“Tell me about being a librarian. Do you enjoy it? What do your days look like?”
“I love it. My days are a mix of leading group activities, checking books in and out or restocking shelves, keeping an eye on the children and engaging with them, whether they’re playing or need help with a book or a project, and a lot of planning.”
“What kind of things do you need to plan?”
“Usually it’s upcoming themes and activities, new books to stock, that kind of thing. Right now, we’re preparing the summer reading program and finalizing the plans for the sensory room.”
“Sounds interesting. I see why you’d love it. How did you decide to be a librarian?”
I froze, a forkful of potato halfway to my mouth. How honestly should I answer? I wanted him to know everything, to knowme, but if he did, would he look at me differently? I chewed the potato slowly to buy myself a moment. “Mm, this is good.”
Liam put his hand on mine and waited until I met his eyes again. “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.”
“I do. I want to tell you everything.”Just please don’t be disgusted by me or blame me or think I’m too messed up.
His expression softened and he squeezed my hand, holding on tight.
“There was a library near my house. It was the only place my parents let me walk by myself, so it was where I escaped to. I loved reading, so no one questioned why I’d spend hours there. I love that now I can give kids a safe space to go to. I try to have a variety of activities so every kid can enjoy spending time there.”
“How old were you?”
My stomach clenched. “They started letting me go when I was nine.”
“Fuck, Firefly.” The words were a tortured growl.
“I’m okay.” I smiled at him.
He didn’t smile back. “I know you are.”
He thinks I’m okay.My insides felt warm and squishy, and maybe even the fortress walls I hid behind were softening just the tiniest bit too.
“Thank you.” It was simple, but I hoped he could hear how much I truly meant it.
“Finish eating,” he said gently. “When we’re done, we’ll pick out a board game to play.”
“You have a lot of board games?”
“Yep. I love games. I’d considered opening a coffee shop with board games, but then I joined the department and there was no time for that.”
“I love places like that, where you feel comfortable just hanging out.”
“Me too. Creating an environment to bring people together is my favorite part of the restaurant culture.”
“Your parents should add it to their ice cream shop. They can call it…Scoop and Score. Or Ice and Dice!”
“Jenna, you’re a genius. How about Frosty Fun?”
“Scoops and Ladders!”
“That’s amazing. Would you mind if we call my parents? They’re going to love this.”
“Sure.” Did this count as meeting his parents? How would he introduce me?
Liam moved his chair closer to mine and called them on a video call. It rang twice, and then his mom’s face was on the screen. She was beautiful with tan skin, long, dark, wavy hair and Liam’s warm, brown eyes.
“Hi, Mom. This is Jenna.”
Liam covered my hand with his, and his mom’s eyes followed the movement, a huge smile overtaking her face.