Chapter 3
Chapter Three
Cora
By the time I arrive at work, I’ve pushed the incident this morning out of my mind. Sure, the man overreacted by shouting at me, but I never expected him to intervene. I didn’t even notice anyone at the back booth where I usually sit. That’s what I get for talking to Mara and not paying attention.
He wedged himself between us as if it were a natural thing to do. He never hesitated, and I don’t know which part I find more shocking: the ease at which he hit him, or the fact that anyone came to my defense.
I thought for sure Mara was about to hop over the counter, but he beat her to it. I feel better knowing I was able to replace his coffee and muffin.
Heading toward the circulation desk, I smile at a few patrons in passing.
Although I’m the youngest person on staff, I thoroughly enjoy my job.
As the children’s librarian, I get to share my passion for books with the community.
On Mondays, we have service dogs come in, and kids sign up to read to them.
Between the little kids and the sweet dogs, it’s my favorite activity we offer.
Turning on my computer, I go through my emails and schedule for the day.
There’s a staff meeting, someone hitting reply all instead of just reply, and a few spam emails.
A huge smile splits my face when I see that Rex, everyone’s favorite corgi, will be here for the Reading with Dogs event tonight.
That should bring in a few extra patrons.
“Did you see the meeting scheduled for today?” Annie asks as she approaches the desk. I like her. She’s a sweet, older woman whom I consider my work mom. Her dark hair is partially gray, but she refuses to admit to having gray hair. “It’s just tinsel,” she reminds all of us.
“I did. But we just had one the other day. I can’t imagine what else they need to go over again.” I shrug.
“Who knows? Probably something to do with our funding, or programs, or someone complained because the homeless guy down the street was in here again washing his face.”
I let out a small hum at her response. I guess it’s going to be one of those days.
Leaving the library a few hours later, I head to the school to pick up Noah.
Unfortunately, they don’t have any after-school clubs, unlike his previous school.
Moving to a better neighborhood meant a school change, and as much as it can put a damper on things, I’ll keep that trade-off.
I love reading hour and leading activities at the library, but to teach kids real subjects, no thank you.
Pulling into the school, I park and give myself a minute to enjoy the warmth of my car. The seasons are quickly changing, and it’ll be winter before too long. I really need to start bringing a coat with me when I pick him up.
Grabbing my sweater, I pull it tighter as I walk to stand with the other parents waiting for their kids.
Scrolling through my phone, I find a new message from Mara.
She’s not usually a big texter, but then I remember the incident from this morning.
Usually, I abhor violence, but the gorgeous stranger with tattoos didn’t really beat the guy up.
Yeah, he hit the man, but it was more like a way of getting him to stop.
Mara:
I still can’t believe you sat with that guy.
Me:
Well, I knew you were about two minutes away from hopping over that counter. Prison orange is not your color.
Mara:
… I’d make it work.
Me:
Whatever you say.
Mara:
Dinner tonight?
Me:
No can do. I’ve got Reading with Dogs at the library followed by laundry and the store. You should come.
Mara:
Lame. Later.
I laugh and shake my head. That’s just like Mara. Starts a conversation but then quits as soon as she gets bored.
“Someone tell a funny joke?” I hear a deep, masculine voice at my side. It makes me jump a bit until I see who it is.
“Geez, Matt. Give a girl some warning, would ya? And no, it’s just Mara being Mara.”
I take in his appearance next to me. He has a black ball cap pulled down over his wavy brown hair, paired with a dark Henley and light jeans.
When a large grin splits his face, it reaffirms my original impression of Matt.
He’s a nice guy, and incredibly handsome, but sadly, he doesn’t do anything for me.
He’s hinted at us going out, but I just don’t feel any spark.
Matt comes almost every day to pick up his younger brother, who happens to be Noah’s best friend.
Sometimes I get caught up in the fact that Matt picks up his brother, Dane, as a favor to his parents.
He doesn’t have to be here every day; he chooses to be here for him.
Noah doesn’t have parents to rely on. He has me, which is truthfully better.
“Dane mentioned something about Noah trying soccer again. Did he tell you I’m coaching the team? I can make a spot for him, no problem,” he offers.
“Thanks. I’ll talk to him tonight, but I think that’s the plan.”
“That’s great!” Matt’s eyes light up. “Let me know for sure, and I can always pick him up for practice. We pass you guys on our way to the park anyway.”
“That sounds good. Maybe we can work out a system? I’m interviewing for a couple of part-time jobs this week.” I don’t want to be a burden, but it would be nice if Matt could pick Noah up so I could work.
“Sure, give me your phone. I’ll put my number in it, so you have it. I’m surprised we haven’t done this yet. The boys have only been friends for the last year.” He laughs. “Hopefully a new job won’t keep you too busy, ya know? All work and no play makes us dull.”
I try to think of the last time I went out but come up blank. It’s not something I really do unless Noah is with me. “That’s true. It’ll be nice to have them on the same team together. I think he was worried there wouldn’t be space for him.”
Matt nods with understanding. “I get that, but don’t worry. You have an in with the coach.” He winks.
I wish his winks and flirting stirred something in me, but for some reason, I have firmly placed him in the friend zone. Maybe I’m just not meant for relationships. Maybe watching my parents ruined me for that.
I laugh at his joke and turn toward the opening school doors.
“Cora!” Noah shouts as he runs up to us. “Dane said that Matt was coaching. Can I play?”
“I don’t know, Noah. I may not have any more room on my team,” Matt teases. “What do you think, Dane? Do we have one more open spot?”
“You already told Mom you were coaching us.”
“I said if Cora was okay with it, I would,” Matt cuts in quickly, looking sheepish.
“Yes!” Noah cheers. “We’ll destroy the other teams!”
“Good luck with double trouble here,” I say to Matt with a laugh. When these two get together, God only knows what can happen.
Even though he gets in trouble occasionally, Noah’s a good kid.
I know I did the right thing when I decided to raise him.
I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if he had gone into foster care or with Bea.
God no. He’d be a shell of the kid he is now.
The smile on his face is worth everything, and I intend to make damn sure nothing will ever take it away.
“I guess we’ll have to do some shopping then.” Turning to Matt, I ask, “Can you text me what he needs? I’ll make sure to pick it up.”
“You got it. It’s not much for their age,” he promises. “Let’s go, Dane. I told Mom I’d drop you off before I head to the clinic. Later, Cora.” Matt smiles at me, then heads off with his brother.
Turning toward our car, I ask Noah about his day.
Moments like this remind me that even though he has someone to share his day with, I don’t really have anyone to share mine with.
Yeah, I tell Noah bits and pieces, but it’s not the same.
Glancing back at Matt, I find his eyes are on me, and I shake my head. I know it’s better this way.