Iridescent

Chapter 38: Rose

Jason

"Is there something wrong, Miss?" I asked the girl behind the counter who kept staring at me with her mouth wide open.

She quickly closed her mouth and cleared her throat. "Uhm, yes, Joy McKenna. You're looking for Joy, right?" She stared at me and I followed her eyes as she eyed me from head to foot.

"Yes." I answered, glad to have finally found the right place. "Is she around?" I asked and looked around, hoping to catch a glimpse of her.

"Uh.." She smoothed her hair. "She's out for lunch right now..." She trailed off, her eyes darting to the side , clearly trying to avoid my gaze.

She was obviously agitated about something.

"O-kay..." I slowly answered, "Would it be okay if I wait for her, here?"

Her eyes widened again. "Uhm, I'm not sure what time she'll be back though, she asked for a late lunch." She shuffled around.

Definitely nervous about something.

Her answer surprised me a bit. Joy was not the type to ask for personal time, especially for work. She wasn't the type who wanted to inconvenience other people.

"I hope it was not an emergency."

"Oh, it's not." She smiled weakly.

"Alright. I'll just come back some other time then." I smiled at her and tapped the counter before walking away.

I had other plans.

I heard quick tapping of heels behind me. "Uh, excuse me.." a whispered shout came out from behind me.

I turned around and saw Ms. librarian rushing over to me. I raised an eyebrow at her.

"You didn't tell me your name. So, I can tell Joy you came by, when she comes back." She smiled at me.

I gave her a polite smile. "It's alright, I'll just call her. Thank you."

"Uh, okay." She answered, still looking very uncomfortable.

I nodded my head and turned on my heel before proceeding to exit the building.

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"So, did you find the book?" Oscar asked me as I got back into the car.

"Huh?" I looked at him, confused.

He stared at me like I was crazy. "Uh..isn't the whole point of this excursion was so you can find a certain book?"

"Ah, it was out." I replied and grabbed my phone.

I stared at it and realized I didn't even have her personal phone number. The number I do have belonged to her friend, Marj, and something tells me she might not take kindly to me calling her for favors regarding her friend. I'd like to get it from Tom, but something tells me he'll give me a hard time and I'm not about to let Oscar see me beg Tom for a phone number.

Way to go, Jason. You are on a roll. I shook my head.

"Okay..so what now?" Oscar asked as he turned the ignition on.

"Uh, can you call your boss' assistant?" I looked at him as I gripped my phone. "Or, can I have his number?"

"Why? is there a problem?!" Oscar's voice pitched higher with panic.