Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 84670 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 423(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 282(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84670 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 423(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 282(@300wpm)
Biting the inside of my cheek, I started up the stairs, slowing as I reached the top because I wasn’t sure if I was about to step into Rome’s line of sight. Meeting rooms lined the right side, and a children’s library and teen section were on the left.
In the children’s section, there were long rows of bookshelves, but they were much shorter for smaller readers. On top of one bookshelf sat a giant blue dragon who watched over his hoard of books and littlest guests. A mural of rolling green hills dotted with fall-colored trees. Despite it being a cold and dreary day, the library was a warm and cheery escape.
A reception desk stood like a friendly guardian at the entrance, with a pair of librarians ready to greet everyone who entered, but they weren’t paying any attention to me. Both of them were standing and staring at the rear of the room.
I eased into the library and peered down one of the wide aisles to see at least twenty kids seated on the floor along with a scattering of parents. All of them gazed up at the man in a blue plastic chair, holding a book in one hand. Rome was dressed in a pair of brown slacks and a cream-colored cable-knit sweater that made him appear like a soft, approachable marshmallow despite his overall evil dark beard.
With all his focus on the book and the kids in front of him, I could look my fill and not worry about him noticing. That night at the museum, I’d noted that he was still taller than me, but it was only by an inch at most. The prick must have gotten his growth spurt early, while what small amount I had hadn’t kicked in until I was nearly done with high school. His brown hair was arranged in a high pompadour, as if the idiot was trying to give himself another inch in height, while his bright ocean-blue eyes sparkled with excitement as he read the book about the dragon.
If I hadn’t already known he was a reprehensible asshole whose one goal was to ruin my life, I’d admit he was a handsome enough man. If you were interested in men. He still reeked of money, but at least Rome did it in a somewhat tasteful manner. It wasn’t as if he were dripping gold while luxury brand names were emblazoned on every one of his garments.
“The dragon roared.” Rome’s gruff voice rose, changing to a loud roar that filled the library, obviously disturbing anyone who was attempting to read during his performance. “He took one step. Another step.” Rome got to his feet and stomped one foot and then the other, as if mimicking the dragon. “The dragon placed his foot on a tiny toy car and tumbled—ahhhhhh!” Rome made a show of flailing his arms as he fell into his chair, making all the kids giggle and squeal at his antics. “He fell right on his tail!”
I eased closer to stand half-hidden behind one of the large pillars that lined the center aisle. My heart squeezed and my scalp prickled as I watched him. Maybe he was good with kids. Maybe the big moron always knew how to make people laugh and be friends with everyone because he was an oversized kid himself.
I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He glowed with enthusiasm as he read aloud the story of the clumsy dragon and the kids who saved him. Minutes ticked by, and I hung on his every word, just like those children. Not so much because I needed to know how the story worked out, but I didn’t dare look away from his antics. What would that crazy man do next?
Yet, the children’s book ended all too quickly, and as Rome closed it, all the kids and parents clapped. Rome jumped to his feet and gave a dramatic bow. At the same time, I woke from the spell he’d woven and lurched the rest of the way behind the column, hiding from his sight. That had been too close. I pressed a hand to my chest to keep my racing heart inside. I couldn’t let him see me here. The timing wasn’t right. It would be better if I could walk up to him, away from the prying eyes of both kids and adults.
Downstairs!
I could watch from a distance and find the perfect moment to strike.
No, wait. What if he was a librarian for the children’s section? He might not return to the first floor until the end of his shift, and I didn’t want to hang out here that long. Someone might wonder if I was a creepy stalker.
Shit! Shit! Shit!
Hanging out upstairs wasn’t any better if I didn’t have a kid. Then I definitely looked like a creepy stalker.