45. Jackson
45
JACKSON
‘ S o, yeah.’ I rested my phone between my shoulder and my neck as I sat on the armchair in Jess and Theo’s living room, which was currently our temporary office, and explained the situation to D.D. Desire. ‘That’s what happened. The guy who started the fire is in police custody and he’s confessed, so there’s no other threats to the library. The building has been thoroughly checked and we should be fine to open again next week, but we understand if you aren’t able to reschedule because of your prior commitments.’
‘No way!’ D.D. shouted down the phone. ‘I’ll definitely reschedule. I can’t let the fans down. That motherfucker was trying to burn down a romance library! If he attacks romance, he attacks all of us! There’s no way I’ll give him the satisfaction of winning. The show must go on! I can do the signing next Sunday, will that work?’
‘Um.’ My eyes bulged. I hadn’t expected her to agree so quickly. ‘Yeah! Definitely! Next Sunday will be perfect. This is going to be the best signing ever! Thanks so much, D.D.!’ I said, jumping out of my seat.
‘My pleasure, sweetie. And if there’s anything else I can do to get the library back up and running, just let me know.’
‘That’s really kind, thank you. Looking forward to meeting you next Sunday.’
‘Likewise. Bye, Jackson.’
‘Bye. Take care.’ I ended the call. ‘D.D.’s coming to do the signing next Sunday!’ I shouted.
Jane and Jess raced into the living room, their eyes wide with excitement.
‘Seriously?’ Jess said.
‘She’s really coming?’ Jane added.
‘Yes, and yes ! She said, and I quote, “that motherfucker was trying to burn down a romance library. If he attacks romance, he attacks all of us.”’
‘I always knew I’d love that woman!’ Jess grinned.
‘And she said she wasn’t going to let the fans down. The signing’s back on, baby!’ I cheered.
Jane raced into my arms and gave me the biggest hug.
‘Thanks so much for saving the signing, Jackson!’ Jess said. ‘I’m gonna call Theo and tell him the good news.’
Theo had been at the library since the crack of dawn with a dozen volunteers who’d all rallied round to help clean up the damage.
He’d also met with various fire officers, structural engineers and building control people to get them to check the extent of the damage. Normally this process took longer, but because Theo had so many contacts from his property development days, he was able to call in some favours .
Luckily, as we’d hoped, the damage wasn’t as serious as it could’ve been and the books and the main library hall were intact, so we’d be able to reopen again soon, then go ahead with the signing.
All of the guests had been notified, and although they were obviously upset, they understood that it was out of our control.
I’d told everyone I’d be in touch once I knew more, so now I couldn’t wait to tell them all the good news.
Today was the day.
The library had reopened. And thanks to the residents of Sunshine Bay, who’d helped to fix, repaint and restore all of the areas that had been damaged, it looked as good as new.
The cafe was well stocked with hundreds of branded biscuits and cupcakes, the themed cocktails had been mixed and we had piles of D.D. Desire’s latest novel waiting to be signed.
‘She’s here!’ Jess ran into the events room, where Jane and I had just finished double-checking the layout of the chairs. ‘A flashy car just pulled up outside!’
‘Amazing!’ Jane beamed, mirroring her enthusiasm. ‘We’re all set here.’
‘Ladies and Jackson.’ Theo walked in. ‘Allow me to introduce you to the one, the only D.D. Desire. Aka our favourite author!’
‘Wow, what a welcome!’ D.D. appeared from behind him. She had deep brown skin, short black hair and was wearing red lipstick and a tailored red trouser suit with white trainers that looked so fresh, I wouldn’t be surprised if this was the first time she’d worn them. ‘And that voice. Yum! You should narrate my audiobooks.’
‘I’d be honoured,’ Theo said. ‘This is Jackson.’ He gestured towards me.
‘Jackson! So nice to put a face to the voice. And what a pretty face you have. What do they put in the water in this town? How are you two both so handsome?’
‘Lovely to meet you, D.D.,’ I laughed. ‘I think I speak for all of us when I say that your books have not only been entertaining, but also very… inspirational.’
‘Did your girlfriends want to jump your bones after reading them?’ She smiled at me, then turned to Theo.
‘Something like that…’ I smirked.
‘I got a lot of inspiration when I read the book too,’ Theo added.
‘Glad to hear it!’
‘Speaking of our girlfriends, this is Jane, the best librarian ever created and my lady…’ I said, then gestured to Theo.
‘And this is Jess, my talented girlfriend and the founder of The Romance Library.’
‘It’s a pleasure to meet you both.’
‘You’re, like, my favourite author!’ Jess gushed. ‘I can’t even pretend to be cool right now. Honestly, thank you sooo much! Illicit Delight was fucking amazing! I’ve already read it twice. My friend Sarah’s also a huge fan. She’s read it three times. She’s gutted she couldn’t make it today.’ Jess had already put aside copies of D.D.’s books for her to sign so that she could send them to Sarah as a surprise gift. ‘ Office Delight brought me so much joy. And it helped bring me and Theo together. ’
‘Oh really ? I definitely want to hear more about that story after the signing…’ She winked.
An hour later all the guests were seated. As D.D. read an extract from her book, the audience were captivated. I wasn’t surprised. Jane and I had read it together during our nights at the library and we’d already recreated some of the scenes…
Once D.D. finished reading, the audience leapt to their feet and I swore they cheered and clapped for five minutes straight. It was well deserved. She was an incredible author.
We then invited guests to join the queue to get their books signed and have their photo taken with her.
The bookshop was packed with fans who’d flocked to buy special limited-edition copies of Office Delight and other novels. The biscuits, cupcakes and cocktails were also a huge hit and sold out, despite Maddie doubling the quantity she’d originally planned.
