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“I'm not working either. I just forgot my camera in one of the dark rooms."
A few months ago, I accepted an offer to teach digital photography at the university. It’s only once a week, but a good creative break from my law practice—something my girlfriend insisted I needed.
“I want to have it for your birthday dinner tonight. We'll finally have everyone together, and Dad wants a nice group shot to hang over the bar.” That part is true.
“Wow,” Charlie breathes, stepping into the dark empty atrium and taking in the sight that holds my most cherished memory of her. She laughs softly. “It’s been a minute.”
I take her hand. “Yeah, not much has changed. Not even the restrooms, unfortunately. Come on. My room is up here.” I take the narrow side stairwell rather than the grand staircase.
Charlie glances back at it but follows me.
Stepping into my room, I move at an urgent pace, looking for the camera I'd left here on purpose before the weekend.
“Is it…this one here?” She points to one on the far table.
Yes.
“Nope. No, that’s not the one.”
She frowns with confusion. “Oh. They all look alike. What’s the difference?”
“Don’t be silly.” I continue to feign the search until my phone rings. Barely checking the screen, I hold it up. “Ooh. I’ve got to take this.”
“Now?”
“I won’t be long. Just feel free to roam around.” I wink. “I’ll be out in a minute.”
There’s always something special about visiting the old campus years after you’ve graduated. It hits you with all those familiar senses.
And mine…are making my stomach buzz with excitement. Because after all the new memories we made, this one will always be my favorite.
I glance behind me, silently hoping his call lasts a little longer. We're on the second level and I drift to the other side of the atrium toward the top of the grand staircase.
I keep my eyes on it as I get closer, seeing the younger version of myself from six years ago—feeling stupid and clueless on that top step.
I run my hand along the wooden rail as I make the circle, happy that Noah brought me along for the pit stop.
I was pleasantly surprised when Noah accepted the part-time position here in the winter. But then again, since cutting his law office hours to only twice a week and hiring two junior attorneys, he’s had a lot more time to spend with family, me, and the bookstore.
Charlie’s Web has become a second home to me. And not because Noah and I moved a lot of my parents' treasured belongings to the store, giving it a homier feel. But because it was built by people who make me feel at home.
The building went up shortly after the summer, so we were able to open just in time for the new school year, and it’s been such a success.
I owe all of it to Noah.
I owe all of it to all of them. And in another few months, I’ll be able to pay them back for it.
I understand why Noah refuses to let me pay him back, but it’s becoming increasingly frustrating when Chase and Levi refuse to accept monthly payments from our revenue.
Although Levi did say he’d accept payment in the form of letting Jackson hang out at the store this summer with me since school is out and he still can’t find a nanny.
I didn't have the heart to tell him the bookstore is no place for a ten-year-old to spend his summer, but maybe we'll make a lemonade stand or something.
I reach the stairs and plop down in the very spot where I got my nicknames and smile to myself.
Charlie.
Little Web.
