Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

JAY

“It’s hot as fuck out here.” My best friend, Maverick, complains.

“And that’s why we’ll be working in there .” I point to the huge brick building that has MAGNOLIA POINT LIbrARY written across the front.

“But with no AC, we’ll be just as hot.”

“And that’s why they called us,” I mutter, slamming the door to the work truck with a little more vigor than intended.

Taking note of my jeans sticking to my legs and my t-shirt already soaked through with sweat, I trudge up the sidewalk to the front door as Maverick says, “Sometimes I really hate this job.”

“No, you don’t,” I respond with a laugh. ”You love me, and you love the work.”

“Debatable.” he grumbles, tearing his hat from his head rather aggressively and running his hand through his hair before placing his hat back on.

I get it. Working in the heat isn't for everyone, but we grew up in Magnolia Point, so the heat waves are nothing new. My Dad and his brother started Parker we always had plenty of food for anyone who stopped by, which my friends did more often than not.

My mom loved having everyone to cook for and dote over, and when Christina and I started dating, she loved having a girl to talk with.

But nothing good ever lasts, and now Mom is back to hanging with just the guys again.

“This library is a hazard,” my older cousin, Wes, interjects. “These rooms are too hot and the vents too old. They need a complete overhaul.”

“And that’s why I wanted this bid,” I explain. “It’s a huge job for us and will be a great expansion for Parker & Sons.”

When I graduated high school it was just assumed that I would work with my dad. He and my uncle still ran things, but they were getting older, and with Wes and I being the only two boys next in line, we knew we’d be in charge someday. And since I’m grateful for what this job did for me as a kid, it’s only right I give back.

“Oh, hello boys,” Mrs. Holly, the librarian, calls out. She appears to be one hundred and two years old as she shuffles toward us carrying three bottles of water, and I meet her halfway, helping her to the chair that Wes has pulled out. “Oh, thank you, Wes. You’re a good boy. Whew, it’s another hot one today, isn't it? Are you sure you’re okay to be here working?”

“Yes, Mrs. Holly,” I answer. “We’ve got to get this place up and running comfortably again for you. These industrial fans will help but it’s not like being in the cool air.”

“Honey, I haven’t felt cool air in fifty-three years. This beach town only gets hotter each year.”

“But not with the right kind of heat,” Maverick grumbles, and I smack his shoulder in a good-natured reprimand.

“It’s fine,” I assure her. “We’ll get you situated real quick.”

“I just wanted to let you boys know as of tomorrow, I am a free lady,” she crows jovially. “I’ve officially retired, and a new librarian is coming in.”

I’m not sure why I’m surprised given Mrs. Holly has been here since my dad was in school, which means she’s long overdue for retirement. “Congratulations! That's a big accomplishment.”

“It is. Sixty-two years is a long time. But I've loved every minute of it," she replies with a knowing smile. She’s watched us all grow up and I have a feeling she knows more about the stuff we did than she lets on.

“What are you going to do now?” Wes asks.

“I’ll spend time with my husband. And I'll still be here helping the new girl. She’s young, like you, Jay. Maybe it will be someone you want to get to know?” She raises her brows and her knowing smile broadens.

“Mrs. Holly, always playing matchmaker.” I laugh along with her, her intrusiveness not bothering me in the least.

Mrs. Holly squints at me and then says in a perturbed tone. “You're a handsome man with a great job. Don’t let yourself go to waste. That ex-girlfriend of yours didn’t know what she had.”

I groan inwardly. It’s been almost nine years since Christina publicly embarrassed me, yet everyone in town still thinks about it, even though I’ve honestly moved on from it. She hasn’t been a thought in quite some time but since I’m one of the resident bachelors, everyone in town likes to try to set me up.

“He doesn’t need a girl when he’s got his romance book girlfriends, Mrs. Holly.” Wes says as he nudges Mrs. Holly and she giggles.

“Wes! Shh!”

“Oh, I know you love those love stories. I may be quiet, but I'm observant.” She leans in and whispers, “I love those stories, too, but don’t you want to read them with someone?”

It’d be nice to actually meet someone who wants to put down roots here, and it would be nice to read a book or two with them. My life is here. This is my love and I’m happy. Now I just need to find someone who wants that, too.

“That's exactly why he can’t get a date,” Maverick replies snarkily. “He’s too busy looking for a book girlfriend, even knowing they don’t exist. No one can be that sweet and perfect like the books make them.”

Slightly embarrassed that they all know I read these love stories, I still won't deny it. Shrugging I reply, “I like what I like. And I'm okay with holding out for someone who meets my standards.”

“Your standards are too high, don’t you wanna get laid?”

“Maverick!!” I exclaim and Mrs. Holly laughs.

“Oh boys, I'm going to miss hearing your banter. Don't worry, I was young once, too.” She stands and pats my face. “You’re a good man, Jay Parker. And the right woman is going to come along. You’re going to read to her, she’s going to read to you and you're going to have a story book love. Mark my words. In fact, with the new romance reader book club happening, maybe you’ll sit in on the group one night and fall in love with more than just a story.”

“Yeah, and find someone to sit on your face while you’re at it.” Wes’s snicker quickly turns to a groan when I punch his bicep. Sure, Mrs. Holly’s statement does sound nice, but I can’t imagine finding that here. I’ve grown up with everyone in town, they either know my life story or I’ve already dated them once or twice.

“I need a miracle girl to drop in my path.”

“I’ll be sure to send a prayer up for you.” Mrs. Holly says as she makes her way to the back counter again, grabbing a small stack of books to put on the shelves behind her.

I turn to Wes and Maverick, snapping my fingers as I say, “Come on you two, let's see exactly what needs to be ordered so we can get back here first thing in the morning and get this place running again. If they've got some new book club starting up I know they’re going to push to have this work done. Let’s not piss off the new librarian right out the gate.”