Stolen Kiss

I went earlier than usual to my office the next morning.

I should finish all my works first before going to EWBookstore.

I will buy a new book... and make friends with that guy. And of course, make him a way for me to meet Edward.

I was driving to the store when my phone beeped. Probably a message from someone. Well, if I give it attention. I might get into an accident.

I'll read it later.

I entered the store confidently. I know that my way to Edward is here, working inside this store.

I immediately went to the kids section to look for kids' books. I'll buy a hundred books for the kids we have in San Francisco's SHFTH.

I roamed my sight around to figure out if that guy is in here. I was not mistaken because I saw him in the counter section.

He's talking to the lady assigned in the counter. He really looks so manly. His height is of perfection. He's probably 6'2 or whatever.

He's tall enough to make me small. Well, I'm a petite kind of girl. I wear heels of two inches.

He looks like he's enjoying talking to that lady. I think it's the right time to pay for my books. He'll probably notice me if I will meddle in their conversation.

I pushed the cart containing the books towards the counter.

“Excuse me miss, this is all.”

The lady did not notice me at first but not until I cleared my throat.

They both glanced at me. I gave the lady a fake smile before turning my sight to the guy.

“I'm Lily.” I introduced

He did not even ask me of my name. They might think I'm crazy.

I should show him that he interests me. That way, he'll give me attention and make friends with me.

He looked at the lady like he was asking for permission to introduce himself to me.

Gosh!

Don't tell me my suspicion is correct! Are they in a relationship?

The lady looks pretty and humorous. And they look good on each other!

Oh my gosh!

“A-ah, I'm Lily.” I moved my hand closer to the lady so that she'll think that I'm introducing myself to her.

She smiled at me. I know she's faking it.

Well, I won't lie low if someone wants to compete with me.

The hell! This is Lily Smith! The future owner of Smith's Home For The Homeless with about seventy branches all over the world. I don't say no to those people who challenge me.

I'm on if he wants a race between us.

She accepted my hand.

“Ivory.”

I gave her a fake smile again.

She's not the one I came here for! I'm here for this guy beside me!

I take my hand off hers and place it in front of the guy.

“Lily.” I smiled sweetly

He lend his hand and accepted mine.

“You can call me Edison.” he said

“U-uh, if you are questioning why I introduced myself to the both of you. That's because you look new to me. I'm a loyal costumer of EWBookstore.” I'm glad I got an excuse

I'm almost caught up!

“I have been visiting this store almost everyday for almost fifteen years now. And I just saw you today.” I looked at the lady

Ivory, right? Uh yeah, she's Ivory.

Well, I don't really care about her. Just that I have to suit myself with her. She seem close with this guy.

“I'll excuse myself now.” Edison said

What? Why? He's who I'm here for! And he's leaving us already?

“Okay, go on.” Ivory tapped his shoulder

Chancing!

“Here's your bill, Miss.” Ivory gave me the bill

She's done already! I bought a hundred books and she's done! Did our conversation went too long?

I glanced at where Edison went.

I can't seem to find him now. The store is big and the shelves are way taller than me.

I quickly pushed the cart out the store.

I walked until I reached the parking lot.

I placed the books inside my car so that I could return immediately back inside the store.

I closed the compartment and pushed the cart back to the store.

Gosh!

I don't have excuse now! How am I going to explain why I came back!

Think... think... think...

Oh! I got an idea!

I smiled at Ivory when I walk passed her.

She might think I'm an idiot for coming here twice a day. Or just after I bought books.

I roamed around to look for Edison.

I found him in front of the romance section shelves.

Specifically in front of Thick Love books by Edward Walker!

Is he also a fan? If he is!? Then lucky me!

I touched the well piled books I'm passing at as I walk closer to him. He glanced at my direction.

It startled me, making me act up like I was looking for a book.

When I got beside him, I took one of Edward's book. So that he'll think I'll buy one.

I saw him taking one too.

“Edison! Oh! I did not know you are also a fan of books!” I started before he could walk away

But isn't it obvious? He is working in a book store, how could he not be a fan of books?

Stupid Lily!

He glanced at me and chuckled.

Is he noticing it? Does he know what I'm up to?

“What are you up to?” he asked.

His chuckle faded, now he got his serious expression on.

“W-what?” I stuttered

Am I too obvious?

“Do you like me?” he asked

What the hell?!

Thick faced!

“W-what?” I asked him again

Why am I stuttering?!

“Never mind. I was just kidding.” he chuckled

He's clearly making fun of me!

“You forgot something, Lily?” he gave an emphasis when mentioning my name

“Ah, yeah. I want to buy this book.” I excused

Gosh! How many books like this am I going to buy before I could be friends with this guy?

“And you? You like this book? You're a fan of mister Edward Walker?” I asked

I'll take his interest this way.

“A fan?” he asked me in an amused tone

Did he not hear what I said? Do I have to repeat it? What's with being a fan?

“Yeah, I could say I am.” he answered

“Gosh! I also am! We can be friends if you want!” I started getting him

Do I have to act this way? This is not me! A pathetic Lily Smith who's after for this guy!

Gross!

I can't believe I'm doing this!

He just shook his head and smiled.

“Are you going to buy this book?” I asked

Hello, I'll do anything to have a talk with him. I'll find the right chance on asking him if he's close with Edward.

“No. I'll just take a look at this one. I already bought mine, but I misplaced it.” he explained

What?

That's so lucky of him! He just misplaced his while I lost mine!

“You should be thankful because you just misplaced yours! Unlike mine, I lost it!” I said

He raised a brow.

“You, what?”

“I lost it! Just after Edward signed it! Unfortunate, ain't I?” I laughed awkwardly

I just met this guy days ago and I'm already sharing with him my experiences.

Pathetic!

“Or somebody might have stolen it. I don't know. I don't have it with me now.” I sighed

Edward will only have one book signing event within five years after he published his story.

How am I supposed to wait for five years?

“What's more annoying is that, It felt like something is stolen from me. Aside from the book itself.” I shared more

At least I got to share this to him. I'll explain to him soon why I need to meet Edward.

“What else? If you don't mind me asking.” he seem interested

My acting skill worked!

“My kiss.” I laughed

I don't know if it sound genuine to him but It sound awkward for me.

“Kiss?” he asked

“Yeah, because I kissed my book when it was still under my care. And when I lost it, it felt like I also lost my kiss.” I laughed awkwardly

Shit!

Shame on me!

“That's weird.” he chuckled

He's laughing at me!

I really am putting myself on shame!

“U-uh, yeah. It really is weird. By the way, are you close with the owner of this store?” now I finally got the confidence to ask him

“Who?” he weirdly asked

He don't know?

Gosh!

He's consuming my patience!

“Edward Walker. Are you close with him?”

“Oh Edward, of course I am.” he said and gave me a smile. “How could I not be?”