Page 68 of Checking Out the Librarian

He stared at Connor as the words he couldn’t possibly have heard correctly filtered through his brain. “What even does that mean? Investigating? I shelve far too much true crime and I know that’s where the serial killer who owned this house in the 1980s buried victims. Are you looking for bodies? This is not okay, Connor. Not okay.”

“I’m only anticipating spiders and a few stray concrete blocks. Maybe a raccoon den if I’m unlucky.”

He shuddered. “I lived in New York City. I rode the subway. There will be rats.”

“My house is in Eugene. No subway. No rats.”

“I’m going to work, very soon. Sooner than I thought. I’m going before you do this thing.”

“Do you want to take muffins with you?”

“Obviously, yes. How many are you offering.”

Connor shrugged. “A half dozen?”

Lily and Boss Becca would be awed. “Better that I take them than all the rat chefs living under your house.”

“Of course, that’s the only reason.”

By the time Jonathan had his break, Connor must have finished the icky home maintenance work, because there was a text waiting.

Connor

It’s Pride to morning

Tomorrow

Jonathan

I know. I have assembled the YA book displays.

Connor

Want to participate in organized, cheerful debauchery to support your community

Jonathan

Debauchery? Please.

Pride is a completely commercialized family event with more face painting than a school carnival.

Connor

No argument

But you work at a place thats a 24/7 family event

So are we going

Jonathan

If we must.

Connor

It is important cuz we’re still not equal

Jonathan