Page 5 of Roommating

“I do. I have three more semesters including this one, but since I don’t take summers off, I’ll graduate in a year.”

Adam sits on the edge of the couch and studies me again. “What kinds of things are you learning?”

“Be careful what you wish for. I can literally talk about libraries all day, but…” A glance at my phone alerts me to the time. “Can we continue this later? If I have any shot at getting to work on time, I need to go.”

Adam winces. “Of course. Sorry to keep you.”

“No worries! It’s great to meet you and I’m looking forward to being your roomie.”

Adam smiles slowly. “Same.”

With a loud “Bye, Marcia!” I grin at Adam once more, grab my coat and bag, and head out.

Chapter Three

It’s two hours into my workday at the library, and I’m placing returned books back on the shelves while briefing my co-worker and friend, Gabriel, on Adam. Gabe is the adult services librarian, but it’s a slow day, and no adults are currently seeking his services.

“And it was full of books!” I say, referring to Adam’s heavy messenger bag. “He even knew what an MLIS was without me having to tell him.”

Gabe scratches the brown skin along his jaw. “I’m confused. Is Adam here to reconnect with this grandma, or is this some freak reality dating show where seniors set up their grandchildren with their roommates?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say, hiding my burning face with a large-print version ofReminders of Himby Colleen Hoover.

Gabe lowers the book. “He was so good with Rocket! His bag looked so light when it was draped casually on his shoulder but nearly pulledmyarm out of the socket!” His russet-brown eyes twinkle.

I lean against the bookshelf and cross my arms over my chest. “Was that supposed to be me?”

“It was. I’m just missing the moonbeams shooting out of my eyes.” He laughs.

“Stop.” The plea is halfhearted, since he has a point. It kind of sucks that the first guy I’ve been attracted to in a while is my roommate’s grandson and therefore off-limits.

Gabe gestures toward the circulation desk, where Lane is waving us over, and motions for me to follow.

I hesitate. The library cart is full, and when I’m finished returning books, I have a list of ones on hold to pull. Still, I follow Gabe, dragging the cart with me to appear productive in case Jenny, our branch manager, is walking the floor.

Lane, one of the circulation clerks, looks bored out of their mind behind the semicircular desk and brightens when they see us. “The place is dead today. Talk to me. Please.”

“Sabrina has the hots for her new roommate.” Gabe gives them the SparkNotes version of our prior conversation.

Lane’s hazel eyes light up, and they lean over the desk in interest. “Show me some pics.”

“I would, but his presence on IG is basically nonexistent,” I say.

Lane and Gabe exchange grins.

“Checking out his social media? You’re such a creeper, Finkelstein,” Gabe says.

I put my hands on my hips. “I wasn’t creeping. I was just curious what he looked like, so I checked his socials.”

“And whatdoeshe look like?” Gabe asks.

“He’s a cross between Dylan Sprayberry and Kevin Zegers.”

“You’re not helping your case,” Lane says, scratching their shaved head.

Gabe chuckles.

I scrub a hand over my face. “Please stop. It doesn’t matter how hot he is. Nothing’s going to happen between me and Adam. He’s here for Marcia, not me.”

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