Imprinted Hearts

Chapter 10: Books, Beans, and Candles

"Hope?" Lucien asked when the other line picked up and she said hello. "Hey! This is Lucien."

"Hey Lucien," she said cheerfully. "How are you today?"

"Good, how about you?" he returned the usual greeting without even thinking.

"Great! I'm off work today, so I'm kicking back and relaxing," Hope said.

Lucien's heart skipped a beat and sped up. This was going to work! He could hear the smile in her voice, and it made him incredibly happy.

"Actually, I was wondering if I could steal you away and maybe go to the bookstore together to peruse for more books to look up? I've finished all you've given me, but I don't trust my judgment in finding stuff on my own," Lucien said.

"Oh, you said two of my favorite things. Book recs and shopping for books," Hope said. "I'm so down."

"Great! Do you want to go to the one in Pellville, or the one in Montgomery?" he asked. "I'm sort of in between both, so it doesn't matter to me."

"I'm actually in Montgomery right now at Mystical Treasures Emporium," she said. "Replacing my onyx ring because it broke last night."

"Sorry to hear that," Lucien said.

"Eh, it was old," she dismissed. "Ooo, I'm so getting this candle."

"What time do you want to meet up?" Lucien asked, getting back on topic.

"I'm about to check out, so we can head over there now if you're up for it?" Hope said.

"Sure!" Lucien agreed. This was going much better than planned.

"Cool," Hope said. "I'll let you know when I'm on my way via text. I can't be on the phone and check out at the same time. Phil's rules of house."

"Phil?" he asked.

"Owner of the store," Hope said. "He's great."

"Ah," Lucien nodded as if she could see him, then stopped when he realized she couldn't. He made a face at himself in the mirror. The mirror looked back with the same confused disdain he had for it. "Well, I'll let you go then," he said. "Text me when you're on your way and I'll head out."

"Sounds good. See you soon!" Hope replied.

Lucien bid her goodbye and smiled as he hung up.

"See, that wasn't so hard, was it?" Louie said from the couch.

"Shut up," Lucien bristled. "I'd like to see you do the same with Alexis."

"And I'd like you to kiss my ass," Louie began, but had to stop himself.

"Why? Because you don't like me up in your business?" Lucien quipped.

"Or maybe I just enjoy it," Louie responded.

"I'll kick your ass more like," Lucien replied.

"Kick me harder, daddy," Louie responded, laughing loudly when Lucien made a face of disgust.

"Never call me that again," Lucien responded. "Not my kink."

"Noted," Louie grinned, leaning forward onto his elbows resting on his knees. "So what's the plan?"

"She's at Mystical Treasures Emporium," Lucien said, typing it into his phone's GPS. "And we're going to the books-a-million in Montgomery. So that's... ten minutes. Actually, if I leave now, I may be able to meet her there right as she arrives."

"What are you waiting for, lover boy?" Louie asked. "Go get her!"

"Have some decorum," Lucien replied, throwing on some casual wear.