Page 18 of Bookish Boys Don't Date Social Girls
“Callie, can you make a note that we need new blades for the box cutter and more tape?”
“Sure.”
He removes his glasses and uses the rag to wipe his forehead, face, and neck.
“Man, I wish we had air conditioning.” He tosses the rag behind the counter, plucks a cup from the stack, and fills it with ice and soda. He drinks almost the entire cup before coming up for breath. I’m enthralled by the bobbing of his Adam’s apple as he swallows. A satisfied gust of air escapes him when he finishes. “That hits the spot.”
He sees me and scowls. Why is he always scowling at me?
Then he brightens. “Global Lit came in. It’s in the back. Can you hang out a bit? I’ll get it logged in for you if you want one.”
My heart flutters like he’s just proposed marriage. “Don’t hurry for me. I can always come back tomorrow if that’s more convenient.”
“You probably have somewhere to go,” he says knowingly, which makes me wonder what he knows. “I’ll make sure to get them checked in tonight so they’re on the shelf tomorrow. Be warned, I’m going to rearrange the periodicals, so they won’t be in the same place.”
I’m so excited for another excuse to see him that I’m probably grinning like a crazy person. I put on my best flirty expression and lean toward him. “You can show me where you moved them to when I come back tomorrow.”
I don’t even know if he saw me. The cup is at his mouth again and he tips his head back. I hear ice shift as he drinks the last of his soda. He wipes his mouth and shakes his head. “I don’t work tomorrow, but Callie can show you.”
“Oh crap. I have a thing tomorrow.” I totally lie, but I don’t want to come back to see Callie. I try for flirty again. I cock my head sideways and give him an ‘I know you want to see me again’ look. “I’ll just come back in a couple days. Do you guys usually sell out?”
He shakes his head. “No, I think you and I are the only two people in all of Oak Grove who read it.”
I shrug. Now my expression says, ‘We have something in common, remember?’ “Mrs. K does.”
He chuckles. “Yes, but she already subscribes, so she doesn’t have to get her copy from us.” He hitches his thumb over his shoulder, and I’m momentarily distracted by his well-shaped bicep. “Let me just run back there and grab one for you.”
I wave my hand. “No, really, don’t worry about it. I’d actually forgotten about it. I was downtown for another reason and stopped in for a coffee. I’m happy to come back.” Please forgive the lies, universe.
“Okay. If you’re sure.”
“I am.”
He turns away, snatches the rag out from under the counter, and heads toward the back room. I slouch in my seat, bummed he’s working in the back. Then he turns back to me. “Did Ava like the book?”
I straighten. “She did! She was so excited. Turns out it was on her list of books to read.”
“Her tbr.” Brent nods knowingly.
I cock my head. “What’s a tbr?”
“It’s a list most avid readers keep. Stands for “to-be-read.” I’m glad she liked receiving it. I hope she enjoys reading it as well.”
“Thanks again for your help with that. You sure know your books.” Maybe flattery will soften him up since my flirting seems to fall on deaf ears. But instead, he waves a hand at me dismissively.
“I just know what I like.” He waves. “See ya later.”
“Yeah. See ya.” It’s all I can do to keep myself from heaving a sigh of disappointment. Maybe Brent doesn’t know how to flirt. Maybe it isn’t me, per se, it’s his lack of ability. The conversation went so well and still, there was not even one hint that he might be interested in me. I got lucky that he gave me my next reason to see him, but if I can’t spark any interest during our next rendezvous, I might be forced to close the book completely.
Chapter Ten
I stareat the empty pool. This is the most boring summer ever. With Ava and Bek working, I have way too much time on my hands. I look at the pile of magazines next to me and sigh. I’ve paged through them several times already, and the idea of seeing the color schemes for the upcoming fall season again makes my head hurt.
My head falls back against the chaise. Am I the shallowest person ever? I have no interests beyond finding my next date. I don’t volunteer like Ava. I don’t create art like Bek. Even Ava’s boyfriend Dylan fixes cars, and now he volunteers—willingly—with Ava.
I sigh. It isn’t like I need a job. So, maybe I could volunteer. I couldn’t work with animals though. Dogs know I’m afraid of them and cats hate me. What other kinds of volunteer gigs are there?
I pull out my phone and google “volunteer opportunities in Oak Grove.”
