Volume 1, Issue 3 & 4 - Diverse Voices Quarterly

his hazel-brown eyes for a sign. Any sign. Such mixed emotions. Such fear of rejection.
“Let me get that book for you.”
“You needn’t…” Is he for real? she thought. Is he really interested in me?
He knelt down, and with ear to floor, said, “Wow! You’re just like an angel from
heaven.”
She never knew her heart could beat so hard. Her knees felt like they were going
to buckle. What will he say next?
He stood up. Their eyes met again.
“I’m sorry, what did you say?”
“You’re like an angel from heaven,” he repeated, then pointed, “This is the exact
book I was looking for. Eric Carle.” He tried putting her at ease. “Here.” He handed her
the book and stepped back, allowing her space. He scanned the shelves. “Gordy
doesn’t have a large selection.”
With a quarter turn away from him, Ruth flipped to page six (her favorite
number), pocketed the money, and read the following message to herself: “I’m invested
in you, just like I promised in our last e-mail. Let’s meet for coffee at Lou’s Bistro some
time.” She closed the book and drew closer to him.
“I can’t believe this,” he chuckled. “You’ve got the last one.”
Somewhat confused, Ruth wondered whether he was speaking in code. “Here,”
she offered. “I’ve read it before.”
More laughter between them. More awkwardness. “It’s not you,” he said. “It’s
me. I forgot my wallet.”
More code, Ruth thought. More uncertainty. Did he want his money back? “Take
chances,” Dr. Lowenstein’s voice repeated in her head. “Know what you want and go
for it.” Perhaps purchasing the book would seal his approval of her. Perhaps her long
wait for companionship had ended. She hobbled toward the register. He supported her
by her elbow.
“Did you find everything?” the old man grunted. He saw their shadowy existence
in the reflection of his Zenith.
“I’ll buy the book for you,” Ruth suggested, “and you can pay me back later.”
“Oh no, I couldn’t…”
With her strength renewed, she decided to end this charade. Now was the time
to be direct, to show her intentions. “We’ll go for coffee. How about Lou’s Bistro?”
Diverse Voices Quarterly, Vol. 1, Issue 3 & 4 64