Page 57 of Must Love Libraries and Libations
“The librarians and Erasmus agreed to close the library today so as not to disturb the bookwyrms,” I said, trying to stay as neutral as possible. The problem with that, however, was that I was never neutral. Winifred and I had worked together too often for her not to realize it.
Winifred’s second eyebrow lifted to match the first. “Erasmus, is it? Not Master Erasmus?”
Flee! Flee!
“Um, yes. That’s who I meant. They… The bookwyrms have a nesting pair, so… Oh, look at the flowers you’ve brought,” I said, shifting my gaze to the carts of flowers arriving from Winifred’s shop. As I scanned them, I realized Winnie had selected the best blooms to bring happiness and cheer. The carts were loaded with asters, roses, sunflowers, and more.
Winifred studied me with great intensity.
She had realized I was trying to change the subject.
“Do you need any extra hands, Winnie? I have some helpers here,” I said, gesturing to some of the workers adjusting tables.
“Thank you, dear. And will Master Erasmus be making an appearance today?” Her gaze narrowed so hard on me that I thought I might combust. The effect made heat rise up my neck and redden my cheeks. When she saw that, Winifred smiled like a bookwyrm with a cupcake.
Nooo!
“I don’t know,” I said. “Wini, I need to check on the wine. I’ll find you later, okay?” I said, then hurried off.
I had been caught. Now, I had to face the very unpleasant task of telling Winifred how I had given the gargoyle my heart, and he had said, “No, thanks.”
How humiliating.
My gaze went to the windows once more.
Still no sign of movement.
That soft hope that had lingered in my chest began to fade. He was not coming. He didn’t want me. And despite my determination to remain unbothered, I felt my sparkle dim.
CHAPTER 20
ERASMUS
Standing in the farmhouse bedroom of the orc Granik, I realized I had never been in the home of any Moonshine Hollow resident. Ever. In five hundred-plus years. For some reason, the idea had felt absurd. The elders had invited me to dine many times, but I had always been too busy with the codex, the bookwyrms, the library…any excuse to say no.
But now, stripped down to my waist, I stood in another man’s bedroom wearing his trousers, staring at his suit jacket and shirt, and wondering what to do next.
“Master Erasmus?” Granik called from the other side of the door. “It’s been… You’ve been in there a while. Is everything all right?”
I sighed. “I have a problem.”
“May I come in?”
“Please.”
Granik entered to see me standing, arms folded, at the foot of his bed, staring at the tuxedo jacket and shirt.
“Pants look good. Shirt doesn’t fit?”
As an answer, I spread my wings to their full width, allowing them to touch either wall of the room. In the process, several small items tipped over, and I nearly knocked over a lantern. I was able to gently maneuver it back in place with the tip of my wing before it tumbled to the floor.
“Ahh,” Granik said. “Right. Fit looks about right, though we just need a little…adjustment.” After a moment, he snapped his fingers. “I know what to do. I’ll be just a minute. Come downstairs, if you like. There’s lemonade and fresh grognuts.”
“I don’t want to be a burden.”
“It’s no burden. We’re all grateful to you for your work looking after the library, Master Erasmus. You’ve done a good job keeping care of the bookwyrms. I know you’ll do the same for Primrose.”
“I can only hope she’ll still have me.”
