Love for the Librarian

Time seemed to fly by. Since I decided on when I was going to tell Dylan it made things a lot easier. Now it was a countdown. It was a good thing I decided on when to do this because by the time Grace was two she started calling all males daddy. It was fun to try to explain that to a two year old, note the sarcasm.

I also noticed a few other things too. Alex was spending a lot of time home when Adel was here. I don’t blame him, I mean she is a pretty girl. She is good and caring. Actually she is a really good match to Alex. I was a little heartbroken that it would mean that he wasn’t moving back with us, but it was just me being selfish. He is a great friend that I want to have around.

About March before graduation I broached the subject with him. “So, it would seem that maybe you like Adel.”

He just shrugs. “Maybe. Look, she is great. I just don’t think she sees me that way. I have made it clear that I think she is great, but whenever she is here it is all about Grace. She isn’t giving me the time of day.”

“Have you thought about asking her out for a date? You know outside of work. She may be just trying to be professional. I mean that is why I hired her. I wanted someone to be here completely for Grace. Not that I wouldn’t miss both of you if you decided to stay. I mean I am already going to miss Adel when I leave.”

“You still leaving in June?”

“Yeah, it’s time. I have to take over for Aunt Polly soon. She needs some time to actually retire. She will still work with me of course, but she wants me to take over.”Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

“What if I convinced Adel to come with us?”

“Well, that would be awesome. But starting a relationship at this point and then asking her to uproot her life would seem pretty fast.” I give him a pointed look. Like maybe you are thinking a bit too fast here buddy.

“Adel has been saying that she doesn’t want to stop watching Grace. I think if I talk to her about the whole situation then she would be open to the idea of moving. We have a place for her to stay. You have a job, so you will be able to pay her salary in the future. It makes sense. I am not saying that it is a definite, but a possibility. I will talk to her tomorrow about it.” He gets up as if he has a purpose. I am assuming it is to make sure that he actually has a plan. I smile at his determination. It makes me happy to see that he has moved on to someone who can love him.

This however returns that thought that I have Dylan to worry about soon enough. As if he knew I was thinking about him, my phone rings. His calls have become less frequent these days. I am a little surprised to see that he is calling. “Hello.”

“Hey. So I was wondering, are you still coming back soon?”

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I? I mean unless you would prefer I stayed away.”

“No, I just didn’t want to get my hopes up again. I really can’t wait to see you again.”

“I thought maybe you might not want me since you haven’t been calling me as much. I also figured you were busy. I am nervous. I have something to tell you that I am not so sure you are going to want to hear.”

“You can tell me anything. It won’t change how I feel about you.”

“This might. I am scheduled to depart the second week of June. Aunt Polly is going on vacation then so I will be going straight to work. I am taking a train this time so it will take a few days, but it should be nice.”

“Are you bringing home that guy?”

“That guy’s name is Alex, and I am not sure yet. We are working on it.”

“What does that mean? Are you two together?”

“No, he might be seeing someone else so he is in debate as to whether to come with us or stay here. Happy now.”

“Surprisingly, yes. I know you haven’t said that you want to be with me, but at least I don’t have to compete with him.”

“Dylan, it was never a competition.” I sigh. “So how is Riley?”

“Good, he is excited to meet you. Another reason why I wanted to make sure you were coming. Of course I am not just going to throw him at you. I told him you were my friend. He knows I have missed you. He is a perceptive little guy.”

Sounds like Grace. They seem like they will get along great. “Sounds cute. I will be glad to meet him. So I will see you then huh?”

“Oh, absolutely. I can’t wait. Two months is going to be an eternity. I haven’t seen your beautiful face in four years. I still love you Riley.”

“I know. Dylan, I’ve gotta go. I have some things to do right now.” I don’t really but I have tears streaming down my face and I don’t need him to know that. After all this time he still says these things. He may not say them after he finds out about Grace. He may hate me. I have to cherish this time now. I have made a choice and I will stand by it. I have to deal with the consequences of my actions.

“I get it. I have finals and stuff too. Good news though I have a new job as soon as I get certified. I am going to be replacing Mr. Harman at the school. I have been working with him for the last year and learning the ropes. Along with studying. I am pretty sure I got this. He thinks so too.”

“That’s great Dylan. I am glad that you found a job in town. I know that is what you really wanted. I am happy for you.” I am, it also means that he will stay close to me. I am not sure how great that will be when he finds out what I have been keeping from him. I just really hope he loves me as much as he says.

“I wanted to make sure I could stay close to you. When Mr. Harman put out there that he was retiring. There were a few people vying for the position. I managed to talk him into trusting me with the job. I think he did it for you. He asks me about you sometimes. I think he will be glad to see you back in town too.”

“You know Mr. Harman does like you right. He might give you a hard time but he does like you. I am not surprised that you did your student teaching with him. He isn’t as hard of an ass as people think he is.”

“I know that now. It was really nerve racking to ask him about it in the first place. He was really cool about it.”

“I really have to get going now. I will see you soon.” I try to send a smile his way. I don’t want him to feel like I am mad at him anymore. As much as it pains me to admit it, I think I feel more love for him than I did before. I guess absence does make the heart grow fonder.

“I love you, I will see you soon.”

“I love you too.” Then I click off. That is the first time I have said that in four years. I am sure he knows that. I just really hope that he gets the message.