Page 27 of That Rush

“I never mentioned potato salad.”

“Is there potato salad?”

“Probably.”

“Then my point stands.”

I glance at Josie, but she is busy explaining the challenge to another girl. “I wasn’t saying your plans are worthless.”

“You called them flimsy.”

“That was poorly worded.”

“That almost sounded like an apology.”

“It was as close as you’re getting.”

She lets out a soft laugh. “You might want to practice. Librarians love personal growth.”

“So that’s a no until I demonstrate some personal growth?”

“I’m turning you down because I want to spend Friday at my cabin.”

She isn’t being coy or leaving any room to negotiate. She wants her quiet night and expects me to respect it. I do, although I’m relieved those plans do not include another man.

A woman calls Paige’s name from the other side of the booth. She looks over, then takes a step away.

“I should get back to work.”

“Enjoy your hammock.”

“I will.” She gives me a slow smile. “Enjoy your potato salad, Aiden.”

It’s the first time she’s used my name.

Paige walks away before I can tell her I like the way she says it. I offered an invitation most people in town would accept without checking the date.

She chose her hammock, and I want to know what she’ll be reading in it.

By bedtime, Josie has colored in the first circle on her summer reading map and decided she deserves extra credit for finishing a book in two days.

“That circle is too small,” she says from beneath the pink blanket pulled to her chin. “Nobody can even see that I finished.”

“I can see it.”

“You already know.”

“That’s usually how reading maps work.”

She gives me the patient look of someone explaining a simple problem to a difficult adult. “People are supposed to be impressed.”

“Miss Paige said it isn’t about winning.”

“She doesn’t know about the tiny circle.”

I set the map on her nightstand and pick up the book we finished after dinner. “I’m sure she’ll be very impressed when you tell her.”

Josie turns onto her side and runs one finger over the corner of her blanket. The dragon king and queen got married on the last page, so I know what her next question will be.