Page 129 of The Romance Library

‘Who’s Mia Bailey?’ I frowned.

‘Have you been living under a rock?’ Sarah gasped dramatically. ‘She’s that matchmaker who has the column on that cool website OnTheDaily.co.uk. The one who’s dating the actor Liam Stone.’

‘Oh!! Now I remember. She matched the woman who stood on the street with a sign saying she was looking for a boyfriend because she was tired of using the apps.’

‘That’s the one!’

‘You think she’d open the library?’

‘Hopefully! Being a matchmaker, obviously she’s into love, and I’m pretty sure I read that she loves romance books.’

‘She might charge, though, and I have to use all the budget I have left to cover the salary of at least one other librarian.’

‘You’ve got nothing to lose by asking.’

‘True. I’ll look for her details later tonight when I get back.’

‘No, no!’ Sarah shook her head. ‘Best to do it now. These people get booked up far in advance. Go and send her an email and I’ll carry on here.’

‘You sure?’

‘Yep! In exchange, you can let me borrow this.’ She waved a copy of the latest Lucy Score novel in the air.

‘Okay.’

‘Don’t worry. There’ll be no turning down the corners, dog-earing, cracking the spine, spilling food or drink on the pages or other book-related crimes.’

Just hearing those things made me break out in a cold sweat, but I knew Sarah loved books, so she’d treat anything I lent her with lots of TLC.

‘Deal.’

41

Theo

Istared out of the window of my rented apartment, taking in the sight of the Seine and the monuments in the distance, which were illuminated by the many lights.

Paris was a beautiful city. I’d lost count of how many times I’d visited over the years and I never tired of it.

I loved the food, the architecture and the atmosphere. Coming here had always lifted my spirits.

But not this time.

This time there was an ache the size of the Eiffel Tower in my chest that no amount of my favourite crêpes, boeuf bourguignon or red wine could fill.

The project was going well, which was keeping my father off my back, but I just felt so empty all the time.

The nights were the worst. Even though I’d been reading every night to try and distract myself from reality, it wasn’t the same without Jess beside me.

I missed our evening walks on the beach.

I missed our fish and chip dinners.

I missed reading to her. Holding her. Kissing her.

I missed everything about her and Sunshine Bay.

I’d wanted to call Jess so many times. I knew the constant pain would be soothed just by hearing her voice.

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