Between The Books-Michael Clifford

Twenty Four

I have so much to tell Leo. A lot has happened this week. He's gonna shit.

I walk into the library and instantly he sees me and smiles.

"Just where were you on Saturday?!" I say, dropping my bookbag on his counter. I have about ten minutes before I have to go clock in.

"Ok, I know. We were on our way, Stella was excited to meet you! Then her mom called. Stella's family lives here in Columbus, but her brother goes to college at Penn State. He came home unexpectedly, and her mom wanted her and I to come see him. So that's where we were. I don't have your number in my phone! You know I would've come, or at least texted you, if I could've. Stella still really wants to meet you, so let me know when you want to get together." Leo hands me a coffee.

It's just too hard to be mad at my favorite nerd.

"Mmm, well I guess I can't really be mad. I was ready to write you off and go find myself a new bestie!" I wink.

"Aw...I'm your bestie?! AWESOME! My day is complete." He says, smiling.

"Ok, so you wanna hear my news?! It's sooo good!"

"Of course, but you better go clock in, and BEWARE, Ronnie is in a super pissy mood, like off the rails crazy. Stay on the right side all the way back, I just saw him helping some girl in the physics section."

"Does Ronnie ever help any guys? I think he's a total creepy perv. If I needed help and I saw him coming, I'd absolutely run the other way. Be right back!" I grin and leave Leo to find my way back through the stack without running into Ronnie.

........................................

When I get back up front, Leo's not at his counter, so I go over and log into my computer. Tyler's also not here. Good thing no one needs any help!

I plop my butt down in my chair and open my coffee to see how hot it is. As usual it's just past the point of boiling. I replace the lid and set it off to the side.

I look over to the Berry Cafe. Super crowded. It's always busy. There's no better coffee on campus. I wonder if Mikey likes coffee.

Ok, random.

I start thinking about Tuesday night. It was so much fun. When I woke up Wednesday, Mikey was already gone. I was disappointed at first until I saw the note he left for me. I smile thinking about it.

"Star, hey!"

My thoughts of Michael's note are interrupted as I see Wade walking over.

"Hey, Wade!" I say, looking around for creepy Ronnie. No where in sight, so I hurry around my counter and give Wade a big hug. Wade is the best smelling man alive. Always. Just never can there be anyone who smells better.

"How are you? I haven't seen you all week. You been ditching me?" He smiles.

"No, never! I went out on Monday and got trashed, and Tuesday night too, so I've been sort of hybernating since. How are you?" I scoot back around my counter just in case Ronnie shows up. He's a Nazi when it comes to friends when you're working.

"Working mostly, studying for a big test in physics. I asked Laney out, but was denied. Kind of bummed, I ain't gonna lie! I thought she liked me, must've misread the signals." He puts his backpack on the counter and opens it.

"Oh, well, she did, and if you'd asker her out last week, you might've had a chance. She hooked up with Marcus Lickit on Saturday, and they've been superglued together ever since. You know him?"

Wade hands me two books to check back in, along with his I'd.

"Well, I know he's the drummer for Lickit, obviously. Don't know him personally, but I've seen him. Yeah, so that door's closed. No way I can compete with Marcus." He says, grinning.

"Not true! Wade you're yummy, you just have to find a girl who isn't already hung up on someone else. Believe me, it's our loss. You're way hotter then me and Laney. You're sooo out of our league, Wade." I grin.

"Ok, now you're being rediculous. It is your loss, hers too, but I'm only slightly out of your league, Star. Don't sell yourself short." He says, completely serious.

Oh!

Wade busts out laughing. "Damn, I was so close too, but your face!"

"Excuse me, Star, aren't you supposed to be working right now? I mean if you'd rather socialize with your friend, I'm sure I can find a replacement for you."

Creepy Ronnie, like a ninja, out of nowhere.

"Oh yes, sir." Wade turns to face Ronnie, and without a beat has a story to save my ass. "She's been very helpful. She checked in my books then told me the name of the book I couldn't think of. She was going to take me to it, but..." Wade turns to the girl who has just walked up behind him. "This beautiful young woman showed up, and so she needed to take care of her."

Wade smiles at the girl and moves to the side, putting his hand on the small of her back, encouraging her to step forward. Instantly she's putty in his hands.

"Um, yes, thank you." She says, blushing.

Wade steps towards Ronnie, giving me a wink, then turns back to Ronnie.

"If you could be so kind to help me find Monroe's Theory of Advanced Molecular Biology? You look like you probably know right where that is." He smiles at Ronnie.

Ronnie's caught off guard by Wade's amazing bullshit. "Um, of course, follow me. Thank you, Star, for helping this man."

"Of course, Ronnie!" I smile a big fake smile at my slimy turd boss.

Wade is my favorite person.