Page 31 of Let Me

I ask, “How does that sound?”

“It sounds amazing.”

“It does?”

“Yes.I like spending time with you.”

“The feeling is mutual, Autumn.I like spending time with you, too.Ay, speaking of—the crew is getting together tomorrow evening.”

“Where?”

“Commonplace Books.”

“Don’t tell me you’re a reader, too.”

“I am.”

“Of course you are.”

“What about you?”

“Yes, I enjoy reading, but like everything else, it’s a challenge to find time to actually do it.”

“Then we’ll get you back on track tomorrow.I’m going to pick out a book for you.The store closes at eight, so you’ll have time to get home and unwind before work Monday morning.”

“You got it all planned out, huh?”

I try to conceal the excitement building inside of me by constantly telling myself she’s like the others – just a friend – but I know that’s a lie.I can’t even stop staring at her lips long enough to remember what I’m supposed to be doing next.Oh, that’s right – getting dessert out of my bag.

I reach inside, take out two slices of strawberry cheesecake, and say, “Would you like some?”

“Yeah.Sure.”I take out some plastic forks and hand one to her.

“Thanks, Judah.”

“You’re welcome.”

She opens the container, taking a good amount on the fork.“Mmm.This is really good.”

I eat some as well.

She asks, “What did you go to college for?”

“Economics.”

“I take it you didn’t like it.”

“I did.It was a lot of learning and studying—long nights of staring at my computer and the work was never-ending.But, I’m pretty good at it.”

“I imagine you would be.My question is, if you’re good at it, why are you working at your parents’ store?”

“Because I like it.”

“You like it?”

“Yes.Do you know how many interesting people I meet in the course of the day?I met a woman a few days ago who teaches Braille.Never met anyone like that.She said she used to be a professor.”

She nods and says, “I get that you like meeting interesting people, Judah, but you didn’t answer my question.”

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