Paperboy. (h.s. au)

40.

The sun isn't out today, so I put a picture of Harry here in its place.
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I'm back at work this week. Yesterday was my first day back, and the old ladies had never been more chatty. They talked my ears off and asked me a million questions and it somehow made me kind of happy. Their interest in me-or maybe just the events in my life- made me feel good.

Today, I'm working the full shift. All eight hours. From ten to six, I belong to the library. And for some reason, I'm pretty excited to be doing something on a schedule again. Gives me a sense of direction or security of sorts.

Pat hugs me when I walk through the door at nine fifty, whispering in my ear, "I have a date tonight."

I smiled wide for her and let go, seeing that she was, too. "You do? That's great!" I rub her arm.

"I know! I thought I'd never get over Jerry. But, you know? I saw Jerry out with that old rag, Janice dancing a few nights ago. And well, honey, she was quite the step down from me. So if he can get over me, I can get over him. And I have." She smiles, proud of herself. "I'm getting off work early to get ready. I feel twenty again!" Then she skips off when she sees Marie walk in, a swing in her step even in her old age. "Marie! Guess what?"

I smile, immediately busying myself because I've had a lot of time off; I wouldn't want to take advantage of that. Also, I need a big paycheck. I start with the front aisles and begin fixing all of the books in the wrong places, putting them in their rightful places. I'm gone for a little bit, and it's already a mess; we've barely had any visitors.

So I dust and arrange and shelf new arrivals (I keep a mental list of the good ones for later) until it's my lunch break. I take out my phone and see that I have five new messages.

I sit down with my sad lunch of an apple, warm bottle of water and a limp sandwich and unlock my phone. All of the messages are from Harry. I smile to myself as I read them.

So, I rented a suit today. Is that what people wear to weddings here? I hope so. I don't think it's too different, actually. Oh well, I have a suit.

I'm really starting to worry about the suit. I'm positive that's too dressy.

I just went back and canceled the rental. I can't wear a suit. Wouldn't want to upstage the groom, would I? ;)

Kidding. Kind of. I think you told me you get off at five? So I'm coming then to pick you up, then we're going shopping for wedding clothes. If that's not okay, we can go another time of your choosing. An eight hour day is kind of long, and I didn't really ask...See you at five unless you tell me otherwise!

Wendy just stopped by. We played cards. Drank tea. Well, I drank tea and she made herself coffee. Talked about you. She made me cookies, so now I have those. A bit odd, but that's okay.

Just as I finished those, a sixth came in.

I might get a cat or something. Maybe a dog. I don't know. My apartment is really quiet, even with music on. It's pretty sad, actually. I'm going for a run. See you later, birdy.

I type back a quick response, I get off at six, not five.

I think I could read texts like these from Harry for the rest of my life, if I'm being honest. He's so great. I groan and put my head down on the desk. Don't question it, don't question it.

I ignore the voice in my head asking a hundred questions and focus on my lunch.

Soon, Marie comes out to inform me that they will take over rearranging the shelves and that she wants me to focus on the front desk. They've been getting some more business, so it's "important for me to be the face they see when they walk in." I'm not sure how that makes any sense whatsoever, but I listen and nod.