Burning Desire

Chapter 6

After bumping into Asher, a quick cleanup in the library bathroom was in order. I hoped Alvaro wouldn't see me before I could fix whatever probably needed fixing.

The ripped skinny jeans only had a small scuff on them that could easily be wiped with my hand. Overall, I got away from falling on my ass pretty much the same as I had been before it happened.

My white shirt had been saved by the open cream cardigan that swayed around my knees. Well saved from the fall. There was still a small spot where the custard had fallen. A quick dab of water got it mostly out; what remained could be hidden by my cardigan.

Tan sandals showed off the pedicure that Ruby and I had given ourselves before lunch.

Pedicure might've been too strong of a word. A quick buff and some lotion was more accurate. Cuticles too. And a base and top coat to go with the white polish. I wasn't a barbarian.

Although I may not have been as outgoing as Ruby, I was a stickler for how I dressed. My clothes were my battle armor. A well put together outfit gave the impression that you had your life together as well. Couldn't be further from the truth, but I wasn't about to correct anyone.

Once out, I took the time to really look at the library. The plain brick outer shell could not have prepared me for what I would find inside.

Rows upon rows of dark wooden bookshelves towered toward the ceiling. Mahogany or oak if I had to guess. The bathrooms had been on either side of the front entrance, there for necessity, but designed to blend in. In the center of the entryway was a large donut shaped desk with a small birdlike woman sitting behind it. Sharp nose, intense eyes that seemed to be looking at everything and nothing at all, severe white bun that pulled her skin back as well as her hair. An unconventional way to get a facelift for sure.

"Late. Not by much, but late is late. No one is ever late," she muttered, agitated.

Looking around, I saw no one in the immediate area except the two of us. Maybe she was expecting a package. Overdue book? Appointment? I didn't think I was late. Alvaro and I's meeting was supposed to be around 3, not exact.

"Unforeseen circumstances. Curious. Whatever could have impeded the schedule?" She swiveled her head around as if looking for the culprit. Tilting her head to the side as if listening to a voice only she could hear, she paused. Nodding her head as if the person only she could hear made a good point. "Yes. No matter. Corrected now."

I stood in front of the desk awkwardly waiting for her to finish her conversation. With herself. Who was I to judge?

She finally looked up at me, clearly irritated. "Yes?"

At my blank stare, she huffed. "Go on to the left, around the stacks, up the stairs. He should be at one of the tables near the reference section."

"Um, thanks. I'll just be going," I replied quickly.

"Yes, yes. You go do that," she said, dismissing me before getting back to the stack of papers in front of her.

Odd.

Following her directions was easy. With school yet to start, the library was fairly empty. I could only imagine what the place would look like full. Already the layout made the space feel cavernous, intimate and wide open all at the same time.

Winding my way through the stacks was helping to calm my jumbled nerves. It wasn't as if this was a date. Definitely not a date. Just a hangout really. With a handsome man who I wouldn't turn down for a date. If he asked. Which he hadn't.