Evie | a lesbian fantasy romance [girlxgirl]

eleven

Turns out you have to do a little lying to get what you want nowadays. I don't mean to, but as soon as I call the care home and they tell me they can't reveal personal details about their residents, I'm forced to think on my feet.

"Sorry, I don't mean to go against your policies," I say, mustering an attempt at sounding apologetic, "but I just wanted to speak to Mr Cooper as I thought he may be interested in helping me put together some stuff for our library archive. You see, he used to live here in Lapis Cove, him and his family, and we've found some history on his family and thought he might be interested in seeing it."

"And you are...?"

"Oh, my apologies! I'm Leila Malik! I work at the Lapis Cove Library," I continue, amazed at how convincing I sound. "Specifically in the archival department. A resident recognised Mr Cooper and helped me find this number. I thought you might be able to put me in touch?"

There's hesitation on the other side, understandably, and I chew on my lip nervously, unsure what else I could do to get in touch with him aside from this. Finally, the receptionist sighs and gives in.

"I can relay your message to Mr Cooper's carer and she can decide whether or not to call you back," she explains, and it's much better than I thought I'd get so I'd call it a win.

Trying to hide my relief that this worked, I say as calmly as I can, "Thank you! I appreciate your help. I hope to hear a call back soon."

The last thing I want to do is wait for a call back – if they even decide to call back – but it's all I have for now. It's the next day when I receive a call, as I'm eating my lunch and half distracted.

"Hello?"

"Hi there! Is this Leila Malik from Lapis Cove Library? I'm Laura Greene, Mr Johnathan Cooper's carer from Meadow Wood Assisted Living."

Almost choking on my mac 'n' cheese, I drop my fork and straighten up, realising she's called back. "I– yes! I'm Leila, hi! Thanks for calling me back, Laura."

"No worries," she says cheerfully. "I was told that you wanted John's help with your archives and that you had some information about his family?"

Swallowing down my nerves, I answer, "Yes, that's right. I thought he might be able to help me out. And that he'd like to see some old paper cuttings I have."

"Well, that sounds lovely! I shared this with him and he's keen to speak to you himself. Am I alright to pass you over to him?"

I raise my eyebrows. "Now? Right now?"

"Yes, I'm here with him now."

"Right, of course, yes." I clear my throat. "Thanks, Laura."

"No worries at all," she says before it goes quiet momentarily. There's some shuffling going on before a man speaks on the other side. "Hello?"

Okay, this is it. Now or never.

"Hi there! It's great to speak with you, Johnathan," I begin in my politest voice. "I'm Leila."

"From the Lapis Cove Library, I heard," he says, and I can't tell if he's bitter or bored or both. "So, you have history on my family? My father?"

I wonder why he asks about his dad specifically, but don't ask right away.

"Kind of, yes. I actually needed your help. I was hoping I could meet with you to discuss everything in person."

He sighs and it's quiet for a moment longer than I can wait. "I don't know. Can't you just email me what you've found? What else could you need to know?"