Page 20 of Bookish Boys Don't Date Social Girls
Bek leans over and whispers, “This is based on a book. I can’t wait to see how true it is to the storyline.”
Bek isn’t an avid reader like Ava, but she’s always working through a book. I look at her with wide eyes when I realize that I canreadromantic comedies too.
“What?” she asks.
“Nothing. I just…you made me think of something.”
The theater goes dark, so Bek turns back to the screen.
The movie is funny and poignant, sad, and uplifting. And the entire time I’m watching it, I wonder what it would have been like to discover the story through the book.
Chapter Eleven
I waita couple of days before I go back to the bookstore. For some reason, I don’t want Brent to know how eager I am to see him. Plus, with Ava and Bek both working, it gives me an entire day to finish the second book in the series and move on to the first book in a rom-com series. Of course, I stayed up too late, but the book had me giggling and snorting and I couldn’t put it down. The couple in this one reminds me so much of Ava and Dylan. I can’t wait to get back to it this afternoon.
When I walk into the bookstore, Brent looks up from whatever he’s doing behind the counter. He smiles, which makes me freeze in place. As soon as his brow knits into his normal scowl, I proceed forward with a little more confidence. I dodge a tower of books made up of what looks like a thriller.
“Why did you stop?” he asks.
I point to the door. “You mean just now?”
“Yeah.”
I laugh. “Because you smiled when I came in. I thought something must be wrong.”
“Why?” He cocks hishead and his bangs flop over his glasses. But his brilliantly bright eyes still glow from under his Clark Kent disguise. I almost let my sigh of pleasure escape my lips.
“I’m far more familiar with that scowl.” I point my finger at his face. “When you smiled, I thought maybe someone was behind me or maybe you were sick.”
His mouth drops open. “No way. That can’t be true. I do not scowl at you.”
He’s so emphatic it makes me giggle. “You do too, Brent. Cross my heart.” I draw an “X” over my heart for emphasis.
When he scowls again, I pull my phone out and snap a picture before he has a chance to figure out what I’m doing. I spin the photo so he can see it. “This is how you greet me whenever I come in. Like you’re suspicious of my intentions.”
Brent snatches the phone from me and stares at it. “Nah. That’s not how I look at you.”
“It is.”
He scowls at the picture one last time before handing my phone back. “I’m sorry about that.”
“I’m sure I won’t have to do therapy for too long because of it.”
His eyes bug out until he sees my smirk, and then he narrows them at me. “I see how you are.” Then he jumps. “I almost forgot.”
He strides over to the bookshelf behind the counter and plucks something off the top corner. When he comes back, he plops a copy of Global Lit on the counter in front of me.
“Oh my gosh, you kept one aside for me?”
“I didn’t want it to sell out and leave you empty-handed.”
I’m totally confused. He still doesn’t give off any flirtation vibe. Is this just Brent’s version of excellent customer service? Would he do this for anyone? “That was very thoughtful of you.”
“I actually sold a couple copies yesterday. After ourconversation, it hit me that I should send Mrs. K. an email to let her know the store carries the magazine now. A couple students came in to get their own copy. One told me Mrs. K. announced it in class. So, I put one aside for you just in case.”
I affect my best announcer voice. “The bookstore employee of the month award for stellar salesmanship goes to Brent Post.” I clap as he takes a bow. “How about a white chocolate mocha, too, Bookstore Boy? I’ll hang out for a bit and page through the new edition.”
“Sure thing.” He narrows his eyes at my use of his nickname. I’m sure he thinks it’s because I just awarded him the employee of the month award. The corner of his mouth turns up, telling me he likes it. Grabbing a mug, he starts pulling levers and adjusting knobs on the coffee machine. It looks very complicated, but he still seems to have the same pleased look he had when I called him Bookstore Boy. I bite my lip, wondering if I’m starting to get to him.
