Overdue || S. Reid [Completed]

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"Atticus?" He looked up from the table. I was standing in the doorway of the back office.

"Yes, Grace?"

"What was it that you needed to tell me yesterday?"

"Oh, yes! That!" He stood up and walked over to the filing cabinets.

Atticus was about 10 years older than me. He loved this job just about as much as I did. He was just now starting to work more hours again though. He had lost his wife in the spring. He'd taken some time off and was easing back into it. I felt really bad for him. I couldn't imagine loosing someone I loved like that.

"I was going through new applications yesterday and I wanted your opinion on one." I was surprised. I thought that it would've been something more important.

"Oh okay." I took the file. "Jamie Nance. I'll look it over and let you know what I think."

"Great! Thanks so much." Atticus gave me a weak smile before returning to his seat.

I left the office with the file in my hand. I set it down on the front desk. I took off my jacket, placing it on the back of my chair. Once I was settled, I began reading.

"I told you that I could come alone," a male's voice said. I looked over and saw two people walking in. One of them was Spencer. He was with some woman. They were both wearing business-type clothes.

"Why didn't you want me to come here with you?"

"Cause this is one of the only places I have outside of work! I know I do a pretty good job of seeming like the job doesn't get to me, but it does sometimes. That's why I need separate places. I don't like those two worlds colliding, okay?" Spencer looked around like he didn't want anyone hearing this. Too bad it was a large, almost empty room that had an echo. I felt bad for eavesdropping, but I wasn't really doing it on purpose.

"I'm sorry, Spence." The woman put a hand on his shoulder. "I know how that is. It's a tough job and it's good to have an escape. But, if this place actually has something that'll help us, then you can't search it all by yourself."

"I know," he sighed. He leaned closer to her and spoke quieter so I couldn't hear anymore. After he pulled back, she nodded. "Let's go." They began walking towards me and I tried to look busy.

"Hey, Spencer!" I said once they reached me. "Who's your friend?"

"Hello, Grace. This is Jennifer. We work together."

"It's nice to meet you," I said, holding out a hand. She shook it and nodded. "What can I help you find today?"

"We need to know where we can find any information on ancient weaponry." I cocked a brow at Jennifer.

"How ancient?"

"Medieval Times?" she said, more as a question. I didn't even have to look it up. I had middle schoolers asking about it for school projects all the time.

"There are two sections you can look at. Aisle 10 on the right will have general knowledge and aisle 15 on the right will have more hefty information. Those are our bigger and older books."

"Got it! Thank you," Spencer said.

"No problem! I hope you guys find what you're looking for." They walked away and I was left confused. What could their job possibly be? They said that this was for work. Who needs to read about medieval weapons for work?

I could hear murmuring from the aisles but no words that I could make out. I just kept myself preoccupied with organizing the returned books from the day.

My attention was peaked again when I heard rustling. I looked over to see Jennifer rush to Spencer's side. She looked down at what he was pointing out with a solemn gaze. She took out her phone and snapped a picture of the page. Spencer began putting away all the books that they had taken out while Jennifer made a phone call. She stepped outside for privacy. I decided to help Spencer clean.

He looked up at me with a smile as I approached him. "Thanks," he said as I bent down to grab the remaining books.

"Don't mention it. Did you find what you guys were looking for?"

"We did! Thank you. Your help was much appreciated."

"Well, it is my job after all," I stated, brushing some hair behind my ear. "I'm glad to help. You guys have a nice rest of your day."

Spencer shot me one last smile before exiting the library. I watched him talking with Jennifer through the window for a moment. He squinted in the sunlight.

I sighed before turning away from my little fascination. I wanted to laugh at myself. Why was I so attracted to this wonderful young doctor? I barely even knew him. I just knew that he was cute, kind, Well-read, and mysterious. He seemed like the romantic interest in some cheesy novel I had read before.

I rolled my eyes and turned my attention back to the file. The name seemed familiar to me but I couldn't put my finger on where I knew it from. I just shrugged it off. His credentials were good enough. He had 3 more references than the required 2. That was a good sign. He had worked at his college's library for the past 3 years. He seemed like a good guy for the job.