“Sorry about your sister. It must suck they only let you borrow one book at a time.”
Will purses his lower lip. “They let me borrow three.”
Three?!
Oh, he and Francie are about to have a serious talk.
“Does your sister tell you which book she wants to read?”
Will sighs, and even that sounds manly. “I wish, but it’s always a gamble. She mostly likes fantasy, so Francie tries to help with recommendations.”
Owen makes a face. “Francie? She can’t tell the difference between a fairy and an elf.”
Based on the look on Will’s face, he can’t either.
“Do you know what your sister has already read?”
“Yeah, I remember.”
Owen puts a hand over his heart. “I’d be honored to share my wisdom and help you pick out books.”
Will smiles, then his smile falters, as if he remembered something unpleasant. “I don’t want to bother you.”
“I honestly don’t have anything better to do.”
He walks with Will to the fantasy aisle, noticing his faint aftershave scent. He wonders if Will realizes how good he looks. With some people you can easily tell how self-aware they are, but Will seems unbothered by his appearance.
Owen picks up books he’s either read or heard good things about, and Will has no objection.
“Tell me if she liked them.”
“I’ll do that. Thank you. You should consider working here.”
“I don’t think they need the help.”
Will shrugs. “I heard that Francie is looking for part-time help in the evenings.”
Owen glances at the old woman as she reads her book. Working here would be a great way to pass the time and feel less purposeless. “I’ll speak with her. Thanks for the tip. Um, do you maybe want to grab something to eat?” He’s already eaten, but he can eat more under the right circumstances.
“I should head over to my sister. Another time.”
“Will you be at Rodie’s tonight?”
“I… yes, I’ll stop by.”
“Cool. Oh, I see you have a cat.”
“A cat?”
Owen points at Will’s neck. “You have scratches.”
Will’s face flushes in an instant. “Branches,” he mumbles.
“Huh?”
“I got those from branches. At work.”
“Oh, right. Because of the trees.” Owen smiles, sensing that Will isn’t telling the truth.
