Page 5 of Read Me, Baby
Anymore.
I let Mrs. Holly lead me to the center of the room, where she stops and says, “This is the READ ME, BABY romance floor. You’ll find nothing but happily ever after books up here for those looking to get lost in the love of a good book and a sexy couple.” My eyes widen slightly, and she giggles. “What’s wrong? Never heard an eighty-year-old woman say the word sexy?”
I shake my head, slightly embarrassed. “No, nothing like that. I’m just overwhelmed by this place. This is truly … incredible.”
I wander around the room, touching the shelves and small tables that boast everything from supermarket type romance novels with the sexy model to illustrated covers demonstrating love found on ice. There are candles at each small end table and more blankets on each chair. There is a counter with candy dishes like an old-time ice cream shoppe. Chocolates, gummies and sour candies line the counter and underneath are three mini refrigerators in a row with open glass doors show off sodas and water.
I walk along the perimeter of the room taking note of all the books but stop when I get to a large chalkboard. Romance Book Club is written across the top in big letters and underneath it has book titles and months written next to it. I take note of the title for this month, “THE ROAD HOME” by Bella Valentino.
Mrs. Holly has come up beside me and says, “aren’t you so excited? The club meets weekly and comes together to discuss the romance book of the month! The best part? You get to read to everyone in the room. It creates an atmosphere of friendship and solidarity as you all unite together over the love found amongst the pages.”
My heart instantly sinks into the pit of my stomach. One, romance sucks. Two, if I wanted to be speaking in front of a crowd, I would have chosen any other profession other than a librarian. There’s a reason I like being quiet and reserved behind the books. And after one attempt at deviating from that path, I’ll never do it again.
I swallow the lump in my throat then squeak out, “Read to them?”
“Yes! The town loves it. If you haven’t noticed, the Magnolia Point neighborhood thrives on love and romance. The people of the town are always looking for the next couple to set up and live for first dates, weddings and baby showers.”
My heart is racing and my palms are sweating. These are major details that Hazel has left out.
“Also, National Read a Book Day is coming up, it's a town favorite and this year, they’ve elected to all read that romance novel up on the board. It’s a sweet story about a small town boy who falls in love with the new girl in town.”
Her eyes are twinkling and I feel bile rise in my throat, but then, suddenly we’re interrupted by a succession of large bangs and the pipes creak within the walls.
“Oh, that's just the HVAC repairmen. If you can’t tell, the air conditioning has been out in the library and we are getting a complete overhaul. They’ll be here for about two weeks.” She walks back to the elevator and I follow, itching to get out of this room as fast as possible. “They’re very nice boys.”
We head back to her office and sit and discuss basic principles of the library and I leave there wondering what I got myself into. The last thing I want is to put on a happy face, speak in front of a crowd and act like romance novels are the next best thing since sliced bread.
I think I made a mistake coming to Magnolia Point.
CHAPTER 5
JAY
“This insulation is making my skin crawl,” Wes complains.
“This tiny duct tunnel is making my skin crawl,” Maverick cries.
“Why do the two of you act like it’s your first day every time we come on a job?” I huff out, lifting the heavy pipes in the tight spot, while the two of them act like babies.
“Listen, you two knew what you were getting into. I thought HVAC repair was hooking up a few wires to a new wall unit. You never warned me I’d be working in a coffin all day.”
Snickering at Maverick, I have to agree with him. When Wes and I knew we needed a third guy on the jobs with us, we convinced him it’d be easy money. We didn’t tell him all the minor details that go into this job. Like the tiny crawl spaces and the emergency calls on weekends or evenings.
Eh. it’s his own fault for not researching properly.
“Yes, but would you rather work with a bunch of deadbeats or your two besties all day long?”
He gives me the side eye and I bark out a laugh. “Just lift the other end of this pipe, would you? I know I’m strong and all, but it's hot as fuck. Help a guy out, huh?”
He grumbles and crawls to me on his knees, helping set the pipe in place. And just when the clanging stops echoing, we hear a voice.
“.. this place is really incredible … “
The sound of the feminine voice makes me take notice. My eyes find Wes and he looks at me with brows furrowed.
“What's wrong?”
“Did you hear that?”