Pov Joe:
I grabbed the rag I use to dust the shelves in the Known Writers section and wiped the sweat from my brow. I adjusted my green apron carefully; the name tag wasn't fastened properly and the pin barely pierced the fabric.
I smoothed my hair a little using the reflection in my phone. I didn't even think to flip the camera on for a better look. The vein in my temple felt like it might explode at any moment.
I have a fool unconscious in the basement, in the glass cage. That's my first problem if I want to be with you. But it wasn't the only one. Even after I bothered to remove that man from your life, a greater obstacle revealed itself.
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka.
I'd taken my time following you from afar, watching where you went. You were supposed to meet me at two. I knew you wouldn't be punctual. I was right: instead of looking for me, you met with him.
Beck, what the hell is going on? You stood me up to see Ayanokoji?
I rushed back to the shop as fast as I could. Your movements confirmed it: you rose from his lap, checked your phone, and by the look on your face I knew you were telling someone you'd be late. I doubt you told them that that "someone" was me.
On my way, Ethan texted. He thought it odd I'd given him the day off.
"Everything okay, boss?"
"Absolutely. Enjoy the day… Wait. Before you get to your stuff, I have a question."
"Sure. About girls?"
"Something like that. Say I'm interested in a woman. If that woman met your friend Ayanokoji, do you think she'd still notice me?"
"Wow… self-esteem problems? I don't want to get fired for what I'm about to say, but… have you seen Ayanokoji? He's pretty handsome. If I were gay, I'd go for him. I'm not… but yeah, if you were competing for love against someone like him, your chances wouldn't be great. Ayanokoji's like the perfect child of a man and a woman."
I didn't understand the last line. It sounded ridiculous. Ethan should be grateful we were texting and not face-to-face.
Just like your messages with Ayanokoji—talking about Dan Brown and some supposed award for his new work.
And then you arrived. Two hours late. You lied to your friends. You lied to me, even if you don't know it.
I was ready for you.
"Hey—remember me? I'm the girl who almost died on the tracks," you said, holding a book. But I couldn't take my eyes off yours.
I closed mine and bowed my head, hands to my temples, pretending to think.
"Hmm… wait, wait. I think I remember you… maybe," I answered.
You laughed at my act.
"Sorry I bailed on you the other night, out of nowhere," you said, clasping the book and glancing toward the counter.
"It's fine. I get it. You had company."
"Something like that… Anyway, I brought you a gift."
"You didn't have to… really."
"Shut up and look."
You handed me the book. I read the title.
Il codice da Vinci.
I opened to the first page. Normally it would be blank. Not this time. A tiny dedication—your signature and a heart.
"'Chugga-chugga, train number nine on New York tracks. If your girl falls on the rails, save her, save her, save her,'" I read aloud.
If your girl falls on the tracks?
Are you saying you're my girl?
We already have our private jokes. That means something. You may spend time with Ayanokoji, but that doesn't change the inevitable: I'll deal with him, regardless.
I lifted my eyes from the book to look at you. Good call changing the shop's bulbs—the warm light on your face made you even more beautiful.
When we live together, every bulb in the house will be this color.
To appreciate you.
"Well… that's it. I should—" you said, raising a hand toward the door.
"Maybe we could go out one day, if you're not too busy."
"Sure." You smiled. "Oh, but I still can't find my phone, so…"
"By mail. I understand."
"See you, Joe."
"See you, Beck." I replied.
You turned and left the shop.
I couldn't have been happier. You fixed my day. See why you matter to me?
Though now… other business awaited me in the basement.
...
Ethan arrived shortly after. He said he had a feeling I might need his help. He can be pathetic in his innocence, but sometimes his instincts are right. Like today. I put him in charge of the register and went downstairs to check on my new guest.
"Check the new delivery." That was all I told him to get him out of my way.
I make mistakes too, Beck. I'm human—perhaps a fool in love. But I'm right about you, and I'm going to help you get the life you deserve.
I flipped the lights and locked the gate and door with a padlock. I heard ragged breathing, frantic movements—an animal trapped in a cage. He pressed at the bulletproof glass, glanced at the machines I use to repair books, and at the volumes surrounding him. He touched his head; seeing blood on his fingers he understood where the wound came from.
It's not my fault Benji was stupid enough to come here alone. I wouldn't accept a meeting in an alley with anyone, not even with a so-called celebrity.
He stood up, lifted an arm to shield his eyes from the light, and scanned the room with trembling eyes… until they landed on mine. His breathing tried to slow, but he couldn't regain control.
Besides removing what doesn't belong in your life, I'll also have the chance to learn about you through him… the idiot Benjamin Ashby.
"Please… I don't know what you think I did, but you're making a mistake. You've got the wrong guy," he stammered.
"No… I don't think so," I said.
A smile leaked into my face. For you, Beck, that smile might seem charming. For Benji… it was enough to make him shake.
What a face—a cornered rat.
I wonder what expression I'll see on Ayanokoji Kiyotaka's face… when his turn comes.