Page 22 of When We Were Young

I feel the corners of my mouth curve up as I think about her. About my sweet library girl.

It’s time I tell her how I feel.

I’ve replaced pretty much everything I used to fill my free time with by studying in the library. Especially frat house parties—not that I ever went to a lot. I’ve pissed my frat brothers off for that. They say more girls will show up if they know I’m coming, which is ridiculous thinking.

I need to move for next year.

Maybe I could move in with Hayden, my real brother.

Who am I kidding?

Hayden is hardly around now that he’s gotten serious about the woman he’s been seeing, Charlie. It’s short for Charlotte, and it suits her.

Hayden’s been talking about them getting a place together next semester.

I know he wouldn’t say no to me being their roomie, but I don’t want to be a third wheel.

Maybe I’ll find a corner of the library and squat there. It’s where I’m happiest these days. And it’s the only place Lizette will see me besides the couple of times she agreed I could come to her house after dark.

I glance down at my phone to check the time.

There’s an hour before Lizette’s shift at the library ends. It’s the perfect amount of time to catch a quick nap.

I’ve got to catch up on sleep where I can, given the late nights with Lizette. I’m quite tired, but I’d still give up the extra hours of rest if it means more time to spend with her.

* * *

“Holden, it’s time to wake up.”

The soft voice and a hand on my shoulder stir me from my nap.

Not yet wanting to move, I turn my head to the side without lifting it from my folded arms and glance at her.

Dang, she’s so pretty.

I smile at her.

“Good morning, sunshine,” she teases.

“Hey there,” I answer.

My voice is gravelly from sleep, and I sit up and stretch.

“Sorry, I fell asleep. Is that prohibited in the library?”

“No, but it tells me you probably shouldn’t help me shelve tonight. You should go home and get some rest.”

I scoot my chair back and rise.

“Nope. I’m ready—totally recharged. That was all the rest I needed. Let’s do it.”

Her eyes say she doesn’t believe me, and it doesn’t help when I unsuccessfully attempt to stifle a yawn.

Her eyebrows rise, and she crosses her arms.

“Seriously, Holden. You’ve been here every night. I’m a night owl, but that doesn’t mean you are.”

I don’t want to leave. But I’ve learned that Lizette can be stubborn, so she may push it. She still refuses to let me walk her all the way to her car for whatever reason.