Page 82 of Twilight at Croftwood Library
‘Congratulations! David, your time has come,’ said Sue Perkins gesturing that he should take the stage.
‘Thank you,’ he said. ‘I am beyond thrilled that Croftwood Library has won this award. As you may have heard, this library had been due to close in March. The pressure to save money is immense for any county library service. Worcestershire is no different and sadly, Croftwood was an easy target. This young woman, Lois Morgan has turned its fortunes around in just a few months by making it valuable to its community again. This award is hers. Lois.’
David stood aside to let Lois speak. She had no idea what she was going to say, she hadn’t thought there would be the remotest possibility of winning but once she stood there, looking at Oliver who was standing at the back watching her and smiling, it was easy.
‘Thank you for this award. I’ve only worked at Croftwood Library for a few months. When I arrived, I was supposed to look after it until it was closed down for good. But there was something about it that made me want to do my best for it. It’s the library of my childhood and I’m sure yours too. I can still remember the moment I realised that I could take these precious books home with me, books which give us all hopes, dreams, ideas, and access to worlds we would never know otherwise. But people started to find their dreams in other places, they found other ways to discover new things, and Croftwood and lots of other libraries lost their place in the world. What we’ve done over the past few months was to show that even in this age where many libraries have reinvented themselves for the modern world, there is still a place for libraries like ours that could so easily be written off and closed. People will always love books even if they can buy them without leaving the house and if we have found a way to engage people with our library when there is less reason than ever for them to need to, it’s because some things can never be replaced and there is a whole new generation of people who are discovering the magic that a library can give them. I’m delighted that the judges have seen Croftwood Library the same way that we do. Thank you.’
Everyone in the room stood up and applauded while Sebastian kissed Lois on the cheek and presented her with the award; a glass book with ‘Croftwood Library – Library of the Year 2023’ engraved on the front. She walked back to the table in a daze, with David following behind her.
‘I underestimated you, Lois,’ he said once they had made their way to the back of the room. ‘I have to admit I thought we had no chance but Library of the Year, well. I think we’ll have to look at our closure decision in light of this. Congratulations.’
‘Thank you, David.’ It wasn’t a promise to save the library, but it was at least in a less precarious position than when they’d arrived that evening.
Oliver was on cloud nine, so he couldn’t imagine how Lois must be feeling having won the Library of the Year award. It was astounding and he was so proud of her.
Knowing that they needed to catch the last train back to Worcester, he was keeping half an eye on the time, but every time Lois came back to the table, someone else came to ask her to meet someone or other and time was ticking on. It got to the point where they had to leave within the next five minutes to have any hope of getting to Paddington in time and Lois was deep in conversation with Sebastian whatshisname from the British Library. She was having the time of her life. He could see from the expression on her face that she was talking passionately – probably about libraries or books. Either way, he was loath to interrupt her because how often did anyone have a night like this? So he made a decision. They would stay in London.
‘Oh my god,’ she said, sitting down next to him and taking a large sip of wine. ‘I can’t believe I have been talking to Sebastian about Croftwood. It’s insane! He was asking me all about what we’d been doing, even the date-with-a-book club which he absolutely loved. He thinks they might try it at the British Library to encourage younger people in, so I told him about Eunice and Bill and he thought that was wonderful!’
Her face was a picture of happiness. She looked beautiful, sparkling and full of delight. More than anything, he wanted to tell her that he loved her. At this very minute, he loved her. The whole world had melted away and they were here together, and he loved her.
‘Lois, I think we should stay in London tonight.’ He wanted to break it to her gently that they’d already missed the last train.
‘Oh, no. I’m ready to go whenever you are. It’s fine.’ Whatever she said, he could see that she was sorry the night was about to come to an end.
‘Well, the last train left half an hour ago, so I don’t think we have any choice.’
Rather than being alarmed as he’d feared, she threw her head back and laughed. ‘Oh god, we missed the train? I don’t even care. We won!’
She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. ‘This has been the most amazing night,’ she said pulling away. ‘I’m so glad we came together.’
‘Me too.’
The rest of the people at their table left, as did many of the other people, but not before David arranged a meeting with her for the following week. Sue Perkins also came over and congratulated Lois again before she left.
‘I suppose we’d better find somewhere to stay?’ she asked Oliver.
‘I’ve booked a room at The Cavendish, it’s around the corner from here. A twin room, if that’s okay,’ he added.
‘Thanks, that sounds great. I can’t believe I didn’t notice what time it was.’
Some music began playing and some of the staff began clearing the tables away.
‘I think it’s our cue to leave,’ said Oliver. But then a few people began dancing in the space that was being cleared and no-one seemed to mind. ‘Or shall we have a quick dance before we go.’
‘Definitely,’ said Lois, leaning down to unzip her boots.
‘Oh, you’re planning on some serious dancing?’
‘Is there any other kind?’
He led her over to the small space where the handful of other dancers manoeuvred around to allow them in, then he put his hands on her waist and pulled her towards him.
‘You were amazing tonight.’
She buried her head into his chest and when she looked up, she was grinning. ‘Thanks. I can’t believe tonight. It’s been insane. I so wish that Linda and Rosemary had been able to come.’
That would have made it an entirely different night for him, so he didn’t wish the same. He had loved every minute of the day since he’d stepped onto the train that afternoon. The decision he’d made to end things with Amy was the right thing to do.
