Page 26 of (Not Really) Faking It With My Best Friend's Brother

I turned to grab a few posters when I heard a familiar yet unexpected voice behind me.

"Do you need an extra pair of hands?"

Startled, I spun around to find Nate dressed casually in a T-shirt and jeans.

"Nate!" I greeted him, feeling self-conscious in my comfortable sweats and stained shirt. "Hey! I wasn't expecting to see you here so early."

"Well, you helped me make a huge difference at the hospital, and I thought I’d return the favor," he explained kindly. "I hope that's okay."

"Of course!" I beamed at him gratefully. "I'd love some help, thanks."

While arranging the display stands, we unpacked boxes of books and chatted about our favorite childhood books.

To my surprise and delight, Nate confessed his love for Anne of Green Gables – a sentiment I wholeheartedly echoed. "I can still remember sobbing when Matthew died," Nate chuckled softly.

"Me too!" I laughed in agreement. "I'm surprised. I wouldn't have pegged you for an Anne fan."

"Are you kidding? Anne was one of my first literary crushes," Nate quipped with a playful wink that painted my cheeks pink.

Frances sauntered over with an inquisitive look. She was wearing a flashy sundress that looked like a Picasso painting turned clothing piece.

"Where should face-paint lady set her stuff up?" she asked, motioning towards the lady in question who was struggling with a sizeable box of paints and brushes.

“Over there by the refreshments table should work,” Nate pointed with a chuckle. "Kids are bound to be thirsty after having their faces painted with dragons and butterflies."

"Epic idea, Doc!" Frances threw him an exaggerated salute and scurried off, her red curls bobbing behind her.

I turned my attention back to setting up the children's reading area. I had brought a few boxes of books from the library to encourage the children and parents to read together during the event.

I figured they could get an idea of what books they would like to purchase before buying one. As I arranged the piles of picture books into neat rows, I noticed Nate watching me out of the corner of my eye.

"You're really good with kids," he remarked. "Is that why you love working at the library so much?"

I smiled, touched that he'd noticed. "Partly," I admitted. "I also just love being surrounded by stories. As a kid, books were an escape for me. The library was a safe, happy place where I could get lost in imaginary worlds."

I hesitated, unsure if I wanted to talk about my dad, but decided to continue. "When my dad died, I was sixteen, and books helped me make sense of things and find comfort when I felt alone. I want the library to be that kind of refuge for others."

Nate was silent for a long moment, his eyes earnest. "I’m sorry about your dad," he said quietly. "I guess I was off at college when he passed away. I don’t remember Emily ever mentioning it."

His gaze was so intense and full of empathy and understanding that I found myself lost in it.

“Growing up, my parents were so busy working they never had time for me. Emily and I practically raised ourselves in between nannies. I’m sure Emily has told you stories."

His eyes took on a far-off look. "I spent a lot of time reading, too, letting other worlds fill the void of loneliness. It’s the real reason I’m an Anne fan. My mom liked the stories, and it was the one thing she would spend time with us doing. Reading."

Our moment was interrupted by a sudden excited bark. Baxter came bounding over, tail wagging eagerly. Laughing, I gave him a good ear scratch before grabbing another armful of books.

Nate changed the topic to something lighter. "So, the most important question—who's the best mystery author?"

I scoffed in mock offense. "Agatha Christie, obviously!"

"What?" Nate argued. "Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is the undisputed champion."

We volleyed back and forth good-naturedly as we worked. Finally, Nate held up his hands in surrender.

I took one last look at the room and then headed to change clothes. I had barely returned from the bathroom before kids started trickling in with their families. The community center buzzed with activity.

I relaxed into the role of event coordinator. With Nate's support, it was easier to chat with parents and keep everything running smoothly.

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