Waiting on the front steps of the newly renovated building, a strange sense of belonging washes over me. The last time I was here I kept my head down and eyes on the books I wanted to borrow. I used the self check out and didn’t engage with a single soul; it is surreal just how different this is from the last time I was here.

I shuffle impatiently on my feet. The library opens at 9am, when I glance down at my watch I see the time is 8.57, she should be here to open up any minute now. Moments later I see her, Sophie walks towards me with surprise written all over her face. She unlocks the large glass doors and tries to awkwardly hug me whilst I have a takeaway coffee in each hand. She is dressed in blush pink slacks and a white shirt, her short black hair styled in waves with the left side tucked behind her ear.

“What are you doing here?!” she exclaims.

“I brought you coffee — I thought I could follow you around and chat when you’re not busy being, Miss Librarian. I’ve been a shitty friend lately, well at least I think I have. I don’t really have any other female friendships outside of work to compare this to.” I give her a shy smile, holding out the coffee in offering.

“Kins, we don’t need to talk daily or catch up weekly for you to be a good friend. Life gets busy, I get it.”

I sigh with relief as she ushers me into the building. Glancing up, I see the library now spans across two floors. I assume the second floor mainly houses books, maybe a conference room or two. Sophie’s office and an information desk sits off to the right, a vase full of wildflowers brightening the space. Over to my left, there is another new addition – a small cafe, welcoming you with the comforting aroma of coffee. The space offers intimate lounging areas for people to read. My mind begins to drift, picturing myself curling up with a book.

Soph bumps me with her elbow. “If you’re going to show up with coffee and keep me company at work, you’re welcome to guilt yourself into feeling like a bad friend more often.”

“Noted.” I giggle, before taking a sip of my coffee. “So, what does one do at a library all day?”

“Well, today,” she says with a grin. “We gossip and drink coffee.”

We settle into the couches near the front of the library and Sophie keeps an eye out for anyone who might enter, meaning she will need to actually do some work.

“Okay, me first. I need to know why you and Jesse friend-zoned each other!” I shuffle closer to her. “I am very selective of the women I send his way, so come on, spill the beans!”