The Bookstore

(8) Any Volunteers?

Lily

We decided to take a day completely free of discoveries and mysteries, so we headed to a local diner for some food and relaxation. The diner is a retro-style place with checkered floors, neon signs and a jukebox playing old tunes. It's a very great place, even greater for chilling here.

As we walked, I took my time to look at everyone's clothes. I was bored. Sophie is wearing a vintage white dress with a florar decoration on her chest, and a cardigan. Anna is wearing her usual style, a blue skirt, a black patterned blouse and lots of jewelry. Bella, Tyler's girlfriend, is wearing a simple but cute black tight dress, and Tyler had a hoodie, what seemed like a graphic tee under his hoodie, and ripped jeans.

And, well, Jack. He's always casual but stylish, I really love his clothes. He's wearing a black flannel shirt, well-worn jeans and black leather boots. I'll just say it, he looks truly handsome, specially tonight. I could smell his cologne from here. Well, when I say from here is right next to  me. And, me, just wearing a black sweater, jeans, and having my hair flowing down my mid-back. I know he wants to touch it.

We finally arrived and sat down in a table. Tyler and Bella joked about their unexpected kiss in front of us, making us laugh. They were kinda cute together, Sophie told me he was very excited about her talking to him. Having your crush talking to you isn't something you see everyday.

Jack made a playful comment about how he wished someone would surprise him like that, looking at me with a smirk. This guy is truly unbelievable, he doesn't even try to hide his high hormones.

"I guess I'm next in line for a surprise kiss. Any volunteers?" He winks at me. My only reaction was to roll my eyes and hide my face in my hands. You could think I'm trying to hide my grumpy face about his comment, but I'm actually suppressing a smile.

We ordered a variety of diner classics: milkshakes, burgers and fries. The light-hearted banter continues.

When the waiter arrived with the trays of food, she accidentally spilled a bit of drink on Jack, causing a burst of laughter from the entire group. He pinches the bridge of his nose and looks down at the table. I can tell that that got a little bit in his nerves. But he immediately laughs and speaks up.

"Looks like i was the one who got the surprise after all..."

Jack takes it in a stride, making a joke about how he needed to cool off anyway. He playfully flicked some water at Tyler, who dodged dramatically, making everyone laugh even more.

Anna

I found a quiet booth in the corner for Sophie and I, away from the group's banter. I don't know why, but I don't feel like continuing the jokes today. I feel a bit off, I guess it's all because of me moving out of here soon. To be exact, in four days.

I look at her once we're alone in the corner and speak up.

"I can't believe how much we've discovered in such a short time."

"It feels like we're in the middle of a mystery novel."

"And to think, it all started with a little gossip."

We held hands under the table. We were sticked up together in the corner of the table, ignoring the voices of the others. We shared secret smiles and gentle touches. I brushed a black strand of hair from her face, leaning in to give her a tender kiss.

When our lips parted, I leaned in again to connect her lips with mine softly, the moment filled with affection and promise. We talked about our future togyher, balancing our excitement for the investigation with our love for each other. She looks at me and says.

"No matter what happens in this mystery, i'm glad we're in it together."

"Always. You're my partner, in every sense."

Lily

I looked at everyone in the table, but then i felt a gentle tap in my knee. I looked over at Jack, who was leaning over me, whispering quietly in my face.

"Would you come with me for a moment outside?"

I thought for a moment but nodded quickly and stood up from the table with him. He opened the door for me and when we got outside, we felt the cool breeze in our faces, making my hair move softly.

He lead me to a bench, and we sat down. The night was calm, with a gentle breeze and the sound of distant crickets.

After a minute of silence, he looked at me and started to open up about his past, sharing stories about his childhood.

"I used to get in a lot of trouble when I was younger. This town was supposed  to be a fresh start for me. I wanted to find a place where I could make a real difference."

"I guess everyone deserves a second chance... Whistlewood has a way of welcoming people. But it also holds onto its secrets." I answered, looking forward at the bushes in front of us while he stared at me deeply.

I decided to talk about my love for books and how the bookstore is like my sanctuary.

"Books have always been my escape. When things got tough, I could always find solace in a story. The bookstore is more than a job; it's my refuge."

"There was this one time when I tried to build a treehouse with my friends. We ended up with more injuries than progress, and the treehouse was just a pile of wood by the end of it. But it was fun." His laugh infected mine.

"Sounds like you had a wild childhood. I was always the quiet one, reading in a corner while everyone else played."

There was a long pause of complete silence. I glanced at him subtly to see what he was doing. He seemed to be swallowing hard, as if taking the courage for something. And then, he finally looked at me and started to speak in a softer tone.

"Hey... there's this art exhibit opening downtown tomorrow. Would you like to go with me?"

"I don't think that's a good idea. We barely know each other."

I could tell by his expression that I just broke all his courage, but he persisted.

"That's the point, isn't it? To get to know each other better."

I hesitated, feeling conflicted about spending more time with him.

"I... I guess it could be interesting. Just this once, though."

"Great. I promise you won't regret it."