Rising Shards

I offered to drive us, but I didn’t know where this bookstore was, and Evy insisted. It was only the second time she’d driven me anywhere, but I really liked her doing so. She was a lot better at handling wintry roads, so I got to enjoy the scenery of fluffy snow falling around us. Neither of us were saying date for our little trip, but the idea of a date was definitely in the air.

In a way, it was good this little adventure was sprung upon me and that I didn’t have time to prepare. I tended to overthink dates, planning things out way too much, like down to the minute on scheduling notebooks, then I get testy if we aren’t matching the itinerary. Lys, my ex, hated it. It extended past dates too; I saved up enough to take Zeta and I on a weekend vacation a few years earlier and she wanted to just relax in the hotel while I had a very long list of things I wanted to accomplish in our short trip that had very strict time limits. That vacation was probably a lot less fun for Zeta because of me. I kept that fun dampening thought in mind and tried to be more spontaneous for Evy’s sake so she didn’t have a horrible time.

I was in love with the bookstore the instant we walked through, the doorway ringing a bell signaling our arrival. I was greeted with an immediate peaceful ambiance, with the fragrance of various coffees and books both old and new wafting around us. The café part was off to the side, but there were seats and tables spread around the entire store. It also looked to have a great selection of books, with tons of genres visible just from my initial glances around. I also was digging the amount of pride related banners and local inclusive authors’ books on display, made me feel very welcome.

“OK, that look says we picked the right bookstore.” Evy said. “The other one doesn’t have a café in it so it would be just a shopping…trip.”

I was hoping Evy would say date, but I didn’t think I would have been able to say it so I didn’t blame her or anything.

“So, where do we start?” I asked.

“They take their time making the food, so let’s order first and then look around if that works for you?” Evy asked.

“Sounds fun!” I said. “I have such a craving for a breakfast sandwich. Like something with bacon and eggs.”

“I think they have those…” Evy said.

We got our orders in and were given a little number tag. We were told to bring that to whichever table we’d like to sit at, and they’d bring our food and drinks to us. We picked a spot on the second floor next to the balcony that gave us a great view of the entire store. As we walked up the stairs, I took a moment to grab Evy’s elbow. She flinched when I did it but didn’t panic or tell me to let go or anything. I guess I decided this was a date as I rested my head on her shoulder for just a second as well.

“Are there any books you’re looking for?” I asked.

“Uhhh I got a list somewhere,” Evy said. “I was just going to wander today.”

“In that case…” I said. “I have an idea!” I had the idea about fifteen minutes earlier before we even left but for some reason it felt easier to act like I just thought of it. “How about we each pick a book out for the other?”

“Like a book exchange dealie?” Evy asked. “That sounds fun, I’d be down for it.”

“Yay!” I said. “We can do it right now, if you’d like?”

“Sure, yeah, the food will take a bit,” Evy said. “Any rules? Since you saved my ass with rent, I have some book spending money. And I’m covering the breakfast and coffee too. Unless you majorly have an issue with the latter.”

“I don’t, I would appreciate that,” I said. “And I was thinking… OK, I’m thinking two books, actually. One I think you’ll like, and one I’d like you to read. If that makes sense.”

“I get ya.” Evy said. “I like having something more focused to do. I was just gonna follow you around, honestly.”

I got out my phone and set a timer. “Let’s say…ten minutes? Is that enough time? Fifteen?”

“Whatever you think is best,” Evy said. She grinned.

“You have some ideas already?” I asked.

“Maybe.” Evy said.

“Well maybe I have some ideas for what I’m going to get you, too.” I said. “And no judgment if we don’t like em, just don’t be a jerk about it. I don’t like faking enjoyment for gifts, but I also really don’t like immediately crapping on someone being kind.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be honest but not like…rude?” Evy said. I don’t think she entirely followed me, but she was trying to, and I really found that cute.

“I’m a good-ass gift giver, just letting you know now.” I said.

“And you’re good at gifting ass as well.” Evy said without missing a beat. Some heads turned our way, but she didn’t care, she just kept grinning at me, as though none of them mattered to her, and as though she’d actually said something hot. Her sheer confidence after dropping that line on me actually made me blush somehow. I felt a sudden sense of pride of whatever Evy and I had going on.