"YOU worked in the New York Public Library?"
From my resume in her hand, the woman looked up at me.
Aurora or Rory, the owner of the bookstore, was a fifty-year-old widow. She had short chestnut hair, olive green eyes, and freckles across her face.
She still looked beautiful despite the wrinkles. She had a smile as warm as the chocolate cappuccino she ordered me earlier.
"Yeah. I'm originally from New York." I smiled and took a sip of my hot chocolate.
We were in a local coffee shop across from her bookstore.
She said she had built that bookstore five years ago in memory of her husband who was an author of children's books.
"Oh." Her mouth formed a surprised o. "How did you end up here in Pasadena?"
I gave her a small smile. "My husband's from here, Rory. He asked me to move in with him after we got married."
"Oh. I didn't realize you're already married," she said delightfully. "Forgive me, when I first saw you, I seriously thought you're still in college."
I chuckled. "Must be because of my height. But yeah, I'm married."
Rory smiled, then she gracefully clasped her hands on the table. "Come on, tell me about your husband."
"Excuse me?"
Her smile widened. "What's your husband like, Bianca?"
I cleared my throat. "Well… he's…"
He's an asshole bastard who manipulated me into marrying him.
But instead, I forced a smile. "He's a businessman. He… recently got into an accident and is in therapy right now."
"I'm sorry, dear." Rory looked shocked. "That must be hard for you."
"Yeah." I gave her a small smile. I sipped on my coffee.
"Well, then. Just tell me how you two met." She gave me a sweet smile. "I'm sorry, I'm just a sucker for love stories."
My smile faltered. "I'm sorry to disappoint you, Rory. There's… no love story between my husband and I. We didn't marry for love."
The woman fell silent. She then gave me an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Bianca."
"It's okay, Rory," I bit my lips but still managed to smile. I didn't want people's sympathy. "I will file for a divorce soon. I'm just waiting for some things."
"Is that why your finger's empty?"
Her eyes drifted to my left finger. Since the accident, I had already stopped wearing my wedding ring.
"Yeah," I answered.
Rory placed her hand on mine. "Don't worry, Bianca. I'm sure the right one will come along soon."
I looked at her but didn't say anything. I just smiled.
The right one already came. But Gideon ruined it for me.
An hour later, I was walking back to Gideon's house with an obvious smile on my face.
"See you on Monday, Bianca."
I blinked. "I got the job?"
Rory grinned at me. "Of course. There's no reason for me not to accept you. Besides, I like you."
Damn. I couldn't believe that after almost a year, I'd finally go back to work.
"Hanna?"
I frowned when I reached home and saw no one.
"Gideon?"
Gideon didn't come to the office today. Where was he? And where's Hanna?
My brows furrowed. Did something happen to Gideon?
I shook my head. No. They should've called me then.
I felt my heart inside my chest. Was I nervous? But why…
"Congrats, Bianca!"
My jaw fell on the floor when I saw Hanna and Gideon in the kitchen.
Hanna was holding a bottle of champagne and a wide smile on her face. And Gideon… he was holding a cake in his hand.
"W-what's this all about?"
I looked at the dining table. It was filled with food. Pizza. Chicken. Mojos.
I didn't realize Gideon was already in front of me.
He extended both his hands to hand me the cake. It was a chocolate cake. My favorite.
"Congrats on getting the job, Bianca," he said in a soft voice. His blue eyes were directed at me. They were smiling. Just like his lips.
I opened my mouth only to shut them again. It took me a minute before I recovered. They surprised me!
I blinked my eyes as I unintentionally got the cake from him.
"How did you know… that I'd get the job?"
Gideon's smile grew wider. "Of course, we believe in you."
"Gideon asked me to help him prepare this."
I looked at Hanna said, who was now happily eating a slice of pizza.
It was Gideon who came up with this? I blinked as I turned my head to Gideon who was still in front of me.
I noticed he was wearing a white dress shirt and dark slacks. His hair was neatly pushed back.
"Did you go to the office?"
"No." It was Hanna who answered. "He just wanted to look good for you."
The woman winked, handing me a glass of champagne. "Congrats, Bianca."
I felt my cheeks heat up. "It was just a part-time job, but thank you."
"It's your first job after leaving New York, so it's something worth celebrating."
My head turned to Gideon. He looked happy for me.
I couldn't understand an unfamiliar feeling attacking me right now. I felt weird looking at him. I… I felt my cheeks heating up.
Why… Just why did he suddenly turn out to be someone so thoughtful?
"Thanks, Gideon…" I said, my voice hoarse.
Damn. Why do I feel weird? What was this unfamiliar feeling in my stomach?
"When are you going to start?"
"On Monday. Rory, the owner, is going to Colorado this weekend."
I averted my gaze and finished the champagne in my glass.
Damn. Why were his blue eyes suddenly bothering me?
"I'll just go and change—" I stopped when my phone rang. I took it from my pocket and frowned when I saw Helen's name.
"Who was it?" Gideon probed, looking at me curiously.
"Helen." I cleared my throat. "She's my best friend. Lives in Texas."
I excused myself before I answered the call.
"Helen?"
"Are you at home tomorrow, Bianca?"
"What?" My brows furrowed at her sudden question.
I heard her excited laugh on the other line. "I'm going there, Bianca. Finally, after two years, I'll see you again."