“I can't seem to find the book I want anywhere!” I sighed as I put the book back on the shelf. I was searching for a replica of Harry Potter. I was immersed in the full series, and I felt a void after I was done reading the PDF. I wanted the hard covers to keep and reread because Kindles are great but hard covers books would always hold a place in my heart.
I sighed heavily, my hope faltering, but I was determined to find that bool even if it was the last thing I did with my paycheck! I was about to check the next section when I felt a tap on my shoulder.
“Where are you searching for this?” I spun around to catch the person behind me and when I did, I physically froze. Standing in front of me was the most fantasy-looking man I had ever seen. He had a chiselled face, a stud on one ear, the most beautiful set of brown eyes, the height of my dreams and a sleeper's build. He looked like he came out of my diary, and I was ogling at this piece of art. In his hands, he held the Harry Potter series and was gesturing to it.
When I didn't respond after a few seconds, he waved his hand across my face and bent his head to the side to examine me. That was when my deja vu cleared and I wanted to hide behind the bookshelves. I stretched out my hand to get them, but he pulled them back and touched my forehead.
“You ok, beautiful? Your eyes were dilated for a second. “
His face was laced with concern and I was torn between being ashamed and giddy. With all the power in me, I moved back and readjusted my top before staring up at him.
“I'm fine.” I chuckled and reached out for his outstretched arms. He lowered the series into my arms, and I struggled to hold it with my bag and water bottle. He had the concerned look on his face again, but before he could snatch it back, I gathered all of my books and stepped to a safe distance.
“How did you know I wanted this series anyway?” I asked him as I struggled to balance, everything. I could see he was struggling to step forward, but I kept a poker face, and I guess he got the hint.
“You've been yelling around the store, searching all the sections but fantasy and wondering why you didn't find Harry Potter.” He had a sly smile that brightened his face in unexplainable ways, and while he looked like art, I was hiding my embarrassment, but I couldn't run because I had 4 books on my arms before the Harry Potter series was added, and now it was shaking like a bad stacked up pancake tower.
“I mean, I'm not used to bookstores putting books in their right sections.” I huffed, and that was the final straw; my books were on the ground, and I just stood there for a second to take everything in. I tried to avoid his eyes and I placed it on the floor. I heard him walk away, and with each step, I felt my heart break. I knew nobody would want a clumsy girl. I sighed and bent to pick up my books when I saw a basket beside me and two pairs of large feet.
Before I could react, Mr fantasy had bent down and started packing the books with me.
“I knew I should have helped you with your books,” he said as he arranged them in the basket for me. I was star-struck. I was helping him arrange my purchase in my basket, but I kept smiling; nobody had been so nice to me before, not more than a stranger who looked like all I wanted.
We had finished packing all the books and after we got up, I said “Thank you”
He raised his eyebrows at me as if questioning why what he did was a thank-worthy job, but I smiled regardless, and he returned it. I reached out to grab my basket but he shook his head.
“ I follow you around till you purchase; we don't want any more trips happening.” He smiled and walked in the opposite direction. I stood rooted on the spot for a few seconds but followed him after. We stopped at several sections and I had to grab a second basket.
We chatted for hours, and sometimes, when we took a break, we never wanted to get up, but I got a call, and I felt a pang of guilt when I told him I had to leave. His eyes were clouded with something but he replaced it with his kind smile and got up from “our break table”. He took the second basket from me and marched to the counter.
I was unhappy at how fast he got over the bond I felt we shared. He didn't try to stop it or even ask for another meet-up. I shook my head in disappointment and walked behind him. We didn't say a word to each other till after I paid for my books, declining his offer to pay for the series he had suggested.
After I took my purchase in my hands, I turned around to say goodbye when I couldn't find him anywhere. Panic rose in my chest as my eyes scanned everywhere, but they only met other customers who were matched with a partner. They all wore the same shirt, and Mr. and I were getting more confused by the second.
I turned to the cashier and she looked at me with a kind smile and pointed to her screen. I furrowed my eyebrows but walked over to her and stared at it; I felt my bags drop to the ground, and my anger rise through the roof. I tore my eyes away from the computer and looked at her.
“ What is this?” I whispered and yelled at her. She didn't seem to be annoyed but kept smiling. I turned back to the computer and saw Mr fantasy with another girl; they were laughing hysterically, and I felt my heart shattered. I didn't want to see any of this anymore. I turned around to leave but the cashier held me back.
“Calm down, my dear, I know it hurts, but I believe Smith likes you.” I slowed my steps and turned around.
Smith? I would have never thought he was a Smith but I was more concerned about the other part.
“How are you so sure?” I asked going to the cashier. She smiled again, and for a moment, I saw Smith's sly smile, and I gasped. She chuckled and offered me a seat. I took it, and for minutes, she explained the concept of the store.
For every new user, they gave us a checklist to fill out. Asking us to create a path of our dream book boyfriend was why Smith seemed so perfect to me; for the next girl, he had rolled up his sleeves, and his tattoo was in view, so I'm guessing she vibed with that. It all made sense; everybody in the bookstore had their partner, the same uniform, and different people who looked like the sections they represented.
It was business and as much as Smith's mom claimed he liked me, this scenario was too messed up for me to divulge. So after our talk, I gave her a kind smile and got up. I saw her eyes begging but I wasn't dealing with this today or ever. I looked over the bookstore again, hoping to catch Smith staring, but I didn't, so with a shake of the head and a swing to my hips. I left the store again, a heartbroken woman, but I had enough books to keep me warm, and that was all that mattered when shopping.
