Page 17 of Wish You Were Her
They both chose that moment to recline into two suddenly available deckchairs. The sun was just right for Allegra, not too overstimulating. A nice brush of heat to a neurotypical could feel like a burn to her.
She closed her eyes for a moment, as Grace answered her question.
“I don’t know Simon very well; he was way more popular than Jonah and I were at school. He’s nice, though. Maybe a bit immature but he’s a good sort. He’s always nice to my mother, and she’s not an easy lady to be nice to. He throws the best parties, too. He was a big deal in school because of that.”
Allegra made a small sound of envy. “I haven’t been to school since I was thirteen. Not one with other kids, that is.”
She thought about the horrible luncheon where she and her pen-pal had first emailed. Perhaps parties suddenly became more enjoyable when you had someone facing them with you.
“Shut up!” cried Grace. “Is that true? God, that’s a stupid question, I’ve seen bits of your show. It’s been on for years.”
“Yeah, you can’t really film all thatanddo pressandschool. I had a tutor on set.”
“Is your mother in the business?”
“The business?” teased Allegra.
“I don’t know,” muttered Grace with a blush, but she was smiling. “Do they still call it that?”
“She’s in publishing.Court of Bystandersdid a lot of open call auditions. I queued for hours with a number on my shirt and got it.”
“That’s so cool. Not a nepo baby.”
“No. But, like, ninety percent of the industry is.”
Allegra was used to sitting in green rooms with the children of models, actors, directors and producers. She didn’t really mind. They were always a little insecure but often sweet underneath all of the bravado.
“Your secret pen-pal is safe with me,” Grace reiterated. “Small towns aren’t the best at keeping things discreet. But you can trust me.”
Allegra hoped she would not regret it.
Chapter Six
RE: Wish You Were Here
Dear Friend,
Please find attached a picture ofEmmaby Jane Austen outside the Lake Pristine haberdashery, a place Emma and Harriet would happily frequent, I think. It’s sunny and I wish you were here!
Yours,
Bookseller
Allegra woke up in her father’s spare bedroom feeling positive. She felt even more so when she opened up a new email from the bookshop. As promised, her pen-pal had attached a picture of a beautiful new hardback ofEmmaby Jane Austen. It was propped up in the early dawn daylight against the large green door of the haberdashery. Allegra smiled in delight at the message and leaped out of bed.
She showered and then applied moisturizer and SPF. She rubbed body butter all over herself, blow-dried her hair and brushed out the long waves. She put on mascara and a soft pink lipstick.
She had no work engagements to attend. This was just for her.
And it felt incredible.
She threw on a yellow and green polka-dot sundress and moved into the reception room of the small flat. Her father was at the breakfast table, looking tired and a little stressed.
“Morning,” Allegra said, blazingly aware of the lack of routine between them. There was no comfortable, familiar way to be—they were practically strangers.
