises what an asset you are to his business. Without wishing to sound unprofessional, if it was him who’d approached me, I wouldn’t even have considered a pitch. I would’ve awarded it straight to Jessica. But I saw something in you. You will go far, young man.’

Theo’s eyes widened with surprise.

I supposed after spending his whole life with a dad who always seemed to tell him that he was never good enough, he wasn’t used to receiving compliments. Even when I’d told him on the beach that I liked his presentation, he’d seemed taken aback.

‘Thank you.’ Theo nodded in acknowledgement.

‘So, Jessica, I’ll have my solicitor get in touch with Cecil to get the sale moving.’

‘Right. Great. Fantastic!’

My brain whirred. This was still so much to take in. I didn’t even know what was involved. I’d have to speak to Cecil. He’d wanted to come today but had some family stuff to deal with, so I’d said I’d be okay on my own. At the time I wasn’t sure I would be, but as it turned out I was more than fine.

‘I hate to rush you, but I have to get back home now. But I hope you’ll go and celebrate in the Seaview Arms?’

‘To be honest, I think I just need some time for this to sink in.’

‘Right you are. Well, whenever you’re ready, I’m sure the residents will be happy to raise a glass to your success.’

‘That’s really kind,’ I said as Theo and I headed to the door. ‘Thanks again, Edwin, and I suppose we’ll be in touch.’

‘Indeed.’

‘Thanks again for the opportunity,’ Theo said. ‘Jess will do a great job with the library. Take care.’

‘Same to you, Theo. Look after yourself. And don’t be a stranger!’

As we stepped outside and the cool air tickled my skin, the realisation hit me.

I’d done it.

I’d won the pitch.

I wouldn’t have to go back to the jobs that I hated.

I was going to honour Mrs Davis’s wishes and open a romance library.

---