Eternal love

Chapter 3

   The doorbell at the antique store rang. Corrina lifted her head from the books she was unpacking at the counter and saw a familiar boy. He was holding a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers. She smiled widely.

-Bob! What are you doin' here?

-I called you, but there was no answer, so I thought you'd probably be at work- he said, grinning. -Oh and I brought you some flowers- he handed her the bouquet.

-Thank you. They're beautiful- she smiled and smelled the plants. -I love wildflowers.

His grin widened and he looked her deep in the eyes. She blushed a little and averted her gaze.

-So... What are ye doin' now?- he asked, curiosity in his voice.

-Well, I'm unpacking a new ''delivery'', as Mr. Bennett likes to call it, of books- she answered, pointing at a few boxes on the floor and counter.

-Ye need any help? I used to help my father in his shop, when I was a kid... I was only sweeping the floor, but I think I can manage- he cracked an adorable smile.

-No, I'm fine. Thanks- she answered, a bit embarassed.

-Oh come on! Just tell me what to do. I'm sure it can't be this difficult- his crystal blue eyes shone with energy.

-Oh, all right!- she rolled her eyes. -Just don't tell my boss, or he'll fire me. He's ready to think I can't handle a few more books- she laughed.

   They were organising the books alphabetically with an emphasis on the era they were written in, authors, genres and topics. It was fun for both of them. The record player played soft tunes, which made them feel as if they were in an enchanted castle. The smell of dust and humidity of the old books, made it even more mysterious.

-Hey, what's this?- Corrina heard Bob's voice, coming from behind one of the big bookstands.

-What?- she asked, curious.

He emerged from the darkness, with a book in his hand and showed it to her. It was a very large volume, with a leather, crimson cover and a title written in golden letters.

-I can't even read that- he said, frowning.

-Oh, that's probably because it's written in Cyrillic- she replied. -''Мастер и Маргарита''- she read out loud.

-What?- he looked at her as if she'd just grown another head.

-''The Master and Margarita''. It's a great book, written by Mikhail Bulgakov. You should read that. I think there's one in English here- she said and started to rummage through the shelves.- It has to be somewhere... Oh! Here it is- she handed him an old, shabby volume.

He took it and their hands touched for a second. They both felt a spark that shot through their bodies like a lightning. Corrina quickly took away her hand, blushing. Bob felt goosebumps on his forearms. He blushed and averted his eyes, muttering ''Thanks''.

   They continued their work in silence. A rock 'n' roll record, she decided to play about thirty minutes earlier, came to an end, so she switched on a great, mahogany radio, that was standing in the corner of the shop. She found her favourite station and came back to work. After a few swing and folk songs, the man conducting the radio broadcast, said- And here's something for you, lovebirds. A very special song, by a very special man. So boys, if you want to propose, do it now. Here's Nat King Cole, singing ''Unforgettable''.

A sweet melody filled the small antique shop.

-May I have this dance, Madame?- a quiet voice asked from behind her.