The Bookstore

(9) Don't You Dare

Tyler

The bookstore is bustling with customers. Lily and Sophie are managing the crowd while I help with organizing new arrivals. The air is filled with the scent of fresh coffee some of the clients are holding, and new books. The chatter of excited customers creates a lively atmosphere.

The sun filters though the windows, casting a warm glow on the rows of bookshelves. The cozy ambiance makes it a perfect place for book lovers to spend their morning. I approach the girls because they seem to be discussing the success of the recent book sale.

"The sale went better than I expected. We're going to need more stock." Sophie says, and Lily answers her immediately.

"That's a good problem to have. I'll make a list of what we need."

I place a stack of books in the old desk, taking the chance to joke about how we need to open a second location.

"At this rate, we'll need a second bookstore. 'Whistlewood Books Part Deux'."

"One step at a time, Tyler."

After a while, I found an old map tucked inside one of the newly arrived books. The map is faded and fragile, showing the town's layout from decades ago with several marked locations.

"Look what I found! It's an old map of the town with some spots marked on it." I showed it to them, sparking curiosity about the marked locations.

"Those marks could be important. They might lead us to something interesting."

"We should definitely check them out when we have time."

Anna

I wanted to drop by the bookstore to join the group in whatever they're doing, because I've got some news. I can't stop thinking that i'm leaving this place in three days. I've been thinking... What if i can't fit well in that job? What if i'm leaving for nothing? I've been eating my mind up and giving further thoughts about it all the time. It just can't leave my mind and me in peace.

I shake my head while i walk, the soft breeze making some loose blonde strands of hair fall down my messy curly bun. I enter the bookstore and look at them, noticing a bunch of people in every inch of the bookshelves. Looks like they've got work today, i heard today was the restocking day, i guess everyone is making off with everything. I walked to them and spoke up after a little greeting.

"I've been digging through old newspapers and found some mentions of strange activities in town."

"Like what?" Tyler asked with curiosity.

"There were reports of unusual gatherings and people disappearing without a trace."

After a while of chatting with them, Lily suddenly looked at the clock and a hurried expression played on her face. She started running upstairs to her room, and while she was in her way, she shouted to us.

"I need to get ready for something, I'm supposed to be meeting with Jack in 10 minutes!" We all nod and the second she disappears upstairs, a smirk tugs in our lips.

Lily

I don't even know how I managed to appear at the art exhibition at time. And most important, well dressed. I've never seen myself this elegant before. Don't ask me while I dressed like this today, because I don't want to know the reason.

I'm wearing a chic black dress with lace detailing, complemented by a pair of elegant flats and a simple silver necklace. My hair is wavier than usual, which I appreciate so much. And, Jack. Oh, God. He's wearing a fitted black blazer over a crisp white shirt, paired with dark jeans and polished shoes.

The gallery is elegant, with soft lighting highlighting various artworks. The air is filled with the soft hum of conversations and the clinking of glasses. We entered the exhibition, both of us slightly nervous but trying to play it cool.

He stops right in front of me and speaks up, looking at me up and down.

"Thanks for coming with me. I promise it'll be interesting."

"I hope so. I could use a distraction."

We wander through the gallery, discussing the artworks and sharing our interpretations. "This one reminds me of the chaos we've been dealing with lately. What do you think?"

I look at him and then back at the painting. "I see it more like a journey. The chaos leads to something beautiful."

I don't know how, but we ended up opening up about our personal lives.

"I never really appreciated art until recently. It's like seeing the world through someone else's eyes."

"Art has always been a part of my life. It helps me make sense of things."

"You know, I used to think I had everything figured out. Moving here changed that." He said.

"Whistlewood has a way of doing that. It's unpredictable."

We paused in front of a particularly captivating painting. The painting depicts a serene landscape with a hidden path, symbolizing its own journey. He looked at it with amaze in his voice for some reason.

"This one feels... different. Like it's hiding something."

"Maybe it's waiting for the right person to discover it."

"Kind of like us, huh?" He murmured under his breath, pretending me to not hear it. I don't have an idea of what is going through his mind but he's too fond with me.

After a while, we finished our visit here. He brought me to a corner. An empty corner. He looked down at me and cleared his throat. I'm trying to ignore the fact that he's staring at my lips. He speaks up with a nervous tone, but playing cool.

"You seem more relaxed tonight. Did you enjoy the exhibition?"

"I did. It was a nice change of pace."

"I'm glad. I like spending time with you, Lily." That made me swallow hard for some reason.

"I... I like spending time with you too, Jack. But this whole thing is still new to me."

"I get it, it's new for me too. But I think we make a good team." He probably thought he didn't say the word 'team' louder. God, he's completely lost in his own words.

"Maybe we do. Just... don't push too hard, okay?" Did I realize how bad that sounded? Not when I said it. I could tell his mind was full of dirty thoughts just y the way a smirk appeared in his lips.

"I won't. I promise."

"How about we check out that new café next weekend? I hear they have the best pastries."

"Are you asking me out on a date?"

"Maybe I am. What do you say?"

"I don't know, Jack. I'm not sure if that's a good idea."

"It's just coffee and pastries. No pressure."

I sigh. "Alright. But just coffee, okay?"

"Just coffee. I promise."

He looked at my lips again. Please just don't make me smack you. In a swift motion, he placed his fingers in my chin and leaned down to my face. But I cut him off.

"Don't you dare kiss me, Jack."

Jack

Later in the bookstore. As the evening winds down, I noticed something unusal in one of the old books the others were sorting through. I found a note tucked inside the pages, hinting at a secret meeting spot.

"Hey, I think I found something important. I'll catch up with you all later."

I slipped out of the bookstore, determined to follow the new lead. I walked through the quiet streets, my heart pounding with anticipation as i head towards the mysterious meeting spot alone.