Page 2 of Read Me, Baby
CHAPTER 2
JAY
“It’s hot as fuck out here.” My best friend, Maverick, complains.
“And that’s why we’ll be working in there.” I point to the huge brick building that has MAGNOLIA POINT LIBRARY written across the front.
“But with no AC, we’ll be just as hot.”
“And that’s why they called us,” I mutter, slamming the door to the work truck with a little more vigor than intended.
Taking note of my jeans sticking to my legs and my t-shirt already soaked through with sweat, I trudge up the sidewalk to the front door as Maverick says, “Sometimes I really hate this job.”
“No, you don’t,” I respond with a laugh. ”You love me, and you love the work.”
“Debatable.” he grumbles, tearing his hat from his head rather aggressively and running his hand through his hair before placing his hat back on.
I get it. Working in the heat isn't for everyone, but we grew up in Magnolia Point, so the heat waves are nothing new. My Dad and his brother started Parker & Sons HVAC when they graduated high school. It wasn’t ever my goal to be a blue-collar worker, but I suppose I never really had a goal, I just did what was asked of me, passed my classes, helped out whoever needed it and lived a simple life at the beach. My family isn’t rich, but I never went without; we always had plenty of food for anyone who stopped by, which my friends did more often than not.
My mom loved having everyone to cook for and dote over, and when Christina and I started dating, she loved having a girl to talk with.
But nothing good ever lasts, and now Mom is back to hanging with just the guys again.
“This library is a hazard,” my older cousin, Wes, interjects. “These rooms are too hot and the vents too old. They need a complete overhaul.”
“And that’s why I wanted this bid,” I explain. “It’s a huge job for us and will be a great expansion for Parker & Sons.”
When I graduated high school it was just assumed that I would work with my dad. He and my uncle still ran things, but they were getting older, and with Wes and I being the only two boys next in line, we knew we’d be in charge someday. And since I’m grateful for what this job did for me as a kid, it’s only right I give back.
“Oh, hello boys,” Mrs. Holly, the librarian, calls out. She appears to be one hundred and two years old as she shuffles toward us carrying three bottles of water, and I meet her halfway, helping her to the chair that Wes has pulled out. “Oh, thank you, Wes. You’re a good boy. Whew, it’s another hot one today, isn't it? Are you sure you’re okay to be here working?”
“Yes, Mrs. Holly,” I answer. “We’ve got to get this place up and running comfortably again for you. These industrial fans will help but it’s not like being in the cool air.”
“Honey, I haven’t felt cool air in fifty-three years. This beach town only gets hotter each year.”
“But not with the right kind of heat,” Maverick grumbles, and I smack his shoulder in a good-natured reprimand.
“It’s fine,” I assure her. “We’ll get you situated real quick.”
“I just wanted to let you boys know as of tomorrow, I am a free lady,” she crows jovially. “I’ve officially retired, and a new librarian is coming in.”
I’m not sure why I’m surprised given Mrs. Holly has been here since my dad was in school, which means she’s long overdue for retirement. “Congratulations! That's a big accomplishment.”
“It is. Sixty-two years is a long time. But I've loved every minute of it," she replies with a knowing smile. She’s watched us all grow up and I have a feeling she knows more about the stuff we did than she lets on.
“What are you going to do now?” Wes asks.
“I’ll spend time with my husband. And I'll still be here helping the new girl. She’s young, like you, Jay. Maybe it will be someone you want to get to know?” She raises her brows and her knowing smile broadens.
“Mrs. Holly, always playing matchmaker.” I laugh along with her, her intrusiveness not bothering me in the least.
Mrs. Holly squints at me and then says in a perturbed tone. “You're a handsome man with a great job. Don’t let yourself go to waste. That ex-girlfriend of yours didn’t know what she had.”
I groan inwardly. It’s been almost nine years since Christina publicly embarrassed me, yet everyone in town still thinks about it, even though I’ve honestly moved on from it. She hasn’t been a thought in quite some time but since I’m one of the resident bachelors, everyone in town likes to try to set me up.
“He doesn’t need a girl when he’s got his romance book girlfriends, Mrs. Holly.” Wes says as he nudges Mrs. Holly and she giggles.
“Wes! Shh!”