Page 61 of If You Claim Me
“He needed less time studying and more time outside,” Norm says defensively.
I like Norm the best, I decide.
“I didn’t mean to break your car,” I say.
“Are you sure about that?” Mildred pats the stool next to hers. “You can come sit with us if you promise not to break anything else.”
I do, because I’m too curious not to, and I want to be part of whatever this is.
Ethel sets a plate of cookies in front of us, and the rest of the staff gives Mildred their undivided attention.
“Today’s library adventures are brought to you by the two high school kids,” she begins.
“Was it the one who always gets up to no good?” Norm asks, settling in the seat across from her.
“Maybe. Maybe not.” Mildred’s eyes light up. “So this patron has been dating this boy for a while?—”
“The same one she got caught in the family bathroom with?” Ethel asks.
“She’ll never tell,” Norm nudges her arm.
“Right, what happened this time?”
“Well, apparently one of my young readers has discovered spicy romance, and the two of them were sitting on the floor in one of the aisles, reading together.” Mildred pauses. “With their hands down each other’s pants.”
Norm laughs. “Cleaner than the bathroom!”
“Not by much!” Ethel gives his shoulder a playful shove.
Norm’s expression shifts to alarm. “Please tell me Dorothea didn’t find them.”
“Is she the one who thought we were having an afternoon delight in your breakroom?” I ask, probably so Mildred’s attention is on me for a moment, and so I can feel included.
Mildred gives me an amused look. “Is that how you interpreted her reaction to your being somewhere you weren’t supposed to be?”
I shrug. “Yes?”
“Hmm...” She turns back to Norm and Ethel. “Dorothea didn’t find them, thank goodness.”
“It was you, wasn’t it?” Ethel’s eyes are knowing.
“It sure was.”
“What did you do?” Myrna, one of the part-time kitchen staff, takes a seat at the island, and Ethel passes her the cookies.
Everyone is so relaxed and happy, waiting for Mildred to continue with story time.
“I’m sad to say neither of them got their happy ending.” She presses her hand to her chest for dramatic effect. “However, after much embarrassment and some tears on the part of the boy who could not seem to get himself under control for quite some time?—”
“Blue balls suck,” I mutter.
Everyone’s eyes are suddenly on me. The staff looks scandalized.
“Norm, back me up! They’re super uncomfortable.”
He nods. “Yes, Mr. Grace, you’re right.”
“Are you just saying that because you feel like you have to agree with me?”
