Page 34 of Between the Stacks

He blinked. “Are you serious?”

I nodded.

“How did we not know this?” Cole muttered.

“Well, I don’t come right out and talk about what I like to read,” I replied. “Now you know.”

“All that valuable time,” Scott muttered. “What else do you read?”

I grinned. “Age gap, organized crime, bully, dark academy... The list is rather long, and I have so many books still on my TBR list.” Hence why I was grateful I had my backpack when the dorm burned down. I’d have lost all my books.

“Tell us more about these age gaps,” Jonesy said as he drove. “You’ve piqued my curiosity.”

Figured as much. So, I did. I pulled my phone out of my bag and opened the app to show them my books. While pointing out the ones I liked and the others that just never caught my attention. Those always bummed me out. I was a voracious reader, and finding a book that didn’t meet my standard bothered me.

I’d been so caught up in explaining plots and twists and love interests, I hadn’t noticed we’d gotten off the freeway or that we’d pulled into the parking lot of the warehouse. The rather enormous building stood off the side. The charcoal corrugated steel and wood structure reminded me of one of those barn homes or garage homes. Big enough to keep cars inside and out of the weather, while the family lived above the bays. Luxury to the max. Different and aesthetically pleasing.

“Welcome to the warehouse,” Lowe said. “This is where the magic happens.”

The well-maintained lawn and surrounding shrubs gave the space a homey feeling. A safe space. “This wasnotwhat I’d been expecting.” Patches of melting ice from a recent snow band dotted the area. Kind of wanted to know what it looked like during Christmas. The other thing I noticed was the fact there weren’t any nearby neighbors.

“What did you think it would be?” Lowe asked when Jonesy parked in one of the spots.

“You don’t want to know.”

We got out and headed for the door. The place was alive with activity. Inside, the buzz of conversations and construction work surprised me until Cole pointed out anyone could change up the space to how they needed it. Just depended on the cam session or the feature.

“I’ll let Nova know we’re here,” Lowe said.

“Taking Lyra to meet Maddy,” Scott stated.

I followed behind him, gawking as I went. Everyone was in some state of dress or undress. No one had any problems with body image issues and, frankly, that was intimidating. If only I had half the courage they did. “So, this is what you do, huh?”

“Don’t be so nervous,” Cole said, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. “We’re all equals here.”

“Uh huh,” I replied. “Sure.”

He tucked me into his side. “You’ll see. Not all of us are perfect.”

Couldn’t prove that to me. We passed several doors before stopping in front of one. A woman stood by a chair in a room halfway decorated to look like... “Holy shit. The library. Is this what you’ve been doing in the afternoons?”

“Kinda. Also, have subscribers to feed.” He winked. “Maddy, this is Lyra. Lyra, this is Maddy.”

The woman with multicolored hair and fierce makeup stepped forward with her hand extended. “Pleasure to meet you.” She glanced at Cole. “You didn’t do her skin justice. I’m going to have a blast with her.”

I glanced back at Cole who at least appeared sheepish. “Um, thanks? I guess.”

She laughed. “Don’t worry. When I’m done with you. They’ll be eating out of the palm of your hand.” She made a shooing motion to Cole. “Leave us. I’ll let you know when she’s ready.”

“You’re in good hands, Lyra,” he said. “I have to change. I’ll see you soon.”

When he left, Maddy patted the chair. “Come on over. Let’s get started.”

An hour later, she not only tamed my curls, but she also made them shine. My makeup was flawless. The lipstick wasRed Riot. The eye shadow,Urban Decay. I looked like a sexified librarian on the prowl. I made her write down everything she used. Knowing I’d never be able to copy what she’d done totransform me from average college student to vixen in a matter of a few strokes.

“Now where do I go?” I asked.

“Back out to Nova,” Maddy said. “She’ll tell you where the guys are and how to find them.”

---