Chapter Two

Edwin does a double-take then casually strolls over to one of the benches outside of the library. Fall may be right around the corner, but it's a perfect day for sitting outside. And, for visiting with the sweet young lady he met at work this past weekend. Lucky day, maybe?

"Excuse me, ma'am. Do you mind if I take this spot?"

Without looking up, Charlotte moves her backpack down to the ground next to her feet. "Not at all. I'm almost done, so you can have it all to yourself."

"No need to rush off," he says, trying his best not to snicker. Whatever she's reading must be really important because she hasn't taken her eyes off the pages yet!

"I have to get to class so it's—" Charlotte sits up straight, scrambling to keep the book from sliding out of her lap. "Edwin, what a nice surprise."

"I couldn't resist," he says. "I had to stop and say hi, seeing you over here sitting all by yourself."

"Aww, that's so sweet of you. I bought the wrong book for my psychology class, so Reba's been letting me use hers until I can get a new one." Charlotte holds the book up for him to see. "So much for trying to save a little money by purchasing a second-hand copy. Turns out, the edition I bought they stopped using it about two years ago. The book store on campus said they'd call me if a used copy came in, but I'm not holding my breath. I just can't fathom spending two hundred dollars for a brand new one."

"That's too bad. I know the feeling about saving a buck. I spent so much money on books these last few years, some I hardly even used. Surely they must know college students aren't made of money." Edwin was lucky enough to have received a small scholarship—enough to cover his tuition—but everything else had been up to him to pay for. Hence, the reason he started working at the Coffee Loft. "Hey, let me see that book again. That's the current one, right?"

"Yeah, this is the one," she says, holding the book up for him to get a closer look. "You could get a pretty good work-out lifting this thing up and down a few times."

"You know, I think I have it at home. I'm not certain, but I'm pretty sure it's the exact same edition."

"Could I buy it from you?" Charlotte's eyes light up. "It would save me from having to purchase a brand new one. That is, if you're willing to part with it."

"How about I give it to you? I'm a music major and the chances of me ever using it again are pretty slim."

"Isn't that the truth. I was just thinking what else could I use this for. A door stopper or a paper weight?" Snickering, she sets it down on the bench.

"No kidding. It's at least five pounds. Maybe even heavier than that."

Noticing the time, Charlotte grabs hold of her backpack and slides the bulky book inside. "I hate to rush off, but class starts in a few minutes. If it's okay, could I get your number and follow up with you about the psychology book?"

The days of jotting someone's number down on a piece of paper, folding it neatly before tucking it away in your back pocket so it's safely preserved are pretty much non-existent these days. Charlotte enters the digits into her phone almost as quickly as Edwin calls them out to her.

When the phone rings, he slides it out of his pocket, taps the screen a few times as he saves her number to his contacts, then looks up. "Got it," he confirms. "I've got to stop by my place before going into work. I'll bring it with me to the Coffee Loft and you can pick it up there after class."

"Perfect. Thank you, Edwin. You're a life saver."

Edwin waits until she's out of sight before he turns around and heads to his car. With an extra pep in his step, he begins to sing.

"…I've got a thing about you, baby…"

Though they've only chatted briefly, there's something about Charlotte that makes his heart beat a little faster. She's truly one of the nicest girls he's ever met and he can't wait to see her again.