Page 51 of The Best Book Boyfriend
Luke:OK, I will say this…
Luke:I asked her recently what she wanted for her birthday and the thing she said is technically impossible but I want to try and create a version of it for her. And remind her that good things are possible so she doesn’t feel shitty about her first birthday on her own.
Hattie:What did she say?
Luke:I can’t tell you
Megan:OMG
Hattie:What?
Megan:I know what she wants
Hattie:WHAT???
Megan:Matthew Braverman
Hattie:Who?
Megan:The hero from Love To Loathe You. That’s what she wants for her birthday. That’s what she wants for every birthday.
Hattie:Hmmm, what are you planning Luke?
Luke:(zipped face emoji)
Luke:If you can keep this secret and do a couple of things to help me I will make it worth your while
Megan:I want free coffees for a month
Hattie:And those cinnamon rolls too
Luke:Wow, thank you for supporting a local business. How about, as a thank you, and to make it up to you for stealing your best friend away on her 30th birthday, I take you all for lunch that weekend? Anywhere you like.
Megan:Roast at The Milling Barn
Hattie:BOTTOMLESS Roast at The Milling Barn
Luke:Done
Hattie:OK we’re in. What do we need to do?
Chapter 21
Kara
I’mthirty,I’msingle,and I feel like shit. I know it shouldn’t matter. It’s only one measure of success and I’m an idiot to be bothered about it, but it’s just not where I thought I’d be. In the past I’d have said for sure I’d be married, maybe with a baby or at least one on the way, and right now that could not be further from my reality.
I need to remember that I have a beautiful home, a great job, the most wonderful friends, and more than enough Book Boyfriends to keep me going. That should be enough, but today it makes me feel pathetic.
My first birthday without Adam, and he hasn’t even texted. I don’t know why I thought he would. It’s not like he’s contacted me about anything else in all this time.
Months ago, I decided to take a day off work and blocked my diary out all day. I fully expected I’d need to give myself the grace to cry in bed until the moment it was acceptable to go to sleep again. Instead, I’m at Claude’s, where I’ve been adding the finishing touches to her guesthouse and, although I’m absolutely knackered, I’m sad this job has come to an end already.
What was a few blank rooms just six weeks ago is now a cosy, homely space with sage green walls, beautiful rich furnishings, vintage light fittings, and plush seating. The dining table Luke found for me is stunning, just waiting for friends to gather around it and make memories.
“Oh Kara, you are a genius, I adore it!” Claude screams when I guide her through the door and whip off the blindfold I’ve made her wear for the big reveal. I know she loves feeling like she’s on a home makeover show. I guide her around the living area, pointing out the storage options and telling her about the origins of the huge floral tapestry I’ve hung along one wall.
“You know I’ll never be able to get rid of my friends now,” she nudges me with her elbow, a huge grin plastered across her face. “I might even have to move in here for a bit myself.”
