Page 60 of A Billion Desires

A large sign on the wall said, “Romance”. Old, faded pictures of romance novels from decades ago covered the walls like wallpaper. I stepped closer and realized they were indeed old covers.

Someone had cut them off the old books and given them a second life on the walls. I touched the make-shift wallpaper with my fingertips while balancing the books in my arm. This must’ve taken an incredibly long time to do.

“The romance section?” I asked, still admiring the wall in front of me.

“What can I say? I’m a girl. And this is the only place I can find romance.” She laughed as she perused the many books in this area. It took up the entire rear of the store. There were also more tables and couches here as well.

Her words—no matter how flippant—caused an instant ache in my stomach.

“You’re a gorgeous woman, that can’t be true,” I said to her while I stared at every movement she made. Her wavy hair kept falling forward into her face, so she constantly had to swipe it off her face.

That cleavage I adored became even more pronounced as she bent forward as well.

“Oh, it’s very true. But a girl has to get her romance where she can.” Her head swung to me briefly and she winked at me.

“Coffees for you folks. On the house,” her friend said, striding up to Cherry with two large cups on saucers. When her vision snapped over to me, she said, “What in the world? Oh, this will not do.”

After Cherry took one cup, her friend waved her arm and yelled for an employee to come over and take the books from me. I gratefully handed them over and shook out my stiff arms.

“Sorry about that. Someone should have asked if you needed help. Although I’m not surprised your girlfriend was able to amass such a haul in the few minutes she’s been here.” She handed the coffee over to me and I thanked her.

“It’s Collette’s special mocha latte. She’s famous for miles around for them,” Cherry said, taking careful sips from her oversized, turquoise cup.

Collette laughed and said, “She exaggerates. But it is good coffee. Enjoy.” Then she hurried over to Cherry and the two of them giggled nearly the entire time they picked out another armful of books.

I found a seat and observed how they were together. Obviously, they were good friends. Good enough for Collette to give Cherry shit for not being in contact for so long.

Months.

Cherry seemed more than at home here, so she likely wasn’t avoiding this store out of comfort. That meant either time or money—or both—were to blame.

Again, I felt anger at knowing she wasn’t free to do whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted.

Once Collette’s arms were full, Cherry made her way over to the couch I was sitting on. “Sorry I’m taking so long,” she said, her dress flowing around her when she sat.

“Take as long as you want, my dear. I’m in no rush,” I said, covering her hand with mine and giving it a long squeeze. “Besides, this coffee may in fact be the best I’ve ever tasted.”

Her head nodded quickly in agreement. “I know, right? I wish I knew what her secret was.”

Collette rushed back up to us. She handed me my credit card back. I’d given it to the employee who’d taken my armful of books. “Thank you,” she said, then turned to Cherry. “He’s hotandhe bought you books. Hold onto that one,” she said, hooking her thumb back at me.

They both laughed as Cherry rolled her eyes. “I almost forgot, your Journalism textbooks sold,” Collette said, handing over a wad of bills. “Are you sure you’re not going back? You’re so close to finishing, it’d be a shame if you just give up entirely.”

Cherry took the money and said, “Nah, and if I ever do go back those books won’t be of any use to me. You know how frequently they change textbooks.”

Her friend nodded with a resigned look on her face. “I know. I really think you should get your degree, though. It would make things—easier on all of you.”

I had to physically stop myself from interrupting their conversation to find out what the hell she meant by that.

Cherry had to quit college?

Why?

“You’re sweet, but it’s not really in the cards right now. Thank you for selling them for me,” Cherry said, her eyes getting watery.

And then Collette’s eyes began getting watery.

Next, Cherry started to sniffle—her perfect chin wobbling.

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