The Librarians And the Advent List

Dec 19

Cassandra came around the corner, intending to fetch Stone for today's outing. She still was a little unsure what to do but she was certain about her feelings. She still had a week with him and she was going to make the most of it.

She overheard him talking and peeked around the corner. He was video chatting with a girl, who looked about eleven, Cassandra guessed she was one of Jacob's nieces.

"But you always come Uncle Jake!"

"I know, Jenny, but this year, I don't know if I can make it. I've got a ton of work."

Cassandra turned away, hearing Stone apologizing and the child sounded very upset. He heard him promise the girl that he'd try to come and then the chat ended.

She bit her lip and came around the corner, Stone was still sitting at the table, what looked like a flyer on the table in front of him.

"Are you okay? I couldn't help overhearing. Jenny one of your nieces?"

Stone nodded and slid the flyer across to her. "She's got a dance recital. I usually go to them. But the whole family is gonna be there and I don't want a scene for her day."

"Don't you think they'd be able to control themselves for her sake?"

Jacob shrugged. "Rather not take the chance."

Cassandra nodded, realizing this was one of those times to back off.

"So what's today's activity?"

"Ice skating!" she beamed.

"Uh . . ."Stone tilted his head sideways. "Do you know how to skate? Because I do not."

"Well," Cassandra's face fell a little bit. "No."

"No . . .well, this isn't really gonna work now is it?"

"We could learn together!"

"Cassie . . . ."

"Okay, alright, maybe that would be a bad idea." Cassandra huffed, she really hadn't thought today's activity out. She'd been secretly hoping he could skate so that they would have an opportunity to hold hands and be close.

"Well, you know you kept telling me about that restaurant you wanted to go to in New York but we didn't end up going because we saw the show. How about we take the Door to New York, do some people watching at the Rockafeller rink and then go eat?"

"You're brilliant Jacob Stone!" Cassandra grinned again, her mood lifted. Especially since this particular activity sounded very much like a date to her. Maybe there was hope for her and Jacob after all.

"I'll go get my coat."

Cassandra noticed after Jacob left that he'd left the flyer for his niece's recital on the table. It was tomorrow. She picked up the flyer and stared at it. Maybe she could figure out how to get Jacob to the recital without making a scene.

"Hey, ready to go?" Jacob's voice came from behind her and she quickly shoved the flyer into her bag.

"Yeah, let's go."