The black shop front and gold lettering evoked so many happy memories that it was hard not to smile. It looked almost identical to the last time I had been here, save for the new books on display. The Waterstones in Hampstead had always been my favourite of all the Waterstones bookshops. I had spent so long looking at all the books, imagining what it would be like to have my own books on their shelves and at long last all three of the books from my trilogy were here. Copies lined their shelves and tables as if they belonged there, I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride as I looked upon the covers.
"We're so pleased to have you" the manager – Amy – said as she approached me. She offered her hand for me to shake and it was almost strange to shake back. Having lived in mainland Europe for the past two years I was used to the customary kisses on the cheek as a greeting instead of shaking hands. Amy noticed this and laughed "I see living in Paris has changed you."
"Moi?" I asked, playing along with the joke "it's been the best thing for me" I added "I needed a change of scenery."
"Well I'm glad you're back, are you staying in London for long?"
"I'm here for a week actually" I said "I like spending a little extra time at the end of a tour in whatever country I'm in. Just to relax and explore."
"I suppose you'll be able to visit family and friends while you're here too" Amy suggested.
"Definitely, there are so many people I miss" I said with a half smile. My mind had turned to one person in particular but I had to push them – him – away to focus on the signing. He haunted my dreams, both night and day. My heart yearned for him but my head wouldn't allow it. Too often had I led with my heart and too often had my heart been broken, it was only when my head took control that I was able to quietly organise plans for my new life. Since then, I had left my heart caged and tried to ignore it but it was difficult.
"You'll be sitting here" Amy said, showing me the chair I would sit on for the rest of the day. I still couldn't believe that I was popular enough to have so many fans that were willing to wait a ridiculous amount of hours in the sun, snow or rain just to get me to sign their copy of my book. Once I was seated, offered various drinks and given enough pens to last me throughout the day, they opened the doors and people rushed up, eager to queue.
***
"Hi, I'm such a huge fan" the girl gushed, she must have only been in her late teens but her face was reminiscent of a young child on Christmas morning "I'm so glad you decided to give the story a happy ending."
I smiled "happy endings are so rare in real life, I thought I should give the story one, especially as it seemed like it wasn't going to end happily."
"Don't you think happy endings can happen in real life?" She asked curiously.
"I always hold out for the hope of one but I know that it's not always the case" I said.
"I know I should probably be more realistic with love but it's so hard" she said and I understood exactly what she meant. I wanted to tell her that I used to be just like that but I held my tongue.
***
"How long have you been waiting?" I asked. I was eternally fascinated with how long people were willing to wait just for me.
"Four hours" the man said, he was clutching his book to his chest before passing it to me to sign.
"Four hours?" I was simultaneously shocked and impressed "I hope this was worth it" I laughed.
"Believe me this is worth it" he said "can you make it out to Julie? She's my girlfriend but she lives in Canada so I'm getting a copy signed for her birthday."
