Page 42 of The Best of Times

He smiled when he saw the sign. It meant a lot that it was still standing. Over the years, many had tried to break it.

As he browsed the titles, Jane’s words echoed in his head. She had practically offered him the job. Of course, they had their policies and procedures to follow. Now all he had to do was to figure out if he wanted it.

Fleeing London had been the only thing on his mind two years previously. Would it be foolish to come all the way back?

He moved farther into the shop. When Aron wanted to centre his mind, he would browse books. He’d always found peace when surrounded by other people’s thoughts and words. It made his own problems feel unremarkable. If writers managed to grapple with plots and characters and personal experiences, then he’d find a way to solve even the most complicated of conundrums.

If push came to shove, he would write a list of pros and cons. The old ways were the best sometimes.

It was hard for him to admit. New York hadn’t exactly turned out as expected. He’d made a few friends through work. But his social life left a lot to be desired. The city was so fast-paced he’d found it hard to find like-minded people. As for falling in love, it appeared that wasn’t on his agenda just yet.

Then again, if he came home to London, he might feel like he’d failed. Aron had only spent two years in New York. Had he given it enough time to make an impact? If Calvin invited him to his inner circle, it could open up all sorts of contacts.

On the other hand, coming home to take up the mantle of the Chief Executive of the British Library was hardly terrible. It was a job he’d fantasised about for most of his life. Opportunities like that didn’t come up every day. He would probably be the youngest to hold that post too. The pressure would be huge.

Then there were personal considerations. Granny wasn’t getting any younger. She might have the Professor to keep an eyeon her now, but even so, Aron had seen a change in her while he’d been home. She’d relied on him way more than she ever had before.

His mind drifted to his mother, as it so often had over the last few days. Now that was a situation he had no idea what to do with. Most people would say give it time. However with the Atlantic Ocean between them, no progress was ever going to be made.

The final piece of this puzzle was Paul. Aron had flown all the way here with the express intention of proving to Paul that he’d missed his chance. The more time they spent together, the more he felt that he was the one missing out.

His phone rang out. A customer beside him tutted loudly.

“Sorry,” Aron mouthed.

Not daring to check if the person behind the counter was scowling, he grabbed his phone out of his pocket. His screen told him one of the pros on the list was calling.

He left the shop and stepped out onto the street.

“Granny,” he said.

“Where are you?”

“In town. What’s up?”

She sighed. “Apparently, I’m supposed to get the Professor a gift. Things have changed since the last time I got married.”

He grinned.

“Leave it to me,” he said.

“Oh you’re a good boy. Don’t be late home. We’ve got somewhere to be.”

“Roger that.”

He terminated the call. Aron knew exactly where he had to go. He raised a hand to hail a cab.

“Where to?”

“Liberty’s, please.”

Club C had been decorated to perfection. Huge posters of stars of the sixties were hanging. Twiggy, the Beatles and of course, Granny’s favourite, Mick Jagger. A DJ who probably had been there the first time around was playing all the hits.

“Where did you find him?” Aron asked Rodrigo.

“Apparently he used to play at the 51 Club.”

“Did you say the 51 Club?”