A Void Dance

Chapter 4 Lydia

I roll my eyes and return to my blanket: CJ, the object of my morning thoughts. What are the chances I would run into her again? Maybe if I just ignore her, she will disappear. I'm halfway paying attention to my reading when I feel a presence next to me. Ignore Lydia, I tell myself. The book suddenly is plucked out of my hands. CJ looks at it. Closing it. Opening it and turning it upside down before asking, "What are you reading?" I snatch the book back, attempting not to show my annoyance at her sheer audacity. "It's called a book," I say in response sarcastically. "I know what a book is," CJ says as she pops a grape in her mouth. I snatch my fruit cup out of her reach and glare at her. "If you don't mind, I would like to get back to my book," I say, mustering a calm I don't feel. "I don't mind," she says, oblivious to my annoyance. I go back to reading, choosing once again to ignore her. "Is it one of those smutty romance novels? My aunt used to read those all the time. When she was about your age, I think." "If you must know, it is a literary classic," I say. "And that's fancy talk for what exactly?" CJ asks. I roll my eyes. "It is an older popular romantic story from a famous writer," I explain, wondering why in the fuck I am explaining anything to this person. The silence stretches between us for another few minutes. "What is it about?" She asks. I sigh. CJ pauses and then asks, "Would you read it to me so I can judge for myself?" she asks, "Like if it's good or whatever..." she trails off.

I sit there quietly, wondering if I should do precisely that. Read one of my favorite romantic stories to this person who doesn't have the first clue about romance or love or literature, for that matter. What would be the benefit? I ask myself. I could study her one more deep dive into someone's mind. Find out who hides under the bravado I saw at the bar last night. "OK, deal," I say, having decided to figure out CJ, the woman haunting my thoughts since last night.

"Sweet!" CJ exclaims. We will meet here on the days you are available. I assume you work?" I ask. Yeah, I own a tattoo and design shop," CJ says. I quirk a surprised brow. I wasn't expecting that. "I don't have a set schedule, so if you give me your number, I can text you when I'm available." I input my number into CJ's phone and texted myself. "I am Lydia," I say.

"Sweet! Hey, so I will run to the cafe quickly and grab lunch. Then we can get started. Sound good?" CJ asks. That catches me off-guard. "You want to start today?" I am desperately trying to hide the heat sneaking up my chest from her proximity. "Don't you have plans or something?" I ask. "I do now...with you." CJ smiles at me. Using her charm makes me wonder if she knows she is doing it. As CJ jogs towards the cafe, I watch her and wonder if I am making a huge mistake. I am here to disappear, to be anonymous. The draw for one more chance to do what I love halts my negative thoughts. This experiment is for science, that's all right?

CJ returns with a sandwich and chips for herself and sets a fruit cup in front of me without a word. I smiled inwardly; that was the second time she had surprised me in 20 minutes. I clear my throat. "Ok, shall we start?" I ask. CJ nods like an eager puppy waiting for a treat.

I read for two hours, stopping to answer questions whenever CJ asks, "Not actual siblings? "I'm sure you heard me read the part where her father brought him home as an orphan," I said. "I know I just got confused. Keep going." CJ's face is laser-focused as I read, absorbing the details. I almost wish I could watch her facial expressions.

I close the book after another 30 minutes. "To be continued," I say. CJ groans, "NOOOOOO. I'm not ready!" I chuckle softly, "Eager puppy." CJ screws up her face. "What?" she asks. I smile. "nothing." I start gathering my stuff. "Text me when you're ready for more," I yell out as I walk towards the hotel. Maybe this will not be as big a disaster as I thought. Her eager eyes and bright smile flash in my head, or perhaps it will.