2. Two
Two
Arnold
I fumbled with the keys. The lock clicked open, and I stepped into DNF bookstore. Old books, that sweet, musty scent, hit me first, then the soft hum of a jazz tune playing somewhere in the back.
"Morning, Arnold," Fable called out without looking up. Books stacked in her arms, she nestled them onto shelves carefully.
"Hey." My voice barely pushed past my lips.
"Wind's crazy out there, huh?" Lyric's eyes crinkled as she smirked, a pile of paperbacks balanced in her hands.
I ran a hand through my hair, feeling it stick out at odd angles. "Yeah, it's pretty wild."
"Come help us with these new arrivals?" Fable motioned over to a pile of new arrivals. Nestled neatly into the pile was the latest release of a fantasy series I was enjoying reading. It was called Journey, and Morning Star had just come out. This author wasn't even on my radar until I saw it advertised on an obscure video. MK Richberger. Honestly, her work outshines most of what I've read these days. I was itching to sit in the back, on that cozy chai,r and dig in, but work awaited.
"Sure thing." I shrugged off my jacket, laying it over the counter. My fingers brushed spines, selecting books and slotting them into their homes on the shelves. Each one felt right, familiar. The weight of stories, the promise of other worlds.
"Arnold, you're a lifesaver," Lyric said, nudging a box toward me with her foot. "These would've taken us all morning."
"Happy to help." A flush crept over my cheeks, but I hoped they didn't notice.
We moved around each other, each lost in our world. Fable's laughter floated over the top of bookcases. Lyric's quiet hum filled the spaces between. And me? I just tried to keep pace, to find my rhythm in the soundtrack of their ease.
I shuffled further into the room, my sneakers squeaking softly against the polished wood floor. Fable caught my eye from across a mountain of hardcovers, her grin spreading like sunlight through clouds.
"Your morning okay? Where's Rufus?"
"He's behind the desk sleeping. Caught him chasing his tail this morning." My lips twitched up at one corner, a laugh hiding beneath the surface. "Went round and round till he toppled over. Must have tuckered himself right out."
"Sounds like quite the show." Her eyes danced with amusement, her hands never stopping their work.
Lyric leaned against the nearby counter; her arms crossed as she watched me. A playful glint sparkled in her gaze.
"Found any new book crushes yet, Arnold?" Her voice held a teasing lilt, but it was gentle, no sting. "Or real crushes."
"Uh, well..." Heat climbed up my neck, not used to being the center of attention. "There's this fantasy series I'm into. The lead character's pretty cool."
"Fantasy, huh?" She pushed off the counter and picked up another stack of books. "You'll have to let me borrow it when you’re done."
"Sure thing." The words stumbled out, but I was grateful for the distraction. Grateful for something else to focus on other than how hot my cheeks felt.
"Excuse me?"
I turned, my heart skipping a beat at the sight of a customer, a woman in her thirties, her eyes bright with curiosity.
"Can you recommend a fun romance? Something light?"
"Sure, follow me." I led the way to a corner filled with pastel covers and happy endings. "This one's a favorite." I plucked a book from the shelf, the title embossed in gold. "The characters will steal your heart."
She took the book, flipping it over to read the back. "Quirky, you say?"
"Definitely." I chuckled, remembering the antics of the protagonist. "There's a scene with a runaway gelato cart. Pure chaos."
"Sounds perfect." Her grin matched my own, and she added it to her pile.
"Try this one too." I handed her another. "If you like grand gestures."
"Who doesn't?" She laughed and tucked the book under her arm.
Watching her head to the counter, a warmth spread through my chest. Books were my love language, each recommendation a piece of my heart handed over in hopes of sparking joy.
I settled behind the counter, the midday hush settling in the store. Flipping open the book I'd been eyeing for weeks, I lost myself in its pages. Morning Star was ramping up, and there was a twinge in my chest. I just knew something awful was going to happen, and I'd have to try not to cry at work. Rufus ambled over, his golden coat catching the light as he nuzzled into my lap. I scratched behind his ears; his contented sighs synced with the rhythm of my heartbeat.
Across the room, Fable caught my eye and smiled, her hands pausing on a stack of novels. She leaned close to Lyric, their heads almost touching as they shared a quiet moment. Their soft chuckles carried over to me on the gentle draft from the air conditioner.
