We head downstairs and he just holds my hand and watches me eat while we put on a movie, like it’s the most important thing he could possibly be doing.
31
DELILAH
I’ve been pacing for ten minutes. I stare at Troy’s message for then hundredth time, thumb hovering over the keyboard.
Hawkins
Still on for Thanksgiving?
No pressure, but Mom needs a head count for pie.
I want to say yes. I almost text back.
But instead, I scroll past his name and tap another one, there’s something I need to do first.
Mr. Abernathy picks up on the second ring.
“Elliot’s Books & Oddities, where paper still beats pixels,” he says, cheerful as ever.
I smile. “Hey, it’s me, Delilah.”
“Well now, Miss Delilah Greer. What a pleasure.” His voice softens. “You’re not calling to say you’re quitting, are you? Because Irefuseto train another college student who doesn’t know what a first edition is.”
“God, no.” I sit on the arm of my couch, twisting a blanket tassel around my finger. “Actually… I was wondering if I could maybe take a couple days off this week.”
There’s a pause on the other end.
“…You?”
“Yeah.”
“You’ve worked here three years and haven’t asked for a single shift off unless you had the flu or finals.”
I wince. “I know.”
“Didn’t even take your birthday off last year. Said books don’t care about your age.”
“Books don’t give you hangovers either.”
He chuckles. “True enough.”
Another pause. Then, speaking quietly, he asks, “Are you spending the holidays with someone?”
I hesitate. “A friend. His family.”
There’s a crackle on the line, like he’s nodding. “That’s good. You should go.”
“I didn’t mean to spring it on you last minute?—”
“Delilah,” he interrupts gently, “please go.”
His voice shifts—not annoyed, but… wistful.
“Spend the time while you can. With people who make you feel seen. Who make you feel warm.” He clears his throat, and the sound of it catches a little. “The world changes fast, and the heart forgets slow.”
My chest aches. I think of the photo behind the counter—Mrs. Abernathy smiling in a garden, clutching a paperback copy of The Secret Garden, her hair braided with marigolds.
