Friends Can Have Benefits Too

Five: Disscusion of The Lifetime

Chapter five:

I somehow managed to dress up nicely in the short amount of time I had. Thanks Rachel. As I climbed down from my car, I noticed the the other stores were pretty busy. The laundry mat wasn't as, however customers were walking alongside each and every store. But as I halted in front of the oldest piece of town here, I gave a good look around to nearly dust. Everyone was out and about yet somehow Georgia's Bookstore was invisible to the human eye. The smallest out of all the stores yet so cute and fascinating. Two years here and it's been barely collecting any constant customers. Maybe that's just how long it's been having such an effect on me. I've fallen head over heels for such an exquisite piece of this beloved town.

I open the glass door and examine the shelves contains varieties of books. I walked in searching the front desk for Georgia or her husband. Sadly, I found nobody, per usual. Sighing, I thought to myself. I want to get this over with. To just talk to Parker in the most humane way and settle things. And hopefully it turns out alright. Even though I sorta liked it? No, I need to stop.

But...

No but's missy! I seriously need to get my thoughts together. I certainly want Parker and I to go back to being not so awkward or distant. I want us to be friends again and want none of my stupid feelings of that night to reoccur. They can't. My uneasiness was ripped aside as a crash from the Fantasy aisle disturbed the remaining silence that filled the air.

"Hello! It's me Mia!" I yelled out to no one in particular.

I heard a few more seconds of silence until a head popped out from the aisle. Georgia. Her dark wrinkly face tightened as her lips formed a tight smile. It's almost like every time she smiles I see my grandma. I miss her. But if I visit, it'll stir up trouble. I can't cause more harm.

"Hi, Mia! What brings you to Lil' Dusty Town?" I smiled warmly. What a nickname.

"Oh! I'm just meeting up Parker here. If that's fine."

"Nonsense. Please, meet up with the whole town would ya?" She chuckles lightly, making me grin at her humor.

"So. What ya'll meeting up for anyway?" I think of what I could tell her before she stops my possible answer. "You know what? I'm being awfully nosy. I needa stop pesterin' ya'll."

I shook my head. "No, no, it's fine just-"

The door bell jingled indicating the door opened. We both turned our heads, to see Parker. Great timing.

"Hi Georgia." He waved his hand and formed a lazy smile.

I Couldn't help but scan him over. His hair was a bit messy, but it complimented his bad boy outfit. Dark Gray V-neck shirt and black jeans. As my eyes led back up, his smile nearly faltered. It was a look of something he really wants to say but it pains him. He looks pained, almost sorry. But for what?

"Well. I'll leave y'all to it I suppose," Georgia clasped her hands loudly interrupting our stare down.

I nodded and waved a bye to her as she wobbled back to take a seat behind the wooden counter. As my attention fell back on Parker my anxiety levels increased. He smiled at me quite oddly before taking my hand. At first my first reaction was to pull away, but as he tugged me gently I warmed up around his grip.

He guided me to the science-fiction section leading in front before suddenly halting causing me to slam into his hard ass back. I tumbled back a few steps before reaching for a stable bookshelf. Parker took long strides to me as he apologized rapidly.

"No big deal. I might have a broken face but y'know I'm alright." His face contorted.

"Look. I'm really sorry." His whole voice went deep, indicating he was talking about something else. Something serious.

"My nose isn't that-"

"Stop. You know what I mean. About that night." I looked down not daring to meet his luscious eyes.

So we stood there for another minute before I realized this was an issue that wasn't going away any time soon. I seated myself on the floor against the books. He sighed and followed down after me.

"What happened was-"I began.

"I liked it."