“I have a proposal for this property,” Sam continued. “We need to stop clinging to the past. It’s holding us back from becoming a town firmly rooted in the twenty-first century.”
“What sort of proposal?” I asked warily.
“There are pockets of land here and there that cell phones get no service in. Some residents still rely on dial-up internet, believe it or not. I’ve proposed purchasing this property and the surrounding lots from the town to build a cell tower and a new shopping center. It’ll create several new jobs and bring some life back to Main Street.”
“How will you build a cell tower around the library?”
Sam laughed heartily, like I was dense. “You’re a sweet guy, Christopher.”
“I am?”
“We’d bulldoze the building. It’s too old and needs too much work. It’s not worth keeping.”
“I—but—that’s exactly why itshouldbe kept! It’s a landmark! There’s so much history—”
“Yes, I know about the history. You sound like a mini-Logan. This library is not cost-effective. It’s really that simple.”
“But it’s not about making money,” I declared. “It’s about having a safe and free place for people to come and learn! This town doesn’t even have a bookstore—you have to drive nearly twenty miles to the closest one, and then you have to buy the book! Libraries are here for those who can’t afford to make that purchase. For kids who need resources for school, or even—if we were able to purchase a computer or two, we’d have high-speed internet for those who need something better than dial-up. Libraries are crucial!”
Sam was not smiling anymore. “I wanted to offer you a job, Christopher.”
“I don’twantto work at a shopping center,” I replied firmly, crossing my arms. “I want to work here. I cannot in good faith step aside and see this place torn down.”
Sam was quiet for a beat, like he was deciding on what to say next, but the creaking of Miles on the stairs kept him from offering further rebuttal. “I’m sorry to hear that. It’s a shame you’ll soon be unemployed.” He turned to the front door. “Nice to meet you,” he added, before walking out.
“Asshole,” I muttered as the door slammed shut.
“He’s insufferable,” Miles stated.
I turned around to look at him standing on the last stair. “Did you hear what he said?”
Miles nodded. “Sam has made it no secret that he intends to purchase this land. He owns a small construction company, you see.”
I shook my head, arms dropping to my sides. “I don’t understand people like that. I know this place doesn’t get the traffic a city library would, but….”
“It’s still important,” Miles finished. “I spent most of my childhood here.”
“Really?”
He nodded again.
My stomach growled suddenly, loud enough to be mistaken for a monster in some underground cavern. “Oh God,” I said, laughing and rubbing my stomach. “I was going to order food before that jerk came in.”
“I brought lunch,” Miles stated. “Enough to share.”
“What? No, that’s not necessary.”
“It’s better than most places in town.” Miles fetched his backpack from the checkout desk.
I went to his side. “That’s really kind of you. Lunch will be on me next.”
Miles smiled slightly as he removed a big thermos from the bag. “Just promise you won’t order the chicken wings from Paul’s Pizza.”
“Why?”
“They aren’t chicken.”
I made a face and he laughed. He had a gorgeous laugh—deep and rich—and it made my entire body thrum with delight.
