Page 15 of Crimson Promises
“Yeah. Wow. It is.” I did a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree turn, my eyes drinking in a genuine version of the library from Beauty and the Beast. My secret oasis had some serious competition.
“The donation transformed the library. It was quite dull before. Fortunately, I didn’t work here then, and I’ve only been subjected to that dingy place from photographs.” She shook her head. “Anyways, it’s a pleasure to welcome you to the team. My name is Jean. I’m the curator and supervisor of the entire Canmore library. However, my main focus has been working with the rare and special collections we have obtained with the additional funds from Canmore.”
“Pleasure to meet you.” I stuck my hand out.
“Likewise.” Her hand was cold but firm. “Today, you’ll be shadowing me. As I indicated to Chelsea, the job will focus on taking over some of the more administrative and cataloging of the specialized collections. This will free up some of my time to focus on other areas of the library.” She puckered her lips, lost deep in thought. “We will need to get you a swipe card of your own along with a passcode. Everyone in this section of the library has their own assigned. “
She pulled out her phone to send out a swift email.
“Sorry about that. I want to ensure we have your swipe card ready to go as speedy as possible. I know the job posting required twenty-five hours per week at the rate we discussed. But I’m not much of a micromanager. You’ll always get paid for the twenty-five hours as long as the work is done. Choose the hours you want to work. I’m flexible. And any hours you put in doing overtime, mark them down. Any questions so far?”
“Not at this moment. I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Jean clapped her hands together. “My kind of woman. I knew I made the right decision hiring you. Let’s get to it, then. Shakespeare’s first folio awaits.”
I practically skipped after her.
* * *
Although the rest of the shift flew by quickly, my head felt like it was going to combust at any moment. Jean was beyond incredible, and I loved the job’s flexibility. I got to work with priceless editions all day long. There was just so much information. Everything needed to be cataloged and recorded meticulously. I was given a pair of microfibre gloves to handle the books. There was a cozy staff room with the building’s only stained-glass window. Everyone was kind. Chelsea and her crony Dahlia were the only standoffish ones.
As I walked out of Canmore, I found myself eager to return the next day. Jean had mentioned working on some text related to Christian mythology circa the fourteenth century.
I got into the Nissan, buckled my seatbelt, and paused. My heart felt full. These were the days I hoped I would have when I decided to come to Arch Cape. A chance to have the college experience: dates, a job, friends. As much as I enjoyed my solititude and the many hours my nose was spent in books, I always yearned for more. To feel included and accepted. Everyone who always got close left. Could this finally be the beginning of something new?
It was just after eight. I hadn’t checked my phone the entire shift. A message from Riley was waiting for me.
Riley: Hey :) How was your shift? (6:00 pm)
Riley: My guess is it’s either going tremendous or horrible. Fingers crossed, it’s great. (6:45 pm)
Riley: Has your job transported you to the 20th century, where there are no phones? (7:15 pm)
Riley: Wanted to check if we are still on for that coffee later (7:42 p.m.)
I didn’t hear my phone go off that much. A tiny piece of my heart swelled at his persistence. It was endearing and unexpected. The last thing I wanted to do was come across as desperate. I was going to play this collected and aloof. I rubbed my hands together. I needed a blasé yet witty response. Texting was the bane of this generation. What happened to letters? At least that would have given the recipient a few days to reply.
My fingers hovered over the keyboard.
Aurora: Just finished. Didn’t have my phone on me. Had to focus and take notes. You must have missed me (winking face emoji). Btw it went great. We are still on for coffee. Heading to Perk & Pour now. Fun fact for you: my name is Aurora.
Riley: Already here. Got a table in the back left corner. See you in a jiffy, Aurora.
Who says jiffy anymore?I tossed my purse on the passenger side and plugged my phone into the USB cable. “Highway to Hell” was still set on repeat. I blasted the volume and tapped my fingers against the steering wheel along with the beat. Singing along to the lyrics I had committed to memory at the top of my lungs was a fitting bookend to a superb day:
“Livin’ easy
“Lovin’ free
“Season ticket on a one-way ride.
“Askin’ nothin’
“Leave me be
“Takin’ everythin’ in my stride”
I threw the gearshift in reverse and headed towards Perk & Pour. I could picture Riley sitting in the corner, his blonde hair slightly askew from the evening’s slight wind and cheeks rosy from the coffee he devoured. Another cup set in front of him. He would be confident enough to guess what kind of drink I liked; if not, he’d drink it himself. Instead, he would order me something I actually wanted. His fingers would snake across the table and trace my knuckles. Something so simple would send shivers from my toes to the nape of my neck. He would open up about the pressure his parents put on him to join the NFL, like his older brother, when all he wanted to do was become an architect. Riley would prove he was more than a jock, and I could finally let someone in. I could picture it, the start of my happily ever after.
