28. Local warming
They all said the same thing. “Mmmmm. It’s warm in here!” Compared to the chilly streets of winter Canberra, it was summer in Ounce Books, and customers were inclined to linger, browsing through the books, patting Grace the cat, or just chatting about books they had read or wanted to read or might be persuaded [...]
25. Many mugs
Thursday morning’s run was difficult. “Jesus H!” exclaimed Ann, as the cold bit her on the nose. “Christ!” she said, taking a second breath. Frost crunched on the grass, cars were ghostly shapes, their windows covered in ice, and her breath was a white flag of surrender as she turned to go back inside. Maybe [...]
15. Bedridden books
Softly, yet firmly, the eager lips of the Greek tycoon sought those of the bookseller. Slowly, gently, her reluctance melted. She sighed as his tongue met hers in bilingual embrace.
8. Treasure Chests
Ann’s week began with a visit to the supermarket, where she bought an electric kettle and a large jar of instant coffee. Facing Ben the barista for her caffeine fix wasn’t something she relished quite so much now. She priced the books Quint had brought her, noted the amounts on the list he had left, [...]
3. Ounce Books
She opened the book, looking at pictures of Greek temples and columns. Marble athletes coming to life in Riefenstahl’s camera as naked gymnasts posed and moved and hurled the discus, the javelin. One tousled athlete was the image of a younger Tom, skin taut over perfect muscles beneath.
She stroked the page, remembering the times afterwards, hearts slowing, fingers entwining, bodies touching. Her head on his chest as he told sea stories. The light in his eyes as he looked at her telling of her own adventures in life and dreams for the future.
Oh Tom! Come to life for me, darling. Leap out of that book and hold me tight.