Page 21 of Overdue

Before I know it, I’m pulling up in front of the library. Here’s the plan. I’ll just stick my head in, check on Austen, and head back out.

I check my reflection in the rearview mirror. Those assholes could have, at least, told me I have dirt smears covering my forehead and one cheek before I left. Pulling a towel from the back seat, I scrub at my face.

The dirt extends down my T-shirt to my pants. I brush off as much as I can. I can’t go into the library looking like I’ve been rolling around in fertilizer all morning. Crap, do I smell like it too? Lifting my arm, I sniff at my armpit.

A knock on the window makes me jump hard enough to honk the horn. Hopefully, no one in the library noticed it.

“Shit, Eliot. Are you trying to give me a heart attack? Do all Caraways possess that skill?” I say, opening my door.

“Looked to me like you were having some kind of a mental break, based on the flailing.”

“Here, do I smell bad?” I hold my arm up so she can smell my armpit.

“What is wrong with you?” Eliot bats at me with her hands.

“Just tell me if I smell.” This time she pushes my arm back down and leans toward me. She takes a large inhale before wagging her head like she’s trying to make a decision.

“Well, you’re not all roses and sunshine. But, all in all, you’re not too bad. Is this overshare all for Austen’s benefit?”

“Fuck, Eliot. I’m already at the top of her shit list. At this point I’m just trying to do damage control,” I answer. “Hey, maybe you can work on her for me. Get her to agree to dinner? Then I can prove to her I’m not a complete asshole. Please, Eliot.”

“Reed, I can’t harass my sister for you.”

“Come on, El. You know, bros before hoes and all that.”

“Do not call my sister a ho. Or me a bro, for that matter.” She smacks my chest. She’s trying to hold back a smile though.

“Ellllllll,” I whine. I turn on my best sad puppy dog eyes.

“Fine,” she answers. “One of these days that charm is not going to work. Oh, wait. It could be today. Let’s go inside and see what Austen thinks.”

“So mean.” I lay my arm over her shoulder and we walk to the front door together.

I adore Eliot. I have from the moment I met her. We became close friends, but never anything more. Where Austen is wild, impulsive, and confident, Eliot is quiet, studious, and full of self-doubt. Austen sets my blood on fire. Eliot does not. It took me four years of high school to draw Eliot out of her shell. I don’t think I ever totally succeeded. It will take someone special to finish the job.

“Hey, Austen,” she calls as we walk inside. “Look who I found primping in the parking lot.” Was I just thinking what a good friend she is? With friends like these, who needs enemies?

“Hey, El. Give me just a second to show Reed something, and then I’ll be ready for lunch.” Austen grabs my hand and pulls me into her office.

This is more like it. She closes the door. My heart is pounding. Is this it? Is this where she throws me on her desk and has her wicked way with me? Please be yes.

“I don’t know why it’s so noisy. I guess we have a big group of preschoolers for storytime today. Anyway, here.” She hands me a book. Well, that’s disappointing. I made it to half-mast and everything.

“Thanks,” I say, looking at the title. I don’t know what I’m looking at. Austen has some weird look of triumph etched on her face, though.

“It’s the definitive book on small town squares. It was just released. I was lucky to find a copy.” Her smile lights up her face. There’s only one thing I can think of to do. I fawn over it.

“Wow, thanks, Austen.” I flip open the book and slowly thumb through the pages. It does have some pretty cool ideas. I might incorporate several into my design.

I look up to find her beaming at me. It seems like lately I rarely get to see this Austen. Usually, she’s yelling. If a book makes her this happy, surely I can figure out how to do it too.

“I do appreciate how much you’ve helped me,” I add.

“I’m just happy I can be of help.” She stands, smiling her beautiful smile at me. I’m afraid to break the moment. “Did you need something else?”

Damn. I knew that moment was too good to last.

“Nah, it can wait. I know you don’t want to miss lunch with Eliot. I’ll just see you this afternoon.” I don’t want to spoil her good mood by mentioning the newest set of rumors. It can wait until later.

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