Lucy's Book Club for the Lost and Found: A heartwarming feel good romance novel(13)

Callum looked at her radiant face, barely able to contain her excitement. ‘That must be a nice feeling,’ he said.

‘Oh, it is!’ she exclaimed, giving a huge sigh. ‘There were times this year when I felt like it was never going to happen. And it’s not because Gary doesn’t want to get married. I just think it’s all a bit… overwhelming. Big decisions, huge responsibilities, and a massive pile of money. He doesn’t cope particularly well with all that.’

Callum nodded, although he didn’t really understand. He’d give anything to be in that position. He’d already learned a lot himself yesterday, just looking at all the stuff Phoebe was doing. When his time for love and marriage came, he was going to enjoy every minute of it.

‘Okay, whenever you’re ready, just shout.’

Phoebe turned back to the screen and began to enter her login details. ‘Are you sure I’m not keeping you from anything?’ she asked. ‘You must have things of your own to be getting on with?’

Callum thought of the endless pages of jobs adverts which he had spent the last few weeks scrolling through. He was overqualified for most of them, and those that had caught his eye would go to someone twice his age. No-one was going to pay him that kind of salary.

‘Nah,’ he replied. ‘I’ll just be on YouTube.’



* * *



From the doorway, Lucy smiled to herself. She had watched the pair of them together on and off yesterday, as she went about her work; she couldn’t help herself. Strictly speaking they shouldn’t have stayed on the computers for the length of time they did, but Lucy had used her manager status to override the settings to give them unlimited time. Callum had been a regular visitor to the library for some while now, choosing books, but more often than not to use the computers, and since he had joined the book club she had found herself drawn to his kind nature and soft voice.

She listened to him now as he gently instructed Phoebe, and mentally urged him on. He was a good teacher; he never got irritated, impatient, or worse, condescending, and when he took over the mouse or keyboard momentarily, it was always with permission. Both of them had left with smiles on their faces yesterday and it made Lucy smile too. Callum was obviously very shy but it looked as though he was beginning to come out of his shell. She had no idea why he came to the library most days, but it was obvious he had no job. He was a whizz with computers, and now watching him help Phoebe once again she began to get the first inklings of an idea. Nowhere near fully formed as yet, but certainly something to think about. She ducked back out of the computer room, added Callum to the list in her notebook and went to put the kettle on.

Half-term was always a busy time in the library. It was a few weeks away yet, but if Lucy had her way there would be a full programme of activities, for the children especially. Falling as close as it did to Bonfire Night, it lent itself to all manner of brilliant themes and this year a certain Mr Potter was definitely on the list. She just needed to find out the best way to make broomsticks.

She carried the tray of teas out to the counter, depositing two of the cups there for her colleagues and carrying the other two together with a sheaf of papers and some scissors over to the table by the children’s section. She had spied Oscar about fifteen minutes ago, and now he was comfortably ensconced with yesterday’s evening paper in his usual chair.

He looked up as she approached. ‘I do hope you’re going to come and keep me company,’ he said.

Lucy smiled at his tie of choice for the day; a bright canary yellow.

‘Well, I was going to ask if you wouldn’t mind me sitting here,’ she replied, ‘so to be invited is even better. I don’t want to disturb you, though; I’ve brought some work to do – oh, and tea as a bribe for invading your space.’

‘My space?’ replied Oscar, with a twinkle. ‘As manager of the library, surely this is your space, and I, therefore, merely taking it on loan.’

She put a mug down in front of him. ‘Well then,’ she said, ‘here’s to our mutual occupancy. Two sugars, isn’t it?’

He nodded. ‘Alas, despite my advancing years, I am yet to find myself sweet enough.’

A sudden tug pulled firmly on Lucy’s heartstrings. She didn’t know him all that well, but if superficial impressions were anything to go by, Oscar was one of the sweetest people Lucy had ever met. He was always cheerful, with a smile and welcome for everyone in the library. She hoped that wherever he spent the rest of his time he had people around him who showed him they cared, even if it was just the random nod from a stranger in the street. She took a gulp of her tea and shuffled her papers.

The local primary school had a good relationship with the library and Lucy worked hard to support them. She regularly visited the school and helped with literacy projects, but this half-term would be the library’s first time hosting an event for parents on behalf of the school. The head teacher had thought that holding a session for parents on the new phonics tests away from the school environment might be beneficial and Lucy had to agree. Things were always so much more relaxed during the school holidays, and even if the turnout was a little down with people being away, she hoped that those who did come would find it useful. Today’s mission was to create some fun information boards that she could use to publicise the event.

She picked up the pair of scissors and began to cut out shapes from the paper in front of her, frowning in concentration. It didn’t occur to her that Oscar might be watching until he spoke.