Snow began to fall that typical afternoon of November and brought smiles to people – kids try to catch snowflakes, couples race to coffee shops for hot cocoa and fathers start to gather firewood for their hearth. Everyone savors the magic of those first days of snow fall except me. I stomped my way to Libra.
“Why the long face, G?” asked Ken.
“It’s snowing Ken, and you know how much I adore the season.”
“Well honey, I have the one thing that can cheer you up. My distributor just delivered new books from that detective series you’re in love with. Check them out at the back shelves.”
“Oh, I love you!”
At the back, I engrossed myself on the extensive book collection of Ken’s bookstore. Bookstores give me a sense of belonging: piles of books hug me and book pages smell like home. Tapping my fingers on the books’ spines, I found the book I wanted and pulled it out.
"Collins. Interesting choice.”
I turned around and saw a man with blue eyes hiding behind his glasses, a book by Hilary Brown in his hand.
"Brown. You dig love stories?"
"Well, who doesn't want stories of head-over-heels love?"
"I love them as much as I love chemistry."
"A woman who despises love stories. Now that would be a first."
"A straight guy who’s in love with fictitious love. Looks like you have gender issues.”
Amused, the guy offered his hand.
"Patrick."
"Grace." I said, shaking his hand.
"So tell me Grace, why the ardent hate on romance?"
"Too predictable and too unrealistic. Besides, I had enough of gallant princes saving dames. Over time I learned to love how I am nobody's leading lady." I said, still browsing the books on the shelves.
"Man-hater?"
"Not really, just a descendant of Narcissus."
“Well, Narcissus, I guess it’s about time you believe in love once more. Give Mr. Right a little encouragement. Sometimes guys are easily discouraged by snobby women.”
Patrick smiled before heading to the cash register. After paying, he went out and faced the snow fall that’s growing stronger by the minute.
“Hey Kenny, know that guy?” I asked upon reaching the cashier.
“Patrick? He’s a regular customer. You often have classes when he visits, that’s why you don’t see him much. Why, what’s with him?”
“He’s a weirdo.”
“But cute.”
“I didn’t notice. Besides, I think he's gay.”
"Honey, I am gay. I am 200% sure the guy's not on my league. If he was we'd be kissing in the snow right now."
"Gross. I still wonder why I decided to be your best friend."
"Simple: I give you the best books. Now that Collins is $14, but I'll give it to you at $10."
"I love you!"
"Stop saying you love me and go find yourself a boyfriend to cuddle this season."
"No. I think I'm in love with you Ken." I said, pouting my lips, ready to kiss Ken.
"Now that's gross. Stop it before I take back your discount. Seriously G, you are in dire need of a boyfriend. I'd give you romance novels for free just to tickle any romantic bone you have. How about Patrick? He'll do you some good. He's obsessed with romance novels as much as you love those suspense thrillers."
"I'll think about it."
I went out and cursed the weather. Rubbing my hands together, my eyes caught someone waving at me from the other side of the street.
"Hey Narcissus! Looks like you need a cup of coffee. Care to join me?"
Patrick was on the coffee shop across Libra, holding two coffee cups, smiling broadly.
Ken was right, Patrick did look good. He was blonde, blue-eyed but didn't look like one of the jocks. He looked smart with those glasses of his. With a little doubt, I crossed the street and spent the rest of the day talking about books over espresso.
________________________________________
Books, Coffee and Detective Novels by KASH
No comments:
Post a Comment