Page 56 of Silver Linings
Her eyes glint, and we hold each other’s stare, completely unaware of the tension filling the room as several eyes bounce back and forth between the two of us.
“Carmen,” continuing to hold my gaze, she calls out to the young woman who just borderline killed me, “can you elaborate on what you said?”
She’s teasing me on purpose.
“Absolutely. I could filibuster this particular topic.” She stands and makes her way to the front next to Silver and Holly. The latter introduces her as the shop’s part-time booksellerand in-house monster smut expert. “First, I think we need to address the fact that he is the Orc village’s blacksmith. That may not be relevant to the double peen situation, but itishot. Metaphorically and literally.”
The audience collectively bursts into laughter, with several people hollering in agreement.
Joy emanates around the room for the rest of the evening. Everyone is making new friends, laughing together, forgetting their troubles, and it’s all because Silver had an idea. She brought all these people together. She had a part in the story of the friendships formed tonight. This thing that has brought her anxiety and fear has also brought community.
I don’t think she even realizes it.
So, I take it all in for her. I listen to every question and answer.
I have no idea what the hell they’re talking about the whole night, but I know in my bones that I’ll read every book from here on out.
For her.
I hang back at the entrance to the store while Silver, Holly, and Carmen all chat with various members of the book club at the back. There’s a signup sheet for the next meeting, and nearly everyone who attended today has signed up to come again next month. One thing is undeniable: each person left feeling lighter than when they came in, myself included.
When the last person shuffles out, Silver makes her way towards me, and damn, if my heartbeat doesn’t pick up just a little.
The satin of her skirt swishes against her hips with each step in my direction, and I try my damndest to not stare for too long. I fail miserably, and she definitely notices, if the smirk on her face is anything to go by.
“What did you think ofForged by Fire?” A wicked glint dances through her eyes knowing I was completely blindsided by the subject material.
“I’m considering a career change. It would seem metalsmiths are more popular than maintenance techs, based on everyone’s reaction tonight.”
“I don’t know… I can think of one maintenance tech I kinda like.” She holds my stare, not backing down. Always bold. Always sure of herself and what she wants.
“Yeah?” I swallow.
“Yeah.” She smiles. “Ireallymiss Sal.”
A laugh explodes out of me, and her resounding giggle does me in further.
“How are you feeling about tonight?” I nod to the empty seats scattered everywhere. Cups and napkins litter the floor from where Silver told people to leave them for her to pick up later.
“It’s actually incredible.” She beams. “I knew we had some signups, but I didn’t expect that many. Could you tell I was nervous?” She glances down at her shoes shyly.
I shake my head. “You were a natural,” I reassure her.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah,” I parrot softly back to her.
It’s insane to me that someone who exudes such effortless confidence is doubting herself after an objectively successful night. It makes me wonder how much of what she projects to the world is real and what’s for show.
“I was a little apprehensive that all the unfinished projects would put some people off, but no one seemed to mind.” Shegives a contented little sigh as she scans her eyes around the room.
We’ve made good progress over the last week, but we’re only a third of the way done with repairing all the shelves, which means two thirds of the furniture throughout the store is well-worn and walnut brown while the third we’ve repaired this week are pristine and a crisp white. Finishing the bookshelves in addition to some repairs to the tables, floors, and the staircase leading up to the second floor will keep us busy for a while. I’m assuming it’ll take another few weeks of work to get this place exactly how she wants it.
And I’m perfectly content with extending that timeframe if it means more time with Silver.
“Why did you come?” she blurts out after a prolonged silence while fiddling with the gold pendant hanging off her neck.
How honest should I be?
