The Library bet part II
Ling was shelving the new arrivals again when she heard the door creak open. It was mid-morning, the quiet lull between the early risers and the lunchtime rush. Ling glanced over her shoulder, expecting a regular, and froze mid-motion.
Orm stood in the doorway, grinning wide enough to rival the sun, a copy of The Night Circus held triumphantly in her hand. Her blonde hair was slightly tousled, and she looked like she'd just walked out of an indie movie-effortlessly charming and completely unaware of it.
"Mission accomplished," Orm called, waving the book like a trophy.
Ling tried to suppress a smile but failed miserably. She abandoned the cart and walked over, crossing her arms as she leaned against the desk. "Did you actually read it, or are you just showing off?"
Orm gasped dramatically, holding a hand to her chest. "You wound me. I stayed up half the night reading it so I could properly discuss it with you."
"Half the night, huh?" Ling raised an eyebrow. "That doesn't sound like your book club deadline was the only reason."
Orm rubbed the back of her neck, her amber eyes twinkling. "Maybe it wasn't. But you were right-it's a really good book. Mesmerizing, just like you said."
Ling blinked, caught off guard by the casual compliment. She coughed lightly, covering her sudden fluster. "I'm glad you liked it. I'm assuming you want me to sign off on your literary accomplishment?"
Orm set the book gently on the desk, then leaned on it with both hands, looking down at Ling. "Actually, I was hoping you'd let me take you out to coffee. You know, to discuss the finer points of the book. And, uh, maybe get to know the genius librarian who saved my book club standing."
Ling's brown eyes widened slightly. The audacity, the charm-it was like Orm lived on a different wavelength. And somehow, Ling wasn't annoyed by it.
"Coffee, huh?" Ling asked, tilting her head. "What if I say I'm busy?"
"Then I'll wait," Orm said simply, the sincerity in her voice catching Ling completely off guard. "But I hope you'll say yes."
Ling hesitated for only a moment before her lips curved into a small smile. "Alright. But I expect coffee and a very detailed book analysis."
Orm beamed. "Deal. How's tomorrow afternoon sound?"
Ling nodded. "Perfect. But you'd better come prepared-I'm not going easy on you."
Orm laughed, picking up the book again and backing toward the door. "Challenge accepted. See you tomorrow, Ling."
Ling watched as Orm left, her heart doing a funny little flip. Maybe tomorrow wouldn't just be another day at the library, after all.