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