FALLING FOR MR J

Chapter 21

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

"Hey, Kat, can you take the returns and re-shelve them please?" Old Fred asks while placing the cart in front of me. I've just finished up showing Mrs Stevens how to use the internet search.

"Sure Fred, no problem."

While I'm stacking the shelves at the back of the library, I'm standing on the very top step of a very tall ladder. I'm placing a heavy book up there. Why they have them there, I'll never know. I've told Fred they should be at the bottom, but he insists that's how it's been for years it's tradition. Yeah, it's a health hazard, that's what that is.

Anyway, I'm just heading back down the ladder to retrieve another book. That's when I end up losing my footing, but just as I'm about to hit the carpeted floor somebody catches me. Thankfully, before I hit the floor.

"Well, now I kinda feel like a bit of déjà vu is happening right now."

I gasp in shock only because I can agree with that statement. The last time I got caught like this was when I started comp... I was in the library looking for a certain art book. It kinda happened the same way, but this time he'd rocked the ladder on purpose.

"Damn it, Ryan. I almost screamed the place down. You'll get kicked out for sure. Shit the bed lad, what the hell?"

He's laughing now, making me grin when I slap my hand over his mouth. I'm shushing him, telling him to keep it down.

"Do you want me to lose my job too? Okay, you can put me down now. Then you can tell me why you're here."

"Ouch, way to hurt my feelings, friend..." He said while placing my feet down firmly back on the hard floors.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to."
He grinned, making me roll my eyes when I see he's teasing me.
"Never fails. Okay, I'm sorry. I'm here to see if you feel like having a coffee and maybe a chat with your old bestie? I'd seen the news, so I kinda wanted to see how you're doing."

Instead of answering him I just pull him in for a hug. Lord knows I need it. The last hug I'd received like this was when I'd left Trevor back at the hospital that day.

"Wow, you missed me that much, huh?"
"Ry, you have no idea how good, it is to see you. Of course, I'd like that. No, I'd love that. Shit, it's been too long Ry. Way too long."

Luckily, the library has a little coffee area. So as soon as I'd cleared the rest of the returns, I'd gone in search of Fred. Once I found him chatting with some old lady, I tell him I'm taking my break.

"It makes a change you buying the coffees. What's that all about? Have you won the lotto or something?"
He grinned, but instead of answering, he asked how I'm doing. It's obvious I'm not doing well, but I tell him I'm fine.

"I'm getting on with stuff. You know, saving my money for Paris."

"Have you heard anything back from them yet? I mean, what's it been now a week?"
I end up sighing. Wow, this isn't making me feel hopeful at all. He sees it's not something I want to think about.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to put a downer on this for you. I guess they've just got others to interview. I have to be honest, I don't want you to go. I've only just got you back and now there's a possibility of losing you again."

Hearing his words, my eyes suddenly filled with tears. I know what he's saying and if things were different, then maybe I'd be staying. Only they're not, and he's got his one life now. I tell him this too to which he sighs after taking hold of my hand.

"I don't understand why though. Why Paris? Why so far away too? Surely there are other galleries to go to? You know here. Yeah, I have stuff going on, but I'm gonna miss you. Kat, you don't even know anybody over there. Who the hell will you have shots-night with? Who the hell's gonna sit with you at night? Not only that, but listen to you singing away to Grease after being watching it about five times in one night?"