Page 41 of Bookish Boys Don't Date Social Girls
In his defense, he looks sorry. But even so, he shoves the final bite in his mouth, buses his dishes, and disappears into the back room.
I hop up and pay for my stuff quickly before he comes back to the register. I race out of the store, balancing my stack of books while I speed walk down the sidewalk. Somehow, I’m even less sure about how I feel than when I walked into the place.
Chapter Nineteen
I’m sohappy to have four more books to read in the series so that I don’t have to go down to the bookstore anytime soon and face Brent. Okay, I could switch back to electronic books or even order paperbacks online, but it’s difficult for me to order from the big nameless people in the clouds when I can support our local community by buying directly from them. Beckett’s is the only bookstore in town, so it’s either that or online.
After my disastrous conversation with Brent, I have a few free days to myself. The girls and I discussed the bookstore exchange via text, and they seem to think it was a good turn of events, but I can’t see it that way. I was very honest about my interest and that I wanted to go to dinner with him, and even after he realized he’d misjudged me, he still didn’t change his mind and say yes. That tells me his newly formed opinion isn’t in my favor.
Plus, I have other things to worry about. Namely, my new volunteer gig. I climb out of my car and approach the big field where it looks like people are already gathering. I’ve gotmy book in my bag along with a blanket for Latisha and me to sit on.
I find an adult and ask if she works for the library. When she says yes, I introduce myself as the new volunteer and her face lights up with happiness.
“Paige said you might show up. I’m so happy to have you. You can go into the children’s library to fill out the volunteer forms first and then come back out here.”
“Okay.” I look around but don’t see Latisha. After all of this, she better show up.
The forms are easy, and I’m done quickly and head back outside. I hear my name squealed before I even get close. Latisha is sprinting across the grass with her arms spread wide. She barrels into me and gives me the biggest hug I’ve ever had. I hug her back awkwardly, but I’m laughing with pleasure. “Nice to see you too, kid.”
“Tammy said you were here, but I didn’t know if I could believe her. You know how some adults tell you what you want to hear just to shut you up?”
Latisha pauses but starts yammering again before I have a chance to decipher her accent and decide if I agree with her or not.
“It’s quiet reading time, so we can’t talk over there. That’s why I came over here to say hello. If I’d waited, I would have had to just wave. I was too excited to see you. I told my aunt all about you. She’s happy I made a friend, and she was happy you made me do this reading group.”
I laugh. “Who made who do this?”
Latisha dips her head and peeks at me through her lashes.
“Come on, let’s get over there before they won’t let us in.” I grab Latisha’s hand and we walk back to the group.
I wave at the lady, who I guess is Tammy, and pull my blanket out to spread on the grass. Latisha grins like I just handed her an ice cream. As we get settled, I think Iunderstand why. There are kids sitting in beach chairs and sharing blankets or sitting on beach towels. Latisha was one of only a few kids sitting directly on the grass.
We read quietly. At first, it’s hard for me to concentrate on my book. Every noise draws my attention, and with about twenty kids in attendance, there is a lot of fidgeting. But eventually, I relax enough to not have to reread each paragraph to understand it.
Sooner than I expect, Tammy taps me on the shoulder and motions for me to follow her. I smile at Latisha when concern furrows her brow, and whisper, “Almost game time. Why don’t you invite those kids on the grass to share your blanket?”
She grins and gives me a thumbs up.
Tammy and I step away from the group so she can explain how I’ll be helping.
“Because I wasn’t sure if you were coming, there won’t be a ton for you to do today. I picked a game that is easy for a single person to facilitate. But let’s take advantage of that and have you call on the children. Ask their name and their favorite dessert or something, then let them answer the game question. It’ll help both you and Latisha get to know some of the children.”
“Sounds great!” I agreed. Certainly, I can call on children.
When we return to the group, she calls their attention to the front. Books are stored in bags and backpacks, and several of the kids shift to their knees in anticipation.
“Today, we’ll be playing Pass the Perspective,” Tammy announces.
Some of the kids bounce around excitedly and clap at this news.
Tammy holds up the picture book that she’ll be reading. Confused, I scan the audience to see if they are insulted by the fact that she’s reading a book for little kids, but they seem eager to listen. She’s a spirited reader, employing differentvoices for each character and modulating her voice in dramatic ways that makes her audience laugh. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard a picture book read aloud, and I find myself as engaged as the kids.
“Okay.” Tammy slaps the book closed. “Let’s see who has their storytelling caps on today. First, I’d like to hear three different stories about the main character. Who wants to tell us about her? Tell us about her house, what kind of family she has, and what her least favorite dinner food is.”
Several hands shoot into the air so fast that I don’t see who was first, so I can’t call on them in order.
I look to Tammy to see if she’s ready or if she has more to explain. I’m not sure I understand what they’re supposed to do, so it feels like they might be confused too. But there are so many hands waving eagerly in the air, they must know what’s expected of them. Tammy nods encouragingly. I can’t believe how nervous I am. By the knot in my stomach, you’d think I faced ravenous zombies instead of middle schoolers. I sip in a deep breath and smile out at the kids.
