Chapter Thirty-Four
Jesse
Before
“Someone’s been bit by the library bug,” Bay joked when she joined me on the couch.
I closed the heavy paperback as I glanced up at her. “It feels better in here than it does out there,” I admitted.
That wasn’t entirely true, but it was close.
Life outside those double doors was extremely hard. The library was just simple, peaceful, and the air was filled with the aroma of books. After the morning I’d had at Cinched and the lunchtime visit I spent with Dad, I would be happy to stay in this spot for the rest of the night.
Bay crossed her legs, her hands resting on her knee. “I work here, and I would even agree with that statement.”
Whenever Bay stopped to chat, we only ever talked about my dad and reading, never her. I’d completely monopolize every conversation.
“I’m terribly embarrassed right now,” I said to her. “But I don’t even know what you do here at the library.”
“I’m the director of historical resources, which means I focus on community outreach, fundraising, literacy programs, things like that.”
“You’re the face of the library.”
She stopped to consider what I said. “I guess I am.”
“Very impressive.”
“Thank you.” She smiled. “I don’t get to hang out in the stacks as much as I’d like.” She turned her head, checking the aisles on both sides of the sofa. “I miss it when away for too long.”
“Someone’s been bit by the bug, too.”
“It’s my happy place.”
I wrapped my arm around the back of the couch and faced her a little more. “Same.” I breathed in the scent. “It’s heavenly.” Wanting to keep the topic on her, I asked, “How was your week?”
Her face immediately lit up. “It’s been a good one.”
I knew that expression. Every woman did. It was the look that came across your face when you met a man you instantly connected with.
“He’s definitely doing something right,” I said.
Her cheeks turned pink. “I’m that obvious, huh?” She didn’t wait for me to respond. “Things are new. Like four dates new.”
I propped up my elbow and rested my face against my palm. “You’re at that stage where everything makes you tingle.”
She lowered her voice. “It feels like my skin is on fire.”
I hoped I would always have that.
“What’s he like?” I inquired.
“He’s tall, semi-athletic, cute but not gorgeous, with the most contagious personality.”
“He sounds perfect.”
She pulled her hair onto one side, her fingers combing the long strands. “He kind of is.”
“How did you meet?”
“He’s the branch manager at my sister’s bank. I went there to help straighten out her accounts and he assisted us.”
I quietly clapped my hands together. “Getting a non-customer’s phone number before she leaves the branch? I’m impressed.”
She chuckled. “Don’t give him that much credit. I ran into him two-weeks later at the grocery store and that’s where he asked me out.”
“You know what, I like that even better,” I thought out loud. I studied her for a few seconds. “I can see how much you like him.”
“I do.” She shrugged. “But it’s so soon to really tell.”
“When’s the next date?”
“Tomorrow.” She glanced down at her hand as she circled the thin silver band around her middle finger. “We saw each other last night and he’s already talking about plans for next week.” When she looked up again, I saw her concern. “We’re moving fast.”
“No you’re not.” I paused, collecting my thoughts. “I learned something when my dad got sick, something I wish I knew a long time ago.” Her hand returned to my shoulder and her fingers were hugging me. “If the banker feels right, then let it happen. Just don’t live with regret. You don’t want to get to the end and wish you could do it differently. You want to get there and go right back to your life, so you can live another day.”
I watched her soak in my words and process them. And then she glanced at her watch and said, “This is going to sound nuts, but I’m leaving here in fifteen minutes, do you want to come with me and grab a drink?”
“I would love to.”