Having Fun in the Library (Closed)

[ladyoffiction]

Gina was startled out of her book as thunder cracked. She let out a soft sigh, smiling at her own jumpiness. Marking her page, she set her book down and pushed back her chair. It was about a half an hour until closing, but no patrons would be coming out in this storm. And if it didn't break soon, she might end up sleeping in the library. Again.

It was a small neighborhood library, staffed with only three people and a handful of volunteers. Considering it was the weekend, she had let all of her younger coworkers have the night off. They weren't very busy on the weekends anyways. Untying her long, black hair from it's bun, she let it fall down her back. Locking the front door and dimming some of the front lights, Gina heard a noise from one of the back alcoves. Of course, it would help to check to see if the library was empty before locking it up.

She walked to the back alcove, her sensible shoes silent on the carpeted floor. Gina smiled, seeing the older man sitting with his book. He was a regular and Gina loved to talk with him. "Hey," she said softly. "I was closing up early, but if you want to hang out for a bit...the front street is pretty flooded. Want some coffee?"

 

[Liplovinman]

It was later than he imagined in the quiet, the library was all but deserted and the drumming of the storm against the large glass windows was soothing as Sam settled back into his book. The quick flash of lightning signaled thunder and he counted silently to himself as the large clap told him the storm was still 3-4 miles away. He loved the intimate old library, no distractions, no rush - he could read at home, but his library trips were an appointment to read, and if he happened to see Gina on occasion, it made the day more rewarding. She was sweet, understood his love of books, and he appreciated her cover as well as her book.

Glancing at his watch, Sam saw the library would be closing soon. He did not relish going out in the torrential rain, but there was something compelling about it. He was only a few blocks away from home, though the water levels outside would make it seem much longer were he to walk it, even at top speed. He would wait out the rain, if he could and if not, leave the moment Gina closed up. Sam hadn't brought much with him, but he did have his phone. He powered it up to look at the weather and the chime of start up sounded completely wrong in the hollow of the book filled corner. It was not surprising that the worst was coming, the storm was not letting up at all. So much for his waiting game.

As Gina came into view, he admired her dropped hair, he wondered instantly why she ever put it up. He imagined a library of his own, intimate, quiet and with her.

"I just checked the weather, looks like it might get worse before it gets better. I'd love a cup of coffee, but only if you sit with me for a bit." He gave her a playful wink. They had a very amiable relationship and he appreciated being able to make her smile.