I'd researched it at some point.I was curious about libraries in the area.
"Have you already been to this one?"Maverick asked, suddenly worried.
"I haven't."
His shoulders lowered."Then I planned the perfect date."
"You sure did," I murmured as he opened the heavy door for me.
I stepped inside and was immediately greeted by a doorman."Welcome to our evening event.You are welcome to tour the building, and dinner will be served at six."
When the doorman greeted the next guest, I asked Maverick, "We're having dinner in the library?"
He grinned wider."I thought I'd bring you here during the day.But as soon as I heard about this, I couldn't say no."
I suspected it was expensive to attend an event like this.I'd read about them online but never thought I'd have anyone to go with.What guy wants to spend the evening at a library?I wasn't even sure that Maverick enjoyed reading.But he'd brought me here because it was something I'd like to do.
I couldn't resist wrapping my arms around him and squeezing him tight.
"Not that I don't love your hugs, but what's this for?"
I looked up at him, feeling close to tears."I'm really happy.Thank you."
"I want to make you happy," he murmured against my hair, and I sighed.It was the perfect evening.
"Let's explore."I wasn't sure how much time we'd have to check things out before the event was over.
This part of the library was the newer addition with modern architecture.You could see all the way to the glass ceiling.I believe they called it the atrium.
"Did you know this is the largest library between Los Angeles and Chicago?"Maverick asked me.
"I didn't know that."I was impressed that he'd done his research.He'd wanted to choose an evening that I would enjoy.It made up for all the nights that we stayed in.I didn't have to go out all the time.But it meant a lot that he put so much thought into this date.
We wandered around the first floor, taking our time to check out the different sections and the bulletin boards full of activities.Then we went upstairs to see the children's and western reading area.There was even a large makerspace where someone could record a podcast or music or print something on a three-D printer.
Maverick checked his phone."We should head downstairs.It's dinner time."
He led the way downstairs to the lobby where tables had been set up for dinner.
"Eating among books like this is a dream come true," I said after we’d ordered.
He considered me."You can eat at your bookstore whenever you want."
"And I do, but this is different.There's so much history here.The original building was built in the early nineteen hundreds.Then there was a renovation in the fifties, and again in the nineties."
"I didn't realize that they have exhibits where they showcase artifacts and other historical events.We'll have to keep track and come back," he said.
"You'd want to do that?"I asked.
He looked around the room."I'm having fun.I'm interested in the architecture, and I thought you could also get some ideas for programs.They have a ton of them here."
We talked more about what we saw and how amazing the blend of modern and historic sections of the building worked.The place was huge, and we wouldn't get to see everything tonight.But I knew we'd be back."I think this is my new favorite place."
He raised a brow."Did you know they host weddings here?"
"I didn't.But that sounds amazing."I hadn't given much thought to my wedding, but being surrounded by books was a dream.
"Did you notice the drawings of the building renovation?It reminded me of your rendering of the patio."
"That was neat."
When dinner was over, we continued walking around, holding hands, to see more of the building.
We stayed until the event was over.I never wanted to leave.I was tired but inspired at the same time.I'd seen so many things I could incorporate into my store: creative art classes for kids, computer instruction, and even the makerspace.
On the way out, I said, "Thanks for bringing me here.It was a dream come true.A dream I didn't even know I had."
Maverick pulled me into his side, walking with his arm around my shoulders.It felt like we were a couple.
The night was cool, and it was late, but I felt content, knowing that we were in a good place.
