Page 34 of The Romance Library

‘Makes sense.’

‘Anyway, how are you?’

‘Not bad. Same old, same old. Although an author sent me a signed paperback to read and review yesterday!’

‘That’s amazing!’

‘I’m going to take some photos for Instagram, then spend the weekend reading it and writing my review, so I’m all booked up!’ She laughed.

‘Very funny!’ I chuckled.

I was glad Sarah was still enjoying posting about books on social media. I used to dabble in it every now and again, but my ex never really liked me doing it. And when I got into my reading slump, I stopped altogether. I couldn’t exactly maintain a bookish account if I couldn’t even bring myself to pick up a novel.

‘Thanks! I’ve been waiting to use that line all day.’

‘You need to get out more!’

‘No chance. These books aren’t going to read themselves! I will, of course, make an exception to come and look at your fairy godmother’s book collection—I mean, to come and visit my dear friend!’

‘It’s okay. I know you only want me for the books! But, yeah, it would be nice if you could make it to Sunshine Bay one weekend. I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages.’

Sarah was based in the Midlands. We’d met on Instagram about three years ago after liking each other’s posts for ages and realising we both loved romance books.

We’d only met in real life a handful of times, but our friendship was real. We chatted on the phone and messaged regularly, and I knew she always had my back.

It was times like these that I wished we lived closer, but I was just happy to have her in my life.

I didn’t have many friends. When I started dating my ex, he preferred me to spend my time with him and I lost contact with a lot of them. At first I thought it was romantic that he wanted us to spend so much time together, but as the relationship progressed, I realised it was a giant red flag.

‘I know. I’ll deffo come and visit soon.’

I looked up at the street name. It shouldn’t be too far now. Once I’d passed a cute-looking bakery called Sweet Treats, I spotted the coach parked up.

‘I’d better go.’

‘Okay, hon. Good luck and let me know how it goes.’

‘Will do. And happy reading!’

Once I hung up, I walked towards a woman with dark hair holding a clipboard who was chatting with a few other people who were milling around.

‘Hi. I’m here for the Dreamland trip.’

‘I’m Nancy and you must be Jessica.’ She smiled. ‘You and your friend Theo are the talk of the town!’

‘Theo’s n—’ I was about to correct her and tell her that Theo was not my friend, but then I remembered that rubbish Edwin had said about not having competitors and the importance of us getting along. ‘Theo’s nice,’ I lied.

‘He most certainly is!’ She grinned. ‘Very easy on the eye! There were a lot of residents who were keen to sit next to him, but don’t worry, we saved that special seat just for you.’

‘Sorry, what?’ I blinked quickly.

‘We saved you a seat. Next to Theo. He’s on the coach waiting for you.’

My eyes bulged. Theo was there already? I hadn’t heard him leave, so I was sure he was still in his room.

‘But I thought the coach didn’t leave until two?’ I glanced at my watch. It was barely half past one.

‘At Sunshine Bay, we like to be extra early. Theo was one of the first to arrive. He’s already fitting in so well! Do you want me to show you to your seat?’

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