Page 20 of Read Me, Baby
“Mrs. Holly, you’re staying?”
“Of course, dear. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
I chuckle. “You’re here more now that you’re retired.”
“I'm just curious as to how the story ends.” She gives me a wink and then directs her focus to the book, and it makes me wonder which story she’s talking about.
CHAPTER 14
NINA
I left the library exhausted.
For an introvert, it’s a lot to be out in the open for long periods of time. It’s difficult to be social and ‘on’ when that’s not your normal way of being, though I did enjoy my time with everyone. And the best part was that a lot of the women stayed after the club wrapped up and we chatted about the town, about books and about families.
It was wonderful getting to know them and I found myself thinking about how glad I am that I made the move. Being a small-town librarian means I’ll get to know everyone that comes in and out. Quite often, you learn what people are going through by what they choose to read. I find the trust that some come to you with is endearing. They trust me to help them find the words that will get them through deciding a college major, going through a health scare or even getting through a breakup. And on the other side, it's exciting to be a part of someone's life when they check out a book about being a first-time mother or how to plan a wedding.
“Bestie!” Hazel calls out as I enter her house. “How was it today? I was thinking about you all day.”
“Wine. Must have wine.”
“Already poured you a glass. It’s on the counter.”
I drop my pocketbook, kick off my shoes and swipe the glass from the counter, coming around to the living room where I sink into the couch next to her and take a huge gulp.
I let out a breath, feeling like it’s the first breath of the day. “It was good. It was really good. But it was a lot. I’m glad Mrs Holly was there. But she was dropping little innuendos here and there all day. My mind has been racing between the book, the club…”
“Jay?”
“Yes, him, too.” She giggles and sits up straight on the couch, crossing her legs and facing me.
“Tell me!”
“I’m not getting excited,” I say evenly. “I’m not getting ahead of myself. I’m done letting my emotions take off on me. I’m in a brand-new town with new people and a new job and I need to just stay in my lane.”
“No, you do not! You are allowed to feel happy and excited over something new.”
“It was one date, Hazel. That's all I ever get.”
“You need to tell him,” she replies softly, as if she can read my mind.
“Maybe,” I respond with a shrug. “If the time is right, if we get further.”
I’m silent for a minute processing it all, but then I say quietly, “He was there today.”
“At the book club?”
“Well, not really in the room, but he was there working on the HVAC system. When we were there the other night, he told me he could hear me in the room. Voices and sounds travel through the pipes.”
Her eyes widen and she squeals with excitement, making me laugh. “I still can’t get over the fact that he’s a dirty talker and I am in love with it!”
“Don't tell him I told you! No one is supposed to know!”
She makes the cross sign over heart. “I won't tell a soul.”
Shaking my head, I keep going. “But when Mrs Holly introduced me and then again when I spoke to the crowd, I heard the pipes rattle twice. It was like he was saying ‘I’m here, you have a friend listening. It’s going to be alright.’ I shrug. “First time in a long time I was enjoying the story and let the reality drift away. Maybe it’s stupid but it was comforting.”
“It’s not stupid, it’s real. That's what a relationship is about. It’s being there for you, being supportive and you doing the same. I know you’ve never had that, and it breaks my heart for you because when you find someone so good, it's the best feeling ever.”