Short Story--Coffee Date--Day 3

It's my actual birthday today and I hope you're enjoying celebrating with me this week by reading my free short story. We're on to Day 3, which means only two left after this one. If you missed the previous days, they're here: Day 1, Day 2.

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Now Kevin had gone and done it. Could this be any more humiliating?

​“Are you wanting to write a novel?” Stacy glanced from the book to him.

“No, I—” Argh. Maybe it could get more humiliating. And why did he always forget how to talk when she was around?

“Kevin.” Stacy laid a hand on his bicep. “Maybe if you tell me what you’re looking for, I could help. I know I am head of the children’s department, but I read rather widely, especially in this genre. I mean, I won’t know everything, of course—”
​
He cut her off before she could go any farther. “I was trying to figure out how it’s done.”

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Stacy blinked. “It?”

Tapping the page, he looked away, mumbling, “A date.”

When she was quiet for several minutes, he dared a peek back her way. Her eyes skimmed over the words on the page, her lips twisted to the side. After another moment, she shook her head. Not a good sign.

“If you want to get a date, you need to ask the girl.”

“Easier said than done.”

“Hmm.” She narrowed her eyes, closed the book with a slight thump, and returned it to its spot on the shelf. “These heroes make it seem very easy, but there are others who didn’t. Maybe you’re looking in the wrong place.”

“The wrong place?” Kevin waved around them. “This is the romance section. I thought these held examples of what all the girls are looking for.”

“Not every girl.” Stacy looped her arm through his and he followed her lead, too shocked to stay where he was.

“Are we going to the children’s section?” His whisper sounded loud in the quiet room. This time of night, all the kids were gone for the day.

“Yes, because some of the best classics are here. And as someone who loves history, you should appreciate a good classic.”

“Just because I love history doesn’t mean I love the way they spoke back then.”

Stacy’s laugh tinkled out, sending a wave of bookworms through his belly. “Fair enough. But I think you can handle this one.” She stopped in the As and pulled down Little Women. “One of my favorites.”

“That’s a really thick book.” The tome sat heavy in his hands.

​“Some of the best stories are.” She tapped the cover. “See if this gives you any ideas.”

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Was that what you expected to happen? Do you think he'll read the book? Have you read it? Come back tomorrow to find out what happens next.