Everyone was having such a good time that D.D. ended up staying at the library two hours later than planned.
‘That was brilliant!’ Jess said as she locked the library doors. ‘It couldn’t have gone any better. Thanks so much, you two.’ She wrapped one arm around Jane’s waist and the other around mine.
‘You’re welcome,’ we replied.
‘Have you seen Theo?’
‘He said he just needed to take care of something in the shop, but he wanted me to show you this.’ I handed her a piece of paper.
‘What?’ Her eyes almost flew from their sockets .
‘The first figure is my estimate for how much we’ve made from today’s event.’
‘No way!’ she gasped.
‘Yep!’ I smiled. ‘We’re going to check all the figures again tomorrow, but we’re pretty sure it’s accurate. And the second figure is the amount we’ve received in donations to help keep the library open.’
‘Donations?’ Jess’s face crumpled. ‘From who?’
‘We had a pretty hefty one from Liam Stone and Mia Bailey, who said they’ve been fans of this place ever since they opened the library and wanted to support you. Theo’s billionaire friend Nico Chevalier was also happy to send over an eye-watering and life-changing cheque. D.D. Desire gave us a monetary donation and a shitload of signed books she claimed she had laying around her house that she needed to “clear out”. And we’ve had dozens of bookworms and members who asked to donate because they said, and I quote, “what you’re doing here matters.” Everyone believes in The Romance Library, Jess. We’re going to be okay!’
Tears rolled down her cheeks.
‘Did Jackson tell you the good news, then?’ Theo appeared and pulled Jess into him.
‘Yeah,’ Jess sobbed. ‘I can’t believe it! With that amount of money we can hire another team member. We could think about expanding the library upstairs. But most importantly, we can stay open!’
‘Damn right!’ I said.
‘I’m so happy!’ Jane squealed.
When Theo told me about the donations earlier, I was blown away. He’d explained that he never would’ve asked Nico or Liam for money because he considered them friends and didn’t want to cross the line. But when they’d heard about the fire they’d both called Theo. When he told them how well the business had been growing with the new events and initiatives we’d implemented, they’d both offered to invest.
Theo said that even if they were his friends, they wouldn’t have given us money if they didn’t think the library was a viable business. They saw the library’s growth potential and they believed in us, which meant a lot.
‘There’s something else D.D. donated that I want to show you.’ Theo took Jess’s hand and led her down the corridor.
‘We’ll start clearing up,’ Jane said.
‘That can wait,’ Theo replied. ‘I’d like you guys to see this too.’
We followed Theo. When we got to the library hall, he opened the door and my eyes widened. Electric candles lined the floor and one of the sofas had been moved to the centre.
‘What’s all this?’ Jess frowned.
‘Take a seat,’ Theo said, gesturing to the sofa. He went to a table picked up a huge hardback, then handed it to Jess. ‘This is a totally bespoke copy of Office Delight that I had created just for you.’
We all knew that was Jess’s favourite book, so this was a big deal.
‘Oh my God! It’s gorgeous!’ Jess gushed. ‘Look at the gold foil and the gold edges! It’s a work of art.’
‘Open it,’ Theo said.
Jess’s eyes popped, then she gasped loudly.
When we looked closer, the inside had a square cut out in the centre and a jewellery box had been neatly placed within it.
Theo dropped down on one knee.
No. Way.
Jane’s head whipped round to face mine and wide grins spread across our faces as we realised what was about to happen.
‘Jess.’ Theo looked up at her. ‘I’ve wanted to do this for a while, but when I heard that D.D. was coming to do a signing, I knew it’d be the perfect time. She’s your favourite author, this is your favourite book and this library’s your favourite place, so it just felt right. Just like our relationship. Whenever I’m with you, I feel like everything is right in the world. You’re my best friend, my biggest supporter, my lover, my everything and I want to be with you for the rest of my life. Would you do me the honour of marrying me?’
‘Yes!’ Jess squealed with excitement before throwing her arms around Theo and kissing him.
‘That’s…’ Jane’s pulled off her glasses and wiped her eyes. ‘That’s so romantic.’
‘It is.’ I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her into me.
Theo slid the ring on Jess’s finger, then she hugged and kissed him repeatedly.
‘We’re engaged!’ she shrieked, flashing her left hand in the air.
We walked over and gave them both a big squeeze.
‘Congrats, guys!’ I said. ‘You two are perfect together. We’re so happy for you.’
‘This is the best news!’ Jane said. ‘You deserve all the happiness in the world! ’
‘Thanks!’ Jess said. ‘I’m a very lucky woman.’
‘And I’m a very lucky man.’ Theo leant forward and kissed her. The kiss went from PG to X-rated pretty quickly.
‘Er, we can see you’ve got some celebrating to do, so we’ll leave you to it and we’ll come in early tomorrow to tidy up…’ I said.
Jess and Theo didn’t reply. They were obviously focused on other things…
Jane and I quickly left the library hall, grabbed our stuff, then left.
‘Looks like it’ll be someone else getting busy in the library tonight!’ Jane laughed.
‘Yep!’
‘They’re the real deal. If we can be half as happy as them, we’ll be lucky.’
‘We’re the real deal too. That’s what I’d like with you, Jane: a lifetime of happiness together. I’m up for the whole shebang. Living together, marriage, whatever you want, Beautiful, it’s yours. I’m yours.’ I took Jane’s hand in mine and kissed her slowly.
‘I want all of that too. You’re it for me, Jackson. You’re the one .’
‘I feel the same. I meant what I said before. It’s always been you. Ever since we were kids. You’re my past, my present and my forever love. And I never want to be without you.’