She pulled out a long-forgotten kaftan. They were wonderfully comfy. This one was a riot of colour and merely pulling it free of the confines of the wardrobe made her smile. She gave it a sniff. She made a conscious effort that she wouldn’t have that distinct old person pong. She could smell it on a couple of people who came to book club. It was an unpleasant musty scent and she feared the day she couldn’t notice it was the day she smelled like it too. She always added vinegar and bicarbonate of soda to her wash, dried her clothes on the line whenever she could and used little bags of thyme, rosemary, and cloves instead of mothballs. Although she feared that made her smell like a casserole but it was still better than fusty old person.

She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been shopping for clothes. She had no need to, but looking at them now, many she had were threadbare and most were shockingly outdated. Maggie had always bucked the trend but it was time she gave her wardrobe a little shake-up. She added sorting out her clothes to her growing list of tasks for the week ahead. She felt a trip to the charity shops was a good opportunity for out with the old and in with the not quite so old.

Saturday morning came around quicker than usual. Maggie walked into the library and noted the heads that cocked at her outfit. It felt good. She’d missed that sensation. She’d have to dig out her old afghan coat that had been a real head-turner in its day – now they’d call it vintage. She guessed they’d say the same about her.

Book club went well. It was always best when the viewpoints were opposing. It generated a good discussion. When everyone agreed with each other it was a much quieter and shorter session. Maggie liked a good debate, something she could get her teeth into. A load of nodding dogs wasn’t nearly as much fun. The door opened and in walked Tom. His smile for her was brief but it was there and it warmed her soul.

She’d planned to keep her distance. She didn’t want to push him away by coming across as needy. But she’d left him with the offer of calling in anytime, so now it was up to him. Although she had already planned out what she’d feed him next time he visited.

*

A few other people came in. The library was almost busy. Maggie watched Tom out of the corner of her eye. He was choosing books. He had a pile on the back table and he was lingering over Polo by Jilly Cooper. Maggie remembered being exactly the same. She’d always loved Jilly Cooper although she feared they may be a little racy for Tom.