Chapter Fifty-Four
‘I’ve got a surprise for you,’ Tiago says as we walk hand in hand along the Douro River in the twilight. It’s the small space of time where the orange-hued sky softens, and the city quietens as if it’s taking a breath.
‘Is it another EpiPen, because mine needs replacing?’
The dimples appear. ‘Ha! No, it’s not, but I really should do that.’
‘What is it?’
‘Remember how you got me thinking when you told me five-second videos are rotting my brain?’
I groan. ‘It’s true, science doesn’t lie.’
He grins and it lights up his sweet face. ‘Right, well you know how I’ve been working on a secret project?’
‘Yes?’ I gulp. Is this the part where he tells me it’s time for him to move back to London? I brace myself.
He laughs. ‘Why do you look so worried? This is good news.’
‘Say it already.’
He gently bumps me with his hip. ‘Book club has been a life changer. It got me to thinking about people more like us, introverts who want to find their own slice of happiness like we have but don’t know where to start.’
‘Ooh, did you make an app for this?’
‘Yes! I’ve finished a very rough prototype. The idea is users can click on the map and meet up with bookish people within a certain proximity. Like Tinder but for bookworms!’
‘Oh my God, it’s genius.’
‘Thank you.’ He blushes. ‘Book clubs can register. Readers can start their own book clubs. Or attend silent reading groups.’ He winks.
‘Local bookshops can advertise events, writing festivals, the works. It’ll be literary focused with the goal of bookworms finding their community wherever they are in the world.
There will be space for everyone – so if say a user doesn’t like too much noise, or too many people, there’s a way to input their needs and be matched so they’re not walking into an experience that’s overwhelming.
Users will agree to the Code of Care principles, so every member is heard, respected and included. ’
He’s going to make the world a better place with an app that considers everyone. ‘No wonder they pay you the big bucks. Even I would use an app like that.’
‘Well, this app will be free. I don’t need the money.’ He averts his gaze as if he’s shy. ‘I made enough when I sold GameCore, so this one feels more like a labour of love.’
‘The tech bro turned anti-capitalist! I see good things for your future, Tiago.’
He laughs. ‘I’d love your feedback on it when I’m at the testing stage.’
‘Of course. I’m excited by the idea. What it will mean to people who are afraid to make that first step.
Who don’t know where to look, or where to start to find their community.
Not everyone’s as lucky as we’ve been. You know.
’ We come to a stop by the Dom Luis Bridge.
‘This has been the most incredible summer of my life. All the better because I met you.’
‘Well, now we just have the Curious Case of the Meddling Mothers to deal with.’
I laugh. ‘That’s one mystery I know how to solve, but there’s a catch.’
‘Oh yeah? What’s the catch?’
‘Marriage.’
‘Right. Well, we don’t need to conform to society’s—’
‘Let’s not rule out someday …’ I laugh at the surprise on his face as I lean up on tiptoes to kiss him, my heart pounding with love and possibilities. Tiago has a way of making me rethink life, love and all its foibles.