29. The Librarian

I leaned back in my chair and took a sip of lemonade before surveying what little work I needed to do for the day. Spring, which up until a few days ago had been a holdover of the cold days of winter, had warmed up, and everyone who usually huddled in the library and read books was outside enjoying the sunny weather.

I didn’t mind, as I was in need of a bit of a break from the swaths of people and monsters coming in at all hours of the day. Soon, children would be out of school for the summer and parents would bring them in to pick out some books to read in their copious free time, but until then, I was blessed with a little more peace and quiet.

I’d just picked up my most recent matchmaking applications to place them in the book of matchmaking when the bell on the door jingled and a large, green monster ambled inside. Behind him, a man at least half his height and width sidled in, stepping up next to him as they approached the counter.

“Well, well, if it isn’t my most recent matchmaking success.” I beamed. “I must say, it’s a delight to see the two of you back together.”

“We’re happy about it too.” Nico grinned and squeezed Cyrus’ hand.

“And we have you to thank,” Cyrus said. “We didn’t believe you in the beginning, but as it turned out, you were correct all along.”

“Yes, well, that seems to be a running theme with my matches.” I shook my head. “But that is neither here nor there. I’m absolutely thrilled that you found each other again after a bit of a rough patch. Things are going well, yes?”

“Oh, yes.” Cyrus nodded vigorously. “We couldn’t be happier.”

“And,” Nico said, his soft brown eyes sparkling with enthusiasm, “we have some exciting news to share with you.”

“Oh?” I cocked my head. “Do tell.”

Nico and Cyrus exchanged glances. “I got a promotion!” Nico blurted out.

I clasped my hands together. “Oh, that’s wonderful news.”

“Yes,” Cyrus explained, “the head chef at his restaurant obtained a new job and has moved on from that location. Nico was next in line, and he was more than ready to accept his dream job.”

“The extra money doesn’t hurt either,” Nico added. “Everything has just worked out so well these last few months, I can hardly believe it. Sometimes I feel like pinching myself to make sure I’m not in a dream.”

“Well, I can assure you that you’re not dreaming,” I replied. “Fate has a curious way of playing out sometimes.”

“It helps to have a mysterious fae for a friend,” Cyrus said, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied me. “Anyway, we’re planning a small party at my house to celebrate, and we were wondering if you might like to stop by. We’re only having a few of our closest friends, so you don’t have to worry about being out of place. Irving and your cousin will be there too, of course.”

“I would love to go,” I said. “At what time does this party begin?”

“Tonight at 6,” Nico told me. “I’m making all the food and I can promise there will be plenty for everyone.”

“Oh, I don’t doubt that. Well, I would be delighted to come and celebrate both the promotion and your proper debut as a couple.”

Cyrus pulled Nico into a gentle embrace, his arm encompassing most of Nico’s body. “We would love that. Thank you, Librarian.”

Nico nodded. “Yes, thank you. We couldn’t have done any of this without the library and its wonderful services.”

“You would be surprised what you could accomplish even without the matchmaking service, but I will take your praise as the utmost compliment, and I shall see both of you later this evening.” I chuckled. “Now shoo and let me get back to my work.”

They left the library arm-in-arm, only breaking apart for a moment so they could fit through the door. Cyrus’ truck started up in the parking lot and I turned my attention back toward the big book of matchmaking. I had another successful story to write down, and I needed to get on that if I wanted it done in time for my next match, whoever they might be.