AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It’s the end of my shift, and everyone has left the library, except for Foster and me. He’s currently downstairs, locking up for the evening, while I continue the task of organizing the stacks.
Today’s final critique with Professor Turner was a hard hit and somewhat of a reality check. I’m likely taking the initial rejection a little too much to heart, but for the first time, I’m questioning whether art is really a worthwhile pursuit. Life is nothing but obstacles to overcome, and I’m no stranger to being spurned, but I’m gutted by today’s events. Not to mention, after brainstorming with Wolfgang over coffee for an hour, I’m still no closer to creating a presentable piece for Professor Turner. I despise the growing doubt. It’s a foreign feeling and not welcomed. I wish it to leave.
Then, there’s my parents’ sudden announcement of a visit tomorrow weighing heavily on my mind.
Nothing like short notice.
Of course, I agreed to meet with them. They’ll be flying in town on business, and they asked that I join a social brunch with potential clients, which I don’t do often, but it’ll be easy enough to attend since the meeting is local. My father does this occasionally to show the human and family side of the company. Apparently, that family aspect is a selling point for some clients.
In this same request for brunch, he also stated that he would like an update on my plans for after I graduate. My parents are aware of my acceptance letters to now four MBA programs. I’m dreading the conversation, having no firm answer.
“How’s it coming?” Foster asks, joining me in the stacks.
“Dandy,” I comment pseudo cheerfully, shelving a book and then joining him at the cart. “All locked up?”
“Yep. Just you, me, and the bound words of a few hundred geniuses.”
“Sounds intelligently creepy.”
“It wasn’t meant to be seductive.” He lowers his voice. “But we are alone.”
“Get to work,” I tease, pulling another volume from the cart. Then, I make my way down the aisle to put it in its proper place. “I don’t want to be here all night.”
“I thought you enjoyed my private company.”
“I do, but I’d rather enjoy it one last time in bed before you leave. And the sooner we’re done here, the sooner we can get there.”
He teases me, “You sound so determined.”
“I am somewhat.”
“Now, you’re being modest.”
“I didn’t even know I possessed that trait.” I lean a hip against a series of books perched on metal shelves.
“You always have. You’re just now learning to embrace it.” He eases a book into its proper place.
“Don’t tell anyone. I wouldn’t want my reputation to be tainted.”
“Never.” Foster picks up a book, ponders its cover for some time, and then adjusts the dark-framed lenses over his face. “Evelyn?”
“Yes, Fozzie?” I reply, unabashedly staring.
He’s so fucking sexy. Who knew that geek was my type?Maybe it isn’t, but Foster certainly is.
“When I get back from visiting my sister”—he rests the book back in the cart—“I was wondering if maybe you’d like to come with me to meet my family.”
“I already met your parents,” I say, closing the distance between us.
“A drive-by at a wedding doesn’t really count. I was thinking, I’d like for you to meet them more formally, like for dinner possibly.”
“You make it sound like we’re a serious couple,” I tease.
“Is that a problem?” he quickly quips back.
“No. I take you very seriously.”
“The feeling is mutual.” He slips his palm to my lower back and tugs me close. “My family is a little…different, but I don’t want you to be scared. They’re really down-to-earth.”
