Across The Stars

Chapter 4.

"Anna! Come help me bring these boxes inside." Astrid calls to me from the front of the store.

I was currently in the storage closet, trying to clean the mess that Astrid had unknowingly made when she spilled her coffee everywhere.

I wipe my forehead with the sleeve of my flannel before standing and walking out of the closet.

Astrid was attempting to lift the boxes herself, but her frail arms weren't aiding in any way.

"Here Astrid, let me." I insist, taking the box from her. I notice the plethora of records and CDs filling the boxes, my brows raising in shock. "Astrid where did these come from?"

"I was on my way to run errands and they were just sitting in front of the store! Someone must have left them here."

"I'll look them over and see if we can sell any of them." I tell her.

"Sounds good, love. I'll be back. Do you want anything to eat?"

"I'm good thanks." I say before bringing the box over to the counter. 

I rummage through the boxes, noticing that a lot of the records were from popular artists. Panic! At the Disco, Harry Styles, Shawn Mendes, Adele, and more. I tilt my head to the side when I see a familiar name on one of the records and lift it out of the box.

Austin Blake.

"No way." I say with a slight laugh and turn the record over. He only had about ten songs on the record, and some of them were covers.

I remember our conversation from last week, and how he wanted me to notify him if I had seen his record pass through this shop.

Part of me felt intrigued to do so, but I didn't know if I should or not.

I'm sure by now he's already found his record, and moreover, I'm sure he's completely forgotten about me.

That shouldn't be a concern to me though.

Whether Austin remembered me or not.

The only person I should be worried about is myself.

And Toby.

But perhaps it couldn't hurt to just let him know.

I take out my phone and open up the contact I had put in for him and go to send him a message.

I find myself constantly restarting the message, wanting to say the right thing.

Hey, its Anna from The Music Inn.

Hey! It's me, Anna.

Hey! Guess what I found? Its Anna by the way.

I let out a groan in frustration. Why was I giving a shit?

I get the idea to send a picture of his record instead.

Should I send a picture of myself, so he knows who I am?

I shrug my shoulders and take a picture of myself holding up the record and pairing the message with Look what the wind blew in.

I figured it was simple and I send the message.

Not even a second later, I get a message back.

Hey, would you look at that! I'm actually in the area, I'll stop by in a few.

I feel my heart pounding out of my chest.

Austin was coming back?

Was that a good idea?