Page 59 of The Library of Second Chances
I’m sorry. Unfortunately, my work unexpectedly took me away, and I wasn’t able to meet you. For that, I cannot apologize enough.
I know you took a risk. A risk you weren’t rewarded for taking. Thousands of years of evolution have taught us when to trust and when to stay holed up safe in our caves, and I betrayed the trust you probably had in me. Don’t let my absence prevent you from future risks, however.
It’s the moments—and the people—we least expect who have the power to change our lives the most.
I hope to hear from you again.
Gatsby’s Ghost
Lucy read the letter twice before sitting on the bench.
He hadn’t intentionally stood her up. Even better, he hadn’t taken one look at her and left. Life had simply gotten in the way.
She smiled as she leaned back and read the book’s blurb. It wasn’t one she was familiar with, but it certainly sounded interesting. It was about a professor and mom who, in her late forties, bought a motorcycle and learned why women don’t take more risks, but should.
She remembered interviewing for the library job years ago and being asked how her friends would describe her. “Risk averse” hadn’t been one of her three words—she’d chosenloyal,friendly, andreliable—but it certainly could have been. The biggest risk she’d taken in her life was probably keeping the bookstore, and someone else had chosen that path for her.
Flipping the book over in her hands, she marveled at how Gatsby’s Ghost chose the perfect book for her every time. He seemed to know her better than any of her friends, except for Taylor. Lucy had always thought what a person read said a lot about them, but it was crazy just how much she’d learned about Gatsby’s Ghost simply from trading books and writing a few short notes.
Who was he? Would she ever know? He didn’t ask to reschedule a meeting. Maybe he didn’t think she’d trust him enough to try again, and he was probably right. Or maybe he was simply meant to teach her something, to help her grow. She did believe people came into her life for a reason.
Okay, maybe she’d read one too many books, and her imagination was getting away from her. Regardless, she was content to continue trading books with Gatsby’s Ghost and nothing more. It was safer this way.
A stranger leaving anonymous notes in books wasn’t going to break her heart.
Lucy was getting ready to close up for the day when Jack surprised her by walking into the bookstore sans Taylor. He’dnever come to shop in her store before, only tagged along with Taylor a few times.
“Jack, so nice to see you.” Lucy put down the stack of books she’d been reshelving and walked to the front to greet him.
“Lucy, hey. You busy?” He looked around the store as if checking to see if they were alone.
“Not at all. I was just putting some things away. It’s been a pretty quiet afternoon. I’m sure Taylor told you we have another community forum tonight. People are probably getting ready for that.”
“Yeah, she mentioned it.” He glanced around, shifting his weight from foot to foot and stuffing his hands in the pockets of his dress pants.
“So what can I help you with? I’m surprised to see you away from the resort. Taylor said the renovation has you working around the clock.”
“It’s been a real bear, but I think it’s coming out nicely.” He rocked back on his heels and drew in a breath. “I came by because I need your help. You know Taylor better than anyone else.”
Were he and Taylor having some sort of trouble? She hadn’t mentioned anything, but something felt off, and Lucy couldn’t quite put her finger on it.
“Sure. What kind of help?”
“Well.” He rubbed the back of his neck, not meeting Lucy’s eyes. “I want you to help me pick out an engagement ring. I want to propose to Taylor.”
Lucy’s mouth dropped open before she broke into a huge smile. Her best friend was getting married!
“That’s wonderful.” Lucy crossed the short distance between them and went up on her tiptoes to give Jack a hug. She really liked him, and she was so happy her best friend had found her person.
“So you’ll help?” Jack was smiling at her now, his shoulders relaxing.
If he’d been this nervous to tell Lucy, how was he ever going to propose to Taylor?
Lucy laughed. “Yes, of course. I know exactly what she wants. We talked about it back when I got engaged—” Lucy’s smile evaporated for a moment as she remembered the heart-wrenching moment she’d handed the ring back to Carter before he left for Chicago. “Anyway, yes. Of course. I’d be happy to help.”
“Great. Do you have time to go shopping with me tomorrow? It’s the only other day I can slip away this week. We’re waiting on a big shipment of fixtures to come in, so things are a little slower.”
“Wow. Once you decide to do it, you’re really ready to do it, huh?” Lucy loved that he was so excited about proposing to Taylor.
