Page 15 of When You Smile

“Anytime,” he said smoothly. She enjoyed their semiflirtatious exchange and started off her shift in the circulation section with an extra dose of energy. She wasn’t on the market, but the brief connection resonated, reinforcing her need for more.

An hour into her shift up front, she was called to the chaotic reference section as backup. Just like she and Emerson had theorized, it was beyond busy because anyone and everyone was gearing up for the first round of exams. Her line at the circular desk in the middle of the room was long and slow. Even though her feet ached and her brain was getting foggy, she pressed on with a smile, answering questions, directing students to particular reference books, and checking out articles and readings that professors had reserved specifically for their classes.

“Hi, there. What can I do for you?” she asked her next in line.

“Hi. I’m supposed to request the reading material for 1357: Intro to Photography.”

Charlie reached behind her for the folder containing the printed article she’d already checked out to a half a dozen students that night. She raised her eyes and paused because the big brown ones looking back at her were familiar. “Taryn Ross.”

“Yeah. Hey. I wasn’t sure if you’d remember me.” A grin bloomed on her face and made Charlie automatically happy. Well, that was something to note. She looked amazing, too. Charlie couldn’t keep herself from taking in every detail. Her dark hair was down and swept to one side, resting on her right shoulder. She wore lip gloss and mascara that made her features pop without looking like she was wearing makeup. Her clothes were unremarkable on their own, jeans and a lightweight black V-neck sweater, but on Taryn they were anything but.

“You weren’t sure if I’d remember you? I was literally tucking you into bed a couple weeks ago.” There was something about Taryn that still grabbed her heart. She’d thought of her several times since that night and wondered when they’d run into each other again. She was so happy they had. In fact, it perked her right up from her mind-numbing shift.

Taryn laughed. “Some things never change.”

“Ha. Good point.” They stared at each other for a moment, and Charlie realized she was still holding the reading. “Right. So, you’ll need this.” She slid the sign-out sheet to Taryn. “Are you a photography major? They have a great department here.”

“I’m officially a part of it. I declared last week.” She shrugged. “I love finding the interesting perspectives that most people gloss over.”

“When the everyday is made special.” Kinda like the outfit Taryn wore. “You’ll have to show me some of your photos someday.”

Taryn’s cheeks warmed to pink. “Let me get a little better first.”

“No way. Then I can’t be there for the artist’s journey from the very beginning. How am I supposed to compare you to your future self without knowing where you started?”

Taryn looked thoughtful, biting her bottom lip with her brows drawn. “Do you really want to see my shots? I’m totally giving you an out if you’re just being kind.”

“I’m not at all kind.” That pulled a laugh, and she relaxed into a smile. “I really do. Let’s grab a coffee together since I’ve seen how you handle alcohol.”

“That’s fair. And really?” Taryn’s smile was tentative and cute. Everything inside Charlie stood at attention, committed to this conversation one hundred percent and enjoying herself.

“Really. But it’s fun how you ask me to affirm everything twice.”

“I’ll stop doing that. And yeah, I’d be in.” Taryn looked behind her. “But I think I’m holding up your line,” she whispered.

Charlie flicked a glance. “You are, and they’re about to start throwing things at you.”

“Terrifying.” Taryn winced. “But you’re on for that coffee. I’ll even buy.”

“It’s my lucky night.” She offered her best smile, aware of their unique energy.

“I hope the rest of it isn’t too rough. I’ll be up till at least three.”

“Ouch.”

“S’okay. My own damn fault. Scrawl procrastinator across my forehead and make me walk in shame.”

“I’ll get my lipstick. Bye, Taryn.”

“Bye.”

As Charlie assisted the next student with how to go about their Nexis search, she spotted Taryn at a nearby table, poring over her article. With one hand pressed to the side of her forehead, she was lost in concentration, her lips pursed. Charlie could still see glimpses of the young girl she once knew, but the present-day version was so very, very different. She walked with a certain level of confidence she didn’t used to have, her movements measured as if she had all the time in the world. Was it swagger? Did Taryn now have that intangible assuredness?

“How’s it going?” she asked Taryn, two hours later as she passed by with a stack of reserved books to shelve.

Taryn looked up at her, bleary eyed. “I don’t think I’m cut out for this place. Pat my head and send me home.”

Charlie placed a hand on Taryn’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “Yes, you are. Just don’t wait so long to cram next time.” She gestured with her head to the stairs. “You know, there’s a café in the basement open until midnight. Maybe you need some calories or an energy boost.”

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