The next morning, Amy woke up with a smile on her face, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. She couldn't stop thinking about Jace and their time together in the studio and on the motorcycle.
It was both overwhelming and enchanting how they fell into place so easily like two pieces of an object waiting to be joined together.Amy felt like she has known him forever,she loved his company and couldn't wait to see him again. She couldn't take her mind off their first meeting, everything felt as if it was already waiting to happen.
Amy dressed for work still reminiscing about the previous night with a smile on her face.She held her hair in a messy bun which eccentuates her facial features.
She locked her door and stepped into the elevator down to the ground floor. As she stood outside her apartment building,she took in a fresh breath and drove off to the next place she felt extremely happy doing what she loved.
Amy stacked books with a flourish, her eyes scanning the shelves for any hidden gems. At "Fictional Escapes," the cozy bookstore where she worked part-time, the scent of old pages filled the air. The soft hum of slow music and the gentle chatter of book clubs created a warm atmosphere, making customers feel like they were stepping into a literary haven.
As she worked, Amy's fingers trailed over the spines of the books, feeling the raised letters and embossed covers. She loved the tactile experience of books, the way they seemed to hold secrets and stories within their pages.
In the corner, a group of children sat cross-legged on a colorful rug, their eyes wide with wonder as Amy read aloud from "The Secret Garden." Her voice brought the characters to life, and the children's giggles filled the air. This was Amy's favorite part of the week – Storytime Thursday, where she got to share her love of reading with the next generation.
"'Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?'" Amy read, using different voices for each character.
"I love Mary!" exclaimed Penny, a little girl with curly brown hair. "She's so brave!"
"And I love Dickon!" added Timmy, a boy with a mop of messy blond hair. "He talks to animals!"
Amy smiled. "Dickon is definitely a favorite of mine too. Who else loves animals?"
The children all raised their hands, and Amy laughed. "Well, I think we have a room full of animal lovers! Let's see what happens next in the story."
As Amy continued reading, the children listened with rapt attention, asking questions and making comments along the way.
Later, as the afternoon sun streamed through the windows, Amy made her way to the bookstore's cozy reading nook. She settled into the plush armchair, surrounded by towering shelves of classics, and began to read to Mrs. Thompson, the store's owner, who was recovering from an illness.
"'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife,'" Amy read, smiling at Mrs Thompson.
Mrs. Thompson chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "Ah, Jane Austen always knew how to make me laugh, dear."
Amy smiled back. "I know, right? Her wit is timeless."
Mrs. Thompson nodded, her eyes closing as Amy continued reading. "You have a gift, Amy. You bring stories to life."
Amy's heart swelled with affection for the elderly woman. "Thank you, Mrs. Thompson. That means so much coming from you."
As Amy read on, Mrs. Thompson's eyes drifted open again. "Amy, dear, have you given any more thought to writing your own stories?"
Amy hesitated, feeling a flutter in her chest. "Actually, I've been working on something. A novel, I think."
Mrs. Thompson's face lit up. "Oh, how exciting! I can't wait to read it."
"Thanks, Mrs. Thompson. That means a lot to me."Amy smiled, feeling a sense of encouragement. "It's still in the early stages, but I'm really passionate about it. It's a story about a young woman who discovers that the stories she's always loved are actually guiding her towards her own true love."
Mrs. Thompson's eyes sparkled. "That sounds lovely! I can already imagine the romance and self-discovery."
Amy nodded, her heart fluttering at the thought of Jace. "Exactly! I want to explore the idea of how our favorite stories can shape our expectations and experiences of love. And how sometimes, reality can be even more magical than fiction."
Mrs. Thompson nodded thoughtfully. "I think that's a beautiful theme. And I'm sure your own experiences will add a depth to the story."
Amy blushed, feeling a little self-conscious. "Maybe. I mean, I'm just drawing from observations and feelings, you know?"
Mrs. Thompson smiled knowingly. "I think I do know, dear. And I think Jace might be a good inspiration for your hero."
Amy's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Jace's name. How did Mrs. Thompson know?! But she just smiled and nodded, feeling a sense of excitement and nervousness about where her story might go.
"How did you know about Jace?"
Mrs. Thompson chuckled. "Oh, I may be old, but I'm not blind! I've seen the way you talk about him - with a sparkle in your voice and a smile on your face."
Amy blushed, feeling a little self-conscious. "I guess I haven't been very subtle, have I?"
Mrs. Thompson patted her hand. "Not at all, dear. But that's what makes life worth living - love, connection, and a good story to tell."
Amy smiled, feeling a sense of wonder. "You're right, Mrs. Thompson. Love and stories are what make life worth living."
Mrs. Thompson nodded, her eyes twinkling. "Exactly! And I think you have a beautiful love story unfolding right before your eyes. Don't be afraid to take a chance on it."
Amy's heart fluttered at the thought of Jace. She had been trying to ignore her feelings, but Mrs. Thompson's words struck a chord.
Just then, the doorbell above the entrance to the bookstore jingled, signaling the arrival of a customer. Amy glanced up to see Jace walking towards her, a book in hand and a smile on his face.
"Speak of the devil," Mrs. Thompson whispered, winking at Amy.
Amy's cheeks flushed as Jace approached. "Hey, Amy"
"Hey"Amy blushed as she stood from her chair pulling a strand of her hair behind her ear.
"I found this book on photography that I think you'd love."
Amy's smiled as she took the book from Jace. Their fingers touched, and she felt a spark of electricity.
"Thanks, Jace. That's so sweet of you."
Jace smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I saw it and thought of you. Plus, I wanted an excuse to come see you."
Amy's stomach was filled with crazy butterflies by now.This is maybe,just maybe the start of something new.
"How are you Mrs Thompson?"He asked as Mrs Thompson smiled and waved at him while standing up to give them space and attend to a customer.
Jace fidgeted with his hands, trying to find the right words. "Hey, Amy? Can I ask you something ?"
Amy looked up from the book, curious. "Sure, what's up?"
Jace hesitated, his eyes darting around the room. "I was just thinking...the weather's been really great lately, and...I love taking pictures, and...I thought it would be really cool to capture some sunset shots."
Amy raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Okay...?"
Jace took a deep breath, trying to gather his courage. "And I thought it would be even better if...if someone was there to share it with."
Amy's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Someone, huh?"
Jace nodded, his face growing hotter by the second. "Yeah...someone who appreciates beauty, and...and isn't afraid to get a little creative."
Amy leaned in, her voice teasing. "And who might that someone be?"
Jace's heart skipped a beat. He was running out of excuses. "You, Amy. I was thinking of you."
Amy's smile faded for a moment, and Jace worried he'd misread the situation entirely. But then, her face lit up with a radiant grin. "I'd love to, Jace."
Jace's heart soared. "Really?"
Amy nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Really."
And with that, Jace finally asked, "Will you go on a date with me to the beach tomorrow evening?"
Amy's smile was all the answer he needed. "Is Jace Prescott finally asking me out on a date?"
'I am" He said smiling back.
"I'd love to" Amy smiled showing off her bright set of teeth.
"5pm tomorrow, I'd come pick you up" Jace said grinning.
"I'd be ready "Amy's smile was contagious.
She literally couldn't wait for the next day.