Fresh out The Slammer

Gray and blue (Chapter 2)

Gray and blue and fights and tunnels

Things have been normal again between Domenic and Harry after Harry had apologised for his behaviour. Afterwards, Harry had engaged in the conversations with the real estate agents that seemed to satisfy Domenic enough to not hold a grudge over their little disagreement.

After the weekend, Domenic left for a business meeting for a few days. That left Harry alone in his flat and he felt like he could finally clear his head and fully process the weekend.

He had been taking good care of himself and enjoyed his time alone which was weird because it wasn't typically like that. But all the stress about the engagement and moving in together really got to Harry and he felt like suffocating.

It's not like he isn't excited about this new turn of his life, it's just that he never imagined this chapter of his life feeling like this. Because everyone is making such a big deal out of this and it's starting to annoy Harry.

And since he was left alone for a few days, he felt like he could really do what he actually enjoyed doing without anyone saying something against it. For example, he could go to his favourite bookstore that he hasn't been to in ages.

Simply because it's located in one of the more sketchier corners in New York. Apparently, everything outside Manhattan is considered unsafe and poor around his people. Which is complete nonsense in Harry's opinion.

Harry had discovered this book store many years ago when he was just a teenager. It was when he was using the tube for the first time and since he didn't know the right directions he landed right outside Manhattan.

Sure, Harry must admit that it's probably not one of the most safe areas in New York, but he never faced any dangerous situation, only weird encounters with drug addicts. But nevertheless, he enjoyed leaving Manhattan for a while to rummage through books they don't sell on the Upper East Side.

He entered the store and was immediately greeted by Barbara, the owner of his favourite Bookstore.

"Harry! How good to see you, sweetheart. It's been a while!", she said as she went up to him.

She immediately pulled him into a hug. "It's good to see you too, I've missed coming around here", he leaned into her embrace.

Barbara took a step back to take a good look on him through her glasses. She was an old lady with red hair who had a passion for books and literature that Harry really admired.

"And I've missed your presence here, I have been waiting to finally show you the new books I have in store!", she said happily as she practically dragged him to the book shelf in the back of the store.

There, she showed him her new collection of vintage Franz Kafka books. He was one of Harry's favourite writers in history.

"Wow, Barbara! That's exquisite, how has nobody thought of buying them?".

She smiled at him. "That is because I placed them in the shelf that anyone barely notices. Just for you", she explained.

Harry was touched, there are such nice people out there like Barbara. She wears her heart on her sleeve and is so lovely to her costumers. He really regrets not coming here more often.

"Oh Barbara, you are too good to me. I'll gladly take them all!".

Her smile was so bright and she took the whole collection to the till. Together, they looked through the books and caught up on what they have missed.

"Sweetheart, it seems like you have been so stressed with everything, are you sure you're alright?", she asked concerned.

Harry's smile faltered a bit, he was never able to lie to Barbara. "I don't know. I'm happy about the new changes but I can't help but feel a little pressured", he admitted.