Page 73 of Before Dawn

I nodded, though she couldn’t see it. “Yeah, but it’s basically empty now. Anyway, goodnight. Love you.”

“I love you too,” she said warmly before hanging up.

Before finally drifting off, I sent a quick text to Mikkel.

me:Sorry for the lack of communication today. I was unpacking. Sweet dreams!

And as always, he replied almost instantly.

@mikkelsuarezofficial:Hey Red.

@mikkelsuarezofficial:I figured you were. Dulces sueños,37 Red.

me:Do you always answer messages this quickly?

@mikkelsuarezofficial:When you’re the one messaging me, then yes.

I blushed so hard my cheeks started burning.

me:*melting emoji*

@mikkelsuarezofficial:Get some rest. We’ll definitely talk tomorrow.

Chapter Sixteen

Abigail-Ann

“Love is a canvas furnished by nature and embroidered by imagination.”

~ Voltaire

Ipushed open the door toBook Culture, a charming indie bookstore nestled in the heart of the city. The scent of fresh paper mixed with the familiar musk of old books wrapped around me as I stepped inside. Tall bookshelves lined the walls, and cozy reading nooks with plush armchairs were scattered throughout. A staircase in the corner led up to a mezzanine level, giving the space an inviting, layered feel. Soft indie folk music hummed from the speakers, blending seamlessly with the occasional beep of the register and the quiet rustle of pages turning.

I inhaled deeply, trying to steady my nerves. This job was supposed to be a fresh start, a way to regain control over my life. But standing here, gripping the strap of my bag a little too tightly, I realized just how muchworking in public meantinteractingwith people. And that was the part I wasn’t sure I was ready for.

I shook the thought away and took a careful step forward.One thing at a time, Abigail. Just breathe.

The young woman at the front desk glanced up and gave me a friendly smile.

“Hi, I’m Abigail-Ann Asher, and I’m here for an interview with Adeline,” I said, my voice betraying a mix of excitement and nerves.

She nodded, still smiling. “Sure, just a moment.” She picked up the phone and made a quick call. “Adeline will be right out.”

I shifted on my feet, exhaling slowly as I tried to shake off the tightness in my chest. A moment later, a tall woman in her early thirties approached. Her dark purple hair framed her warm, professional expression as she walked toward me, dressed in a striped dress and black ankle boots.

“You must be Abigail,” she said, extending her hand with a welcoming smile. “I’m Adeline.”

“That’s right,” I replied, shaking her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“Wonderful. Come on back to my office.”

I followed her through the store, my gaze flickering over the well-stocked shelves and tucked-away reading corners. It was the kind of place I could easily get lost in—if my nerves weren’t buzzing loud enough to drown out the comfort of my surroundings.

Adeline’s office was cozy but cluttered, with stacks of books piled on almost every available surface. A framedPride and Prejudicequote hung on the wall, and a steaming cup of coffee sat precariously close to a stack of sticky notes.

“Please, have a seat,” she gestured. I sat down, shifting slightly as I tried to relax.

“The position is for a bookseller—customer assistance, organizing books, and helping with events. Your schedule is Monday to Wednesday, 9am to 5pm; Saturday, 10am. to 2pm.; Sunday, 4pm. to 10pm. Thursdays and Fridays are your off days.”

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