Lucy's Book Club for the Lost and Found: A heartwarming feel good romance novel(5)

‘Maybe,’ she said. ‘Sorry, we’re kind of getting off the subject of the book, but that’s what I would do if I could.’

Lucy nodded. ‘I think it’s entirely relevant, Lia. That’s the power of a good book, isn’t it? The ability writing has to evoke such strong emotions. For me, although it’s set in the modern day, it has such a nostalgic feel to it. I think it only serves to emphasise that sense of wish-fulfilment we gain from it. It upholds traditional values and morals, and sometimes that can feel like a far cry from today’s society. Does the setting help, do you think? What did you all think of Deaconsbridge?’

The rest of the session passed by in lively discussion, with the addition of lots of laughter, much to Lucy’s relief. They finished by choosing their next book, a tense psychological thriller, or blood and guts as Oscar called it. She was pleased with the way the group was bonding.

Nobody seemed in a hurry to get home, and although another customer called Lucy away almost as soon as the refreshments were cleared, she was encouraged to see Lia and Hattie still deep in conversation by the counter when she returned fifteen minutes later. Both of them had an armful of books.

‘Mum used to love Emma Blair’s books,’ said Lia, passing across one of the books she was holding to be scanned. ‘I’m not sure she really takes in any of what I read her now, but it seems to relax her, and me too, if I’m honest.’

‘Well if you get stuck any time, I can recommend Charlie and Lola,’ replied Hattie, smiling. ‘Poppy can’t get enough of them; she knows them all by heart.’ She put her books down on the counter, waiting her turn as Lia began to pack hers away.

‘I’ll see you next time, shall I?’ she asked.

‘Yes, definitely. I’ll be here,’ replied Lia. ‘Thanks, Lucy. It was great today. Bye, Hattie.’



* * *



Lia swung her bag from one hand to the other as she stood on the step outside the library. It wasn’t particularly heavy, but it gave her something to do as she stood there. When she had left the house an hour and a half ago she had been thrilled with the prospect of some time to herself, but now she couldn’t make up her mind what to do. She had thought she might have a browse through one or two of the clothes shops – there was one at the far end of the High Street that she particularly liked – but now it seemed a bit silly; frivolous, even. Actually, what it felt like was a complete waste of time. What did she need new clothes for? It wasn’t as if she had anywhere to go, or anyone to see. And her mum couldn’t care less what she wore.

‘Are you okay?’ came the voice from behind her. ‘You look miles away.’

Lia looked up to see Hattie standing hesitantly on the step beside her. Her bright red coat was cheerful in the golden autumn sun. And she was smiling.

‘I was,’ admitted Lia, pulling a face. ‘I was trying to decide what to do now.’

Hattie held onto her hair which was resolutely blowing about her face. ‘Without feeling guilty, you mean?’

Lia stared at her in astonishment. She was absolutely right.

‘I know, I feel like that all the time since Poppy started school. When she was at home all day I hardly had a minute to myself, but now she’s at school I’ve suddenly got huge amounts of time to myself and I don’t know what to do with it. I feel like I should be doing something useful and not wasting it, but there’s only so much housework you can do! It’s deathly boring, but I feel so guilty if I sit and do something I want to.’

‘Stupid, isn’t it?’ agreed Lia. ‘I never usually get any time to myself, except when Mum’s asleep, but the carer who helps out so I can come to the book club is staying longer today. I’ve got two whole hours to do exactly what I please and I’m talking myself out of every single thing I can think of.’

Hattie grinned. ‘How about a walk and some fresh air? You must feel pretty cooped up at times, and it’s such a glorious day.’

Lia was flustered for a moment. ‘Yes,’ she said tentatively at first, and then, stronger, ‘Yes, thanks, I’d like that. I do try and get Mum out as much as I can but it’s often rather… fraught. Things upset her, you see.’ She smiled at Hattie, both of them acknowledging the slight shyness between them. ‘Where shall we go? I’m guessing you might be a regular at the swings in the park, but we could go past them, out through the field and along by the river?’

Hattie hitched her own bag up her arm a little and pulled a face. ‘Oh yes, anywhere but the swings.

‘Do you live in the town?’ she asked once they were walking.

Lia squinted up at the sun, and nodded. ‘Up by the school actually, well, past it… Where the shops are and then left. They’re old council houses. I’ve lived there all my life.’

Hattie’s eyes widened. ‘Really?’ she asked. ‘Blimey, I can’t imagine living anywhere my whole life.’ She frowned suddenly. ‘Sorry, that sounded really rude.’

Lia smiled generously. ‘No, you’re right, it wasn’t exactly what I had planned either…’ She caught Hattie’s eye with a mischievous grin and dissolved into giggles. ‘It’s true. I really have lived the most boring life in the history of the planet.’

‘Aw, that’s not fair,’ replied Hattie. ‘It must be really difficult looking after your mum full time. Has she been ill for long?’