Lyric glanced my way, her eyes crinkling with amusement, then back at Fable. I watched them nod in unison, their silent exchange speaking volumes about their bond. They are likely trying to hatch another blind date plot as if the last one didn't end in enough disaster to turn me off dating forever.
I returned to my book, letting the words pull me further into another world. The corners of my mouth curled up. Rufus' wagging tail thumped against the wooden floorboards, a steady beat in our tranquil corner of the bookstore. The bell jangled before I made it to the tragic scene that was unfurling before my very eyes.
A burst of laughter spilled in with the wind. I straightened up, Rufus lifting his head as a gaggle of teenagers clustered inside DNF. The scent of rain on concrete followed them.
"Hey, Arnold," one of them called out, her voice chipper. She waved a novel in the air, the cover bright and bold.
"Found any new gems for us?" another asked, all wide eyes and eager smiles.
"Sure did." I led them to the young adult section, my fingers grazing the spines. "This one's been flying off the shelves." I handed over a book with two characters locked in an almost-kiss on the cover.
"Ooh, looks juicy," the girl said, flipping through the pages.
"Read it in one sitting," I confessed, cheeks warming. "Couldn't put it down."
They huddled together, whispering and pointing at different titles. Rufus weaved between their legs, his tail a metronome of happiness.
"Thanks, Arnold," they chorused, arms full of books as they headed to the counter.
"Enjoy." I waved, a small thrill zipping through me.
The clock nudged closer to closing time. I glanced around, the familiar comfort of stacked shelves and dimming lights wrapping around me. Fable was cashing out, carefully counting the day's totals. Lyric straightened a display, her movements precise.
"Night, guys," I called out, my hand lingering on the door lock.
"See you tomorrow, Arnold!" Fable's voice carried warmth like a hug.
"Sleep well," Lyric added, a soft smile curving her lips.
I stepped outside, the click of the door sounding behind me. A satisfied sigh escaped me. This place, these people, they were home in ways I couldn't always say out loud. Rufus trotted beside me, his leash loose in my grip as we walked under the canopy of stars emerging in the twilight sky.
Rufus' leash was slack in my grip as I ambled down the street. The cool evening breeze played with the hem of my jacket. I couldn't shake the images from Morning Star : the emotions, the tragedy, and the ending that made you celebrate while simultaneously breaking your heart. It was a rollercoaster, but I enjoyed it. Now, to wait until the next one is released.
Rufus nudged my hand with his nose, a soft woof breaking my reverie. I glanced down at him, his brown eyes holding a world of simple joy. I smiled, lost in the what-ifs of fictional worlds.
"Those characters," I murmured, "they get to live a thousand lives."
We turned the corner, our steps increasing, eager to get home. Home was just a block away, the yellow porch light a beacon in the growing dusk.
"Another night, buddy," I said as I unlocked the door. Rufus bounded inside, making a beeline for his water bowl.
Inside, the silence was comfortable, familiar. I flicked on the lamp, shedding soft light across the living room. Slipping off my shoes, I padded to the kitchen. A kettle filled, the stove clicked, and soon steam curled from the spout. Tea leaves swirled in the pot, their scent steeping into the air.
Cup in hand, I sank into the couch cushions. What a day. Rufus settled at my feet, his contented sigh punctuating the stillness.
"Time for a different kind of story," I whispered, my fingers hovering over the phone.
Angel echoed in my mind, her voice a melody that struck chords deep within. Heart thumping, I dialed the hotline. Each beep is a step closer to a world unknown.
"Angel," I breathed into the receiver, my voice cracking slightly.
"Hello, Adonis." Her sultry tones wrapped around my username, sending shivers down my spine. For a moment, I allowed myself to believe I really was him. That I was a God and not this tall, lanky, blonde mop of a nerd I am. The way she made me feel...
"Missed your voice," I managed, my other hand tightening on the mug.
"Tell me about your day," she coaxed, and the words tumbled out, jumbled and eager.
"Books and stories and... now you."
"Let's make our own story tonight, one where you're the hero," she purred, and a flush crept up my neck.
"Sounds perfect," I said, trying to steady my racing heart.