She's The One

Favorite Things

Denise stood outside with Barbara, saying their goodbyes and promises to have dinner soon. "Are you sure you don't want to walk with me to Scrolls?" She asked her, referring to her favorite used/new bookstore just a block away. Barbara dug her keys from her purse. "Oh love, I'd like nothing more, but I've got two books to edit, and I need to get started. Thank you, though. Let's definitely see each other soon. " She answers her, leaning over and kissing her cheek. "Ok, have a good day, Barb," She tells her. "Same to you, sweetie." Barbara turns and walks to her car. Denise waves to her as she drives away. Turning, she walks to Scrolls, feeling content. The day was nice and relaxing, and she was looking forward to finding a new crime fiction book to read, maybe a nice used paperback of her next possible Shakespeare project. As she entered the store, the lovely bells on the door tinkled happily. A tall, beautiful woman peaks around the corner with an arm load of books. "Darling! How are you? Finished with your latest yet?" She asks, placing the books on a nearby wooden desk. Denise hugs her, answering, "Yes, Barbara finished editing last night, and we had coffee and cake just before I came here," She told her, smiling. "Well, you take your time and let me know if I need to order anything for you. love," She tells her. "I will, Ruby," She says, disappearing into the stacks of books and inhaling the wonderful smells. She stops at the familiar classics section, scanning the titles. She decided to choose a few and see what inspired her next. Deep into thought, she faintly heard the bells signaling someone walking in. She heard Ruby talking to whomever it was, obviously a regular. She grabs a few worn paperbacks and makes her way closer to the front of the store to scour over the newest fiction. She was going to find a good book and spend her day reading and working on her house. She looks up, seeing the back of a very tall man. He looked familiar. He turned slightly as Ruby fetched a book for him. Denise froze, her eyes went wide. It was Tom Hiddleston. She felt embarrassingly like a teen fan girl. She swallowed hard, backing up slowly. She wasn't sure why she was reluctant to meet him. Maybe to leave him alone. She knew him, but she was a complete stranger to him. She breathes deeply and goes to sit in a nearby chair, secretly listening to that warm, beautiful voice. Her heartbeat wouldn't slow down. She leaned over and watched as he smiled at Ruby, kissing her cheek and walking away. The bells rang, and Denise let out a huge breath. Gathering herself together,she walked up to the front and looked over the new titles. Ruby sat in a chair nearby, opening a book and reading. "Any recommendations?" She asked her. "Crime? Serial killer? Fiction or non? "Fiction, any type you mentioned?" She answers her, picking up a title and reading the jacket. "Well, there are two new authors that have released their first books." She tells her, standing up and walking to a nearby table. She hands them to her, and Denise looks them over, deciding to get both. "I'll take them both. They sound really good, " She tells her, walking to the front desk. "Wonderful, my dear," Ruby exclaims, ringing up her stack of books and placing them in a love worn bag Denise brought with her. She hands her card over and glances around. She zones out, thinking of Tom's voice. She should've said 'hello' at least. "Denise?" Ruby asks, pulling her from her thoughts. She laughs." Sorry, zoned out there." Ruby looks at her knowingly. "Could it be a certain tall gentleman I know you heard me talking to?" Denise blushes and smiles. "Um...uh...maybe?" Ruby chuckles. "You should have said hello!" Denise sighs. "He deserves his privacy. I was being respectful, " She tells her. "Scared like a little rabbit," Ruby says cheekily. Denise narrows her eyes, trying to look offended but just ends up laughing. "Well, that too, I guess."Oh sweet, you just never know unless you try." She says. Denise rolls her eyes. "Sure thing." She tells her. "Oh, stop! You are very pretty and lovely to speak with." Denise blushes again. "You are very good for my confidence, Ruby. Thank you." She says warmly. "Happy to oblige. Now, enjoy your day and let me know what you think of the books, will you?"Of course, " She tells her, placing her bag over her shoulder. "I'll see you soon," She tells her, opening the door and smiling at the bells as she heads towards home.