If This Was A Movie

2. The Initial Sparks

For the first time in far too long, Lucy actually smiled a genuine smile not the kind she flashed for the paparazzi. She walked around the streets near Bradford's Books while tightly gripping her new copy of "The Notebook" to her chest. Across the street and down the block from Tim's shop was an old community theatre, and right next to it in the window of a narrow building was a "For Rent" sign. She dialed the number listed beneath to schedule a showing for later in the day. Until then, she went back to filming. Later in the evening, she called Wes to report, "Hey, I have news."

"Oh, really?" Wes replied, intrigued.

"I have a new apartment."

"What's wrong with your house?"

"Nothing, but it's big and empty, and I hate how it makes me feel so alone in the world. I want something that feels...better, so I got an apartment in the city where I can hear sirens outside, and people walking by, and it's in a great spot. Plus, it's right by where I'm filming. And before you ask, don't bring up the paparazzi finding me or anything like that."

"Okay, then that sounds great, or maybe it's a cry for help."

"Don't worry. I'm fine. I need this change of pace."

"I can't wait to check it out."

"The apartment's small, but the neighborhood is great. I'll have to show you the cute little bookstore I found today."

"A bookstore? Since when do you read books?"

"Since I bought one from a handsome bookstore owner."

Wes sat up straighter at the fond tone of her voice. "A handsome bookstore owner? Are you trying to tell me you met someone?"

"More like I fell into him. I ran into the bookstore to get away from nosy paparazzi, and he literally caught me in his arms."

"Like a meet cute in a movie."

She shook her head, "No, it wasn't like the movies. He's far more attractive than any of my costars, and he's real. Clearly, he doesn't know a thing about romance novels, but he's great."

"Are you planning on seeing him again?"

"Well, where else will I buy another book?" Lucy quirked her eyebrow.

"You're about to become a voracious reader, aren't you?"

"Maybe," she smirked. "I better finish 'The Notebook' soon, so I have an excuse to go to his shop again."

"I don't want to get in the way of your reading, so I'll let you go for the night."

"Okay. Coffee tomorrow?"

"Yeah, let's try a new coffee shop, so I can have my own meet cute."

"I'm looking forward to it."

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Days at the bookstore were monotonous with the usual patrons coming and going at their regular times, but then Lucy arrived unexpectedly with a dazzling smile.

"Hey, Tim," she said when she found him standing behind the checkout counter.

With his lips starting to curve, he greeted her, "Hi, Lucy. Can I help you find anything today?"

"I'd like to buy some reasonably priced happiness, of course."

"Another romance?"

"Well, a real romance," she insisted.

He gestured in the direction of what seemed to be the only section she wanted to visit.

She scanned the titles and commented, "You moved 'The Great Gatsby'."