Page 46 of Left on Read

“Really?”

“Mmmhmm. I’m focused on my choreo, keeping an eye on the crowd to make sure what I’d doing is hitting, and usually trying to ignore the million other thoughts that are racing through my head and block out the constant distractions so I don’t mess up.”

“That makes sense. I guess it’s just hard to wrap my head around.”

“I get that. And I’m not saying that everyone is like that. A lot of the guys I work with enjoy the attention, and a few really enjoy it, if you know what I mean. I’m just really good at compartmentalizing things.” He shook his head slightly, like he was breaking free from a daze. “What about you? Did you always want to be a teacher?”

“Not exactly. I sort of fell into teaching.”

“Really?”

“Yup. I went to college for journalism but switched out after my first year.”

“Why?”

“Because I love the idea of being a journalist but hate the reality that I’d have to talk to people and do interviews to get my stories.”

River chuckled. “I can see how that would make being a journalist difficult.”

“I’d always toyed with the idea of being a teacher, and I needed a new major that would transfer my credits easily, so I went with it when my advisor suggested it. Now I’m so glad I did because I love it.”

“What do you love about it?”

People didn’t usually ask me that. I appreciated how River always asked questions and wanted me to tell him more about myself instead of just assuming he knew what I was saying or flipping the conversation back to himself.

“My students. The pay sucks, and the lack of resources makes it hard. And I really hate how my job has become so political, but I love seeing my students learn things and grow as people. And I learn a lot from them too.”

“I wish I’d had more teachers like you growing up. You’re the type of teacher kids need.”

I flushed hot at his compliment.

“Here we are.” River stopped me with a hand on my lower back.

“A used bookstore?” I asked, looking up at the sign.

This area of downtown was full of older homes that had been converted to stores or offices. I could only imagine what the layout inside looked like.

“Yup. My buddy Quinn raved about this place when I asked him where he gets his books. He said the owner can find anything. So if you’re a collector like Quinn, this place can help you fill your bookshelf faster.”

“You’re taking me to a bookstore for our… hanging out?”

“Yeah.” His smile faltered. “Is that okay?”

“Yes! I just meant…you don’t read.”

“No, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy wandering around a bookstore.” He pushed the door open and held it for me. “Ready?”

Nodding, I stepped into the store.

The smell of books and the rows upon rows of shelves that greeted us calmed the last of my nerves, and I craned my neck as I looked around the space.

The store was a lot bigger on the inside than I’d thought. Doorways and arches led to other rooms, and not only were the shelves crammed with books, but there were piles of them on nearly every available surface.

“You okay?” River asked teasingly as I stared around the store, my feet glued in place.

“Yeah. This is wild.” A huge grin spread over my lips as elation fluttered in my chest. “There was a bookstore exactly like this near my apartment when I was in my last year of college. I used to spend hours in there every week just browsing and finding new books to read.”

River beamed. “Well, now you have a new store to explore.” He swept his arm out like a game show hostess might when she was showing off a prize. “Lead the way.”

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