A Library Romance

Chapter 2: Olive Garden

Halfway through the shift Lily had to return to her workstation, but I caught her stealing glances at me every so often, and I did the same. I was hoping to catch her on the way out last night, but discovered they wouldn't be leaving at the same time as me. They stay an extra half hour to close the library. I waited outside to see if I could catch one last glimpse, but had no luck and eventually had to retreat to my car and go home.

The next morning, I wait outside, freezing my ass off as I wait to be let in. It seems like an eternity before I see Marissa running to unlock the door. "Oh my god, you must be freezing! Sorry about that, come on in!" she exclaims. I gladly follow her inside. "Here for community service again?" she asks. I nod.

"Yeah, I'm scheduled for the morning shift," I say. She laughs a little.

"It'd be pretty funny if we had the same schedule, wouldn't it?" she asks.

"Yeah, that'd be quite the coincidence. I was going to get a cup of hot cocoa from the cafe. Would you like one?" I ask. She smiles.

"I'd love one! In fact, here, take this," she says. She scrounges around in her pocket and pulls out a coupon. "It's buy one, get one free. I was planning on using it anyway," she says. I take it.

"Thanks, I'll be back," I say. I make my way to the cafe. The best thing about being here first thing in the morning is that the cafe won't get busy for another hour. The barista comes up to the counter.

"Good morning, what can I get for you?" she asks. I hand her the coupon.

"Three hot chocolates, please," I say. The barista, whose badge says Emily, laughs a little.

"That's a lot of hot chocolates," she says. I shrug.

"Only one is for me," I say.

"Well, that's mighty kind of ya," she says, her southern drawl becoming far more obvious as she takes my card to pay for the drinks. "I'll have those out soon!" she yells, handing my card back as she runs into the kitchen. I sit down at the table and check my watch. It's already ten, so I'll be a few minutes late, but seeing Lily smile when I present the drink will be worth it.

Emily comes out moments later with a cup holder. "Have a nice day!" she says. I take the cup holder with a smile.

"Thanks, you too!" I return to the front counter, where Marissa is setting things up for the day. She takes one cup off the cup holder.

"Three?" she questions as she takes a delighted sip. "Who's the third one for?"

"Lily from upstairs," I say.

"You mean mute girl who seems to never leave the library?" she asks. I nod.

"She's a lot more than that, though. She talked to me a little yesterday, believe it or not. She's a super nice girl," I say.

"Yeah, she seems nice, but she really won't talk to anyone, so I'm shocked she talked to you willingly," she says. I laugh.

"Yeah, you and me both. I'm hoping this hot cocoa can be a peace offering for me to get a little closer to her. She said little last night, so I'm hoping today she might say more," I say. Marissa smiles.

"You like her or something? Not to pry, but I've seen you stalking her. I was honestly concerned until I met you yesterday. Now that I've met you, I can tell you wouldn't hurt a fly!" she exclaims. I laugh.

"I wouldn't say that I have a romantic interest in her just yet, but she is very intriguing. And beautiful, so if I actually could get that close to her, I would not object. But she really prefers to stay silent, so I'm just trying not to go beyond her boundaries," I say.