“June, why don’t you walk out with him?” Stanley said.
“Thanks, but I’m fine here.” June didn’t want to spoil this pleasant feeling by having an awkward conversation with Alex.
“You should get some fresh air,” Stanley said. “You’ve not left the library all day.”
“Quite right. You need to keep healthy during an occupation,” Mrs.B added, appearing at her shoulder.
June opened her mouth to resist but realized they were all staring at her.
“Fine,” she said, pulling herself up and following Alex outside. She was conscious of the fact that she was still wearing yesterday’s clothes, and her hair was escaping from its bun, loose curls falling round her face.
“So, I’ve got a bone to pick with you,” Alex said as they set off down the Parade.
“What have I done?” June said, alarmed at the tone of his voice. Was this about her calling him while he was with his girlfriend?
“Why didn’t you warn me aboutCharlotte’s Web? I almost burst into tears in front of a customer when I finished it.”
June smiled, relieved. “Oh. Well, just because a book is meant for children doesn’t mean it can’t pack an emotional punch.”
“But still, why did the writer have to kill Charlotte? I’ll never hurt a spider again.”
June laughed and felt some of the tension release from her shoulders.
“Also, I’ve not known what to read for the past few weeks without your recommendations,” Alex said. “Where have you been?”
“Sorry, I’ve just been busy.”
They chatted about books as they made their way down the Parade. After more than twenty-four hours inside the library walls, it felt wonderful to be outside, breathing in the cool evening air and discussing something other than the protest. As they turned down the hill, June was aware of their steps getting shorter and slower.
“I thinkThe Handmaid’s Talemight be a good choice for you next,” she said as they edged toward the takeaway. “In a way it’s like science fiction because—”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t help you at the hen do,” Alex interrupted. “I know you’ve been angry with me for not being there, and I feel terrible about it.”
“I haven’t been angry with you.”
“Well, you’ve definitely been avoiding me.”
June thought of Ellie’s voice and swallowed. “I just felt bad for disturbing you when you were with your... someone.”
“Don’t be crazy—I wanted to help you. You sounded so upset.”
She picked up her pace. “It was nothing.”
“What happened?”
June was about to dismiss him again, but she stopped herself.Alex had already heard her at her lowest; why shouldn’t she give him the full miserable picture?
“Okay, fine. They played this stupid game at the hen do and I was totally humiliated.”
“What game?”
“It’s called Never Have I Ever.”
“Oh god, I remember that from uni. A guaranteed way to get everyone wasted.”
“Not for me, because I hadn’t done any of the things they said. Not one of them.”
“Don’t beat yourself up about that,” Alex said. “Those women were always super privileged, so you shouldn’t feel bad because you’ve never driven a Ferrari while wearing Jimmy Choos and drinking Dom Pérignon.” He laughed but June didn’t join in.