Page 6 of My Demon Mate

I end the scene there, satisfied with what I accomplished. By the time I tuck my book away, it’s close to nine. I don’t have to work today, thankfully. On my days off, I go to the library and look up apartments for rent, job listings, and prices for buses out of town. I know I’m not going anywhere yet, but it’s nice to dream. I also read while I’m there, loving the quiet without the threat of a fist flying at my face.

After tucking my book away, I do a quick check of my money stash that’s packed safely away in my vent. I thumb through the cash, counting out two thousand three hundred and twelve dollars. It’s not enough to start a completely new life, but it’s better than nothing. I’ll add more to it with the tips I make in the next few days since all of my paycheck goes to the bills. I usually have nothing left as soon as my check is cashed.

Securing the money with a rubber band, I put it back in my secret spot.

I grab some clean clothes and take a quick shower. Once I’m clean and dressed, I pack up my backpack for my library trip. Then I head to the kitchen, cooking eggs and bacon for my dad when he wakes up at noon or later. If I don’t have food for him, I’ll have an ass whooping to look forward to, and I want my face to heal before Dad gives me another shiner.

The library is empty this early in the morning, but I don’t mind. I’m a permanent fixture here. The librarian raises a hand to me in a wave and I return it. We don’t say more than a handful of words to each other, but she’s kind to me and allows me to stay all day without bothering me or asking me if I need help with anything. It’s been a few years since I started using the library as my refuge. She’s been here longer than I’ve been alive and has given me space to be without asking me questions or looking down on me.

“Got some new graphic novels in. You might want to grab one before the kids rush in after school,” she says with a small smile.

I nod my thanks and do just that. I spend my morning reading the latest graphic novel in a series I’ve been enjoying. I’m glad this library has them—it’s the only way I can read them. I could never afford to buy as many as I read. I suspect the librarian started to request them after I asked so many times.

Bless that woman.

Just as I’m finishing up the last chapter of the second graphic novel I pulled off the shelf, my phone pings loudly in the silent building. I hustle to take it out of my pocket to turn it on vibrate so I don’t disturb anyone.

When I’ve turned the ringer off, I check to see who messaged me. It’s Danae, and I can’t stop smiling. It’s nice to have a friend.

Danae: Hey, Ev. What are you up to? Fancy grabbing a late lunch with me?

My eyebrows knit together. A late lunch. It can’t be that late. I look at the time and almost jump. It’s just after three. I’ve been sitting here with graphic novels for five hours. Not a bad way to spend the day, but I usually get more accomplished than this. I haven’t checked to see if anyone is hiring, priced apartments, or checked bus ticket prices.

Oh well, there’s always tomorrow.

Shifting back to the text, my fingers fly across my keyboard as I message her back.

Me: I’d love that. When and where?

Danae: There’s a small sandwich shop on Fifth Ave that I love. Can you meet me there in twenty?

Me: I’ll be there.

I shove my phone back into my pocket and shoulder my bag. I return the novels to their proper place, looking sorrowfully at the one I didn’t get to. The older librarian appears as if from thin air and says, “Why don’t you take that one?”

Shaking my head, I try to hand it to her. “I don’t have a library card.”

It’s stupid. As much time as I spend here, I never got one. But I figured if I didn’t have a card, I wouldn’t be tempted to check books out, and my dad wouldn’t trash them or rip them to shreds if he found them.

She waves me off, pushing past my outstretched hand with the book in it. “It’s okay. That’s actually a spare copy that was sent with the set we ordered. See?” I look over to where she’s pointing. There are two of every book already on the shelf. The one I have in my hand is the odd man out. Could it be? Could I have a book of my own?

“Oh,” I say, swallowing past an unexpected lump in my throat. “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it, dear. I’ll see you in a few days.” She moseys away and I smile at her back.

“I like her. I like that she is good to you.”

Me too.

Danae is already at the restaurant when I arrive, two sandwiches on the table in front of her. “Hey,” she says jovially. “I hope you don’t mind I ordered for you. I took a wild guess at what you might like. If you hate it, I can order you another.”

“It’s fine.” I sit down and look at the sandwich. Regardless of what she ordered, I’m willing to eat it. I’ve never been picky about food.

When I lift the bread and see the condiments added, I raise an eyebrow. “How did you know I liked mustard and ranch on my sandwiches?”

She winks at me, biting into her sandwich. “Lucky guess,” she says around a full mouth. She swallows and places the sandwich back on the plate, lacing her hands together on the table. “So, how is everything?”

I shrug, taking a bite of my sandwich. It’s the first thing I’ve eaten all day and I’m grateful Danae paid. I get my check in a few days, but as of now, I only have enough money for the cheapest meal while I meander around town tomorrow. If I didn’t think my father would try to ruin my days off by beating me up for nothing, I’d hide out in my room and eat lunch there. But the past has shown me my father will attack me for any reason he deems offensive, including but not limited to being quiet in my room.

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