Page 27 of Substitute for Love

He pulled into the library parking lot and headed inside. It was so quiet it made his brain itch. But he wouldn’t be here long. A map of the library showed the history books were up on the second floor. He headed toward the staircase, but as he passed the check-in desk, he stopped.

Avery was coming out of an office door, followed by another woman who said, “It was great to meet you. Thanks for coming a day early. We’ll let you know our decision.” They shook hands and she turned toward Gabe.

He had no time to react. They locked eyes. His pulse raced and he became hyper aware of her every tiny movement: her eyes blinking, the fall of her hair. Would she be happy to see him?

Avery’s eyebrows raised in surprise. “Oh. Gabe, hi. What are you doing here?” She maneuvered around the check-in desk to where he was standing. She wasn’t smiling, but she didn’t look mad. Maybe neutral? Or serious.

Gabe tried to make a serious face but lost it and his goofy smile appeared. “Uh. You know, research. Lots of work to do.”

She folded her arms and gave a half smile. “You’re not subbing today?”

“Yeah, but eighth was prep, so I got to leave early.” They stood in awkward silence for a few seconds. “What areyoudoing here?”

Avery cleared her throat. “Oh, I had a job interview.” She looked down at the floor, then up and around the walls.

“To work here?”

“Yeah. You know, help people find books.” She gestured, waving her hands to indicate the books all around them.

He smiled. Okay, he had asked a dumb question. “In that case, can you help me find a book?” What he really wanted to know was if she would go to the dance on Friday.

Avery cocked her head to one side. “I don’t work here yet.”

He shifted his stance. He still couldn’t tell if she wanted to keep talking to him. It was worth a shot to get her to stay. “But you could practice. I bet you can’t find this book.”

“Okay, fine.”

Gabe led her upstairs and showed her the history section. “The book I need is about ancient Egypt. It has a pyramid on the cover.”

“Gee, that narrows it down. You don’t know the title?” she asked.

He shrugged. “It’s a book from college. And anyway, I want this to be challenging for you.”

She shook her head, then pointed. “Ancient civilizations should be down here. Let’s go see what we can find.”

Gabe happily followed her down an empty aisle, no other patrons. The way her hips and hair swayed was mesmerizing.

“So, did you miss subbing today because of your interview?” He didn’t want to let on that he knew about the emergency with her mother. Then Avery would know he was asking Doreen about her, and who knows if Doreen was supposed to say anything.

Avery squatted and thumbed through a few spines. “I stayed home to help my mom. The interview was supposed to be tomorrow, but they had an open spot today instead.”

“You live with your mom?” he asked. They must have a good relationship. He wondered what a good relationship with a parent was like.

She looked up. “Yeah.” Avery studied him, her head tilting back slightly. “Why?’

“Oh, no reason. I think it’s nice,” he added. “I’m sure your mom appreciates your help.”

Avery stood, and for a few seconds their faces were only a few inches apart. He searched her brown eyes, honest andintoxicating. “I like taking care of her,” Avery said. The way she whispered her response made Gabe’s heart beat faster.

She held up the books in her hands. “Here’s the Egypt books. Why don’t you look through these and see if any look familiar? There’s a chair over there.” She nodded toward the end of the aisle a few feet away.

Slowly he took the books from Avery, biting his lip. He made his way past her, their shoulders brushing. The touch made him lose his breath.

No girl had ever made him feel like this from a tiny touch.

He took a deep breath and sat in the chair, the books on his lap. Gabe pulled out the books one at a time, checking their covers, while Avery searched on the opposite shelf, all the while inching towards him. He was supposed to be looking at the books, but he couldn’t keep his eyes off of Avery. Her movement, her calmness, her beauty.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

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