Break the ice

Chapter 5: I would take every opportunity to look at her

Estelle's POV

Today's the second day I'm working with Huxley this week. After the trip to the beach things have been better for us. We're working well together, actually communicating. Not that Huxley speaks that much, but he doesn't seem too bothered to talk to me. I'm glad it's less awkward. I've learned that he's actually a very nice guy, even if he pretends not to be. The elderly ladies who shop here regularly are really fond of him. The young girls who come here seem to like him as well. Though Huxley easily gets annoyed at unnecessary flirting, he seems to be hiding his annoyance quite well. I'm actually impressed by his costumer service skills. Not that I'll tell him that, he'll just shrug me off.

While I'm standing at the register I see him putting books in the shelves. The way his arms flex while working, catch my attention. Through his sleeves I'm able to see the outlines of his muscles. And wow, they're big. My eyes lower and get the view of his veiny hands. It should be illegal to have hands like that. When it comes to watching Huxley I seem to have an attention span longer than Rapunzels hair. It would be nice if I could have this for my lectures as well. But my staring contest with Huxley's hands come to an end when I see Dorian enter the bookshop.

''Hey Dorian, you're like the last person I expected to see in a bookstore, well after Jake I mean.'' I say while smiling at him. He looks like he agrees with me, giving me a laugh.

''Yup, you're right. But uhm. I kinda spilled coffee on Sam's copy of death poets society. So imma need a new one. You got one here? Please say yes.'' Dorian looks stressed. I would be too if I had ruined Samara's favorite book. She's such a sweet soul, but no one touches death poets society. She lives for that book. I just wonder how Dorian even got to spill coffee on it? When did he visit her room?

''Sure, we have a few copies of it in the back. Huxley can get one for you. But in return I need to know how that happened?'' I know I'm being nosy, but I need the tea. Is Samara's crush not so one-sided as I thought? They would honestly be so cute. I just love love.

''Well I needed to borrow a calculator yesterday and Sam had one. We met up at a cafe, where she was reading her book and I ended up spilling my coffee on it.''  Dorian is now avoiding eye contact. I'm guessing that there is more than what he's telling me, but I'll leave it at that. Maybe I can ask Huxley later.

''Huxley! Can you help Dorian find a book?'' I tell him. After I called out for him he noticed Dorian's presence. He looks just as surprised as me to see Dorian in a bookshop.

''Dude, do you even read?'' Huxley asks, still flabbergasted. He has his eyes wide open. Dorian starts to explain the reason why he's here. Huxley now has an amused look on his face. I don't know what that's supposed to mean. The two walk away from me and I can only hear whispers. Damn, I really want to know what that's about. I want to eavesdrop on their conversation but I don't. I can't act so nosy.

Later around closing time, I go up to Huxley and try to get some information out of him. If there's even a chance that Dorian likes Samara, I need to know. Girls night is gonna be so much fun Saturday.

''Hey, Huxley do you want to bike back to campus?'' I give him a sweet smile. He blinks a few times before answering me.

''I wanted to stop by the ice rink and skate for a bit. So I can't.'' He says monotonously. My eyes light up. I really do like ice skating. If he's not going there for practice I could join in right?

''Oh sounds nice. Can I come along? I promise you I won't stand in your way.'' I brace myself for immediate rejection. But it never comes.

''Whatever. Just don't get in my way.'' Huxley walks past me and signs over to me to follow him. I'm taken aback by the fact that he just lets me tag along. Never in a million years did I expect this. We're closing the store and get on our bikes. Huxley leads the way and I follow him.