3
Veronica
“Lane!”
“Darlin’. I’ve missed you since you moved out west, to the big city.”
If he had any idea where I actually lived while I was out in the big city, he wouldn’t be calling it ‘the big city’. Some parts of L.A. are more dump than suburb.
“Well, guess what? I’m back for good.”
“Really?” Lane pauses what he’s doing, which was wiping down the bar between us. He gives me a funny look, a mixture of confusion and scrutiny. “What’s made you do that?”
I second guess my impulsive instinct to lie. Lane is one of my oldest and closest friends here in Aurora. I didn’t want to lie, but I also didn’t want to see that look on his face, the pitying one.
“I was fired. I didn’t have much choice about moving back. Apparently living on your own is only for people who can afford their bills.”
“You back with your parents?”
“For now. As soon as I get a job, I start saving to find my own place. Which brings me to my next point, you know of anyone hiring?”
“Really? This close to Christmas? I don’t think so darlin’.”
“I was afraid of that.” I chew on my bottom lip as I ponder the situation. “Who runs the library now?”
“Still Mrs. Cassini. You’re not thinking about trying to get your old job back, are you?
“Hey! That was the best job I’ve had thus far.” We both let out a laugh at the shenanigans that we used to get up to.
We both started ‘working’ at the library in lieu of after school detention. As it turned out, I was a good little assistant, and it was a good fit. As soon as Lane’s time was served, the library more or less kicked him out. But me? I got offered a part-time position.
I worked there for nearly three years, and I’m not kidding when I say it was the best job I’ve ever had. Mrs. Cassini was a hard ass but loveable, and cheeky once you got to know her.
Hmm. Well, if she’s still head librarian, I should pop by to at least say hello. It’d be rude not to.
“So, what are you up to today? Did you come all this way just to be welcomed home by me?”
“Hah. Look who’s a comedian.” I search the back booths where Katie and her friends usually like to hang out, but I don’t see her. I’m not mad, it’s what I get for being early. “I’m here meeting Katie for lunch.”
“Speak of the devil,” Lane says as he looks up. I do the same to see Katie walking through the door. She starts our way when she spots me on the barstool.
“Hey stranger,” she giggles. Lane slides us two menus before leaving us be.
“Hey.”
“My small place seems so big without you there. I actually kinda miss ya, cuz.”
I let her lead me over to a table and roll my eyes.
I don’t believe for a second that she’s even noticed that I’m gone, much less actually go as far as to miss me.
“How’s things?”
“Things? You mean how is being a jobless, friendless loser who’s stuck living with her parents going? It’s great.”
“I’m sure things will look up soon,” she reassures me with a fragile smile.
I burst out laughing. Not only is my life laughable at the minute, but to witness the outspoken Katie try to be comforting is about enough to cheer me up.
