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She sits back down on my right, Stanley now curled up between us. When he’s like this, he’s cute. Maybe I’m winning him over? Probably not, but a man can hope.
“What did you decide on?”
“Taken. We have all three, so tonight is a triple feature.”
“The third one isn’t as good as the first two. But I still love it.”
“I agree, but the sequels usually aren’t anywhere near as good as the first one. Look at Speed. The second one?—”
“Dumpster fire.”
I chuckle at her wrinkled nose. “There are the remakes to consider. A few have been really good. Like Red Dawn. The story is basically the same, but they made minor changes, brought in a whole new set of actors and knocked it out of the park. For me, at least.”
Her smile grows. “I’m glad you mentioned remakes. I was really on the fence about watching the new Road House. There will never be another Patrick Swayze, and I’m not necessarily fawning over Jake G, but the story was so different, had all new elements, and I have to admit, Jake killed it.”
“Is that what you and Gretchen watched the other night when I was out with the guys? I know you mentioned it when I got home, but?—”
“You were three shots past your limit, yeah. I know.” Her laughter fills the room.
“Exactly.” I look around, pull the blanket from the back of the couch, and hand it over to her.
“Thank you.” Her grin widens as she tucks her legs up under herself and lays the blanket out to cover her lap. The large bowl of popcorn sits in her lap, the bags of candy are scattered on the couch around the fluffball.
I reach down beside me and flip the lever to release the footrest. This couch is another big, must-have purchase. It’s a couch, a row of chairs, everything you could need. Wide seating area. Comfortable. I have a feeling we will both wake up on this couch later. That’s usually how movie nights end.
“If I ever went missing, would you find me?”
“Baby, for you, I’d burn down the world.”
Her gaze meets mine, and we lean over the cat to share a kiss.
“Same. I’d make them regret it.”
Chuckling, I look between her and the TV. “Ready?”
“Okay, let’s go. I’m ready.”
I hit play, put the remote on the table, and take another swig of my beer. As the intro comes on, I reach over, grabbing a handful of popcorn. I relax, sinking into the back of the couch. Nights like this are what I love most with our crazy busy lives. Down time with my girl will never not be something I crave.
Chapter 4
Vanessa
Today’s been a good, calm day so far.
Busy as all get out though.
Every table I walk by has books, spiral notebooks, and binders scattered on it. Students are bent over feverishly writing, their brows tugged into a tight line of concentration. The dreaded first semester tests are upon them. They’ll be in here all day, most of the night, and probably a few will end up collapsing on the tabletop for a nap or three.
I’ve seen it more times than I can count. I remember those days myself. Some may think being a librarian is a quickie, easy job to get. Just show up and love books and it’s yours.
If only.
Like many others before me, I’d gone to college after my high school graduation. I went away to a four-year college, started off getting my Bachelor’s Degree and then my Master of Library and Information Science. Then, being the overachiever that my parents encouraged relentlessly, I got a Bachelor’s Degree in business management and a minor in computer technologies.
I’d started my library career at the local library, then by some miracle came across the posting for the University position. The interview process was long, frustrating, and overwhelming. I hadn’t been the only one with the credentials wanting to apply. I did have a little leg up though. I may have only been just out of college and in my position at the local library, but I’d gained a few certificates from the American Library Association. One being the Certified Public Library Administrator.
Since taking on this job a few years ago, I’ve also attended more classes on library finances, additional computer technology classes, and starting next semester I have yet another business management class I plan to take. I’d have gone this semester, but the class was full.
