There are things the heart does when we question something we should have done, a sly touch of a hand, a piercing gaze, a velvet kiss to the void. What more can they be as the city drowns out their sounds chaining them down and giving a new tune, a tune we play everyday the raging sounds of busy streets to the smell of fine wood and concrete. Tugging on his coat as I walk these paved streets, the soft whispers of the winding sending a chill down my spine flushing my cheeks pink. A lot of people flooding the entrance as the halls begin to fill up the book fair starting soon, finding Finn through the swarm of people wasn't as hard as I thought.
"Hey, you made it in time." he said ruffling my hair as he took my coat.
"I can't believe you aren't late Finn." he scoffed shoving a coffee to my hand as we roam the halls, a swarm of people flutter through the venue as they seek to find a book of their taste.
"There's more people that we expected this time," I pointed out as Finn held out an arm for me to link on to. "We might have to consider the sales for next time."
"The pre-orders the last time came in," he lead me through the bumpy crowd towards a table for the firm. "We also managed to get few more copies on hand for today, as well as the pick ups for the pre-orders."
"It's rare to have this many today," the stacks of books piling up to my eye sight as we sit down on the plastic chairs.
"I couldn't get through the author today I'm hoping he got my email from Wednesday." Finn nodded his head as he helped with the stacking a few flourished books we had from the firm are still selling as well as the new ones we received, fondly they make up the whole table as if little presents waiting to be picked up to reveal their gift.
"I never thought about online sales before but this changes everything Lily." I shook my head and lean onto Finn's shoulders as we watch the sea of people wandering throughout, catching a glimpse of a set of eyes boring from far away. He looked clean, underestimating even and he was wearing a smile, one you can say would bring you a good day; reassuring and solid. His blue dress shirt a bit creased as his sleeves cling onto his elbows, the tousled brown locks of hair as if commanded by the wind to flow elegantly to bewitch the people around him.
"Ah, I'm so glad you made it." Finn's voice boomed as the little trance I had began to falter to the book in my hand and to the men in front of me.
"Lily, this is the man who wrote the new coming novel." he held out his hand, his was bigger it was calloused and still had a few drops of ink on them.
"Lily Michel, Mr. Grimes' secretary."
"Ezra Fields." he shook my hand not breaking the stare he had boring deep into my eyes, he would press a soft kiss on my knuckles and proceeded to drift into conversation with Finn. Sitting back down on the plastic chair, the dry air making my throat sore and body too lazy to act on it's own. I sit there waiting, hoping and wishing you would come through those metal doors. How the familiar scent of chalk, acrylic and ink would waft through my senses; how the familiarity of things so trivial make you long for them.
"I believe we've met once Ms. Michel?" snapping away from my thoughts and looking into his gray orbs, he stood tall holding out a hand to hold.
"Yes, once at the firm." I said taking the offer and linking arms with him. "You're book is spectacular."
"You've read it?" Ezra scoffed.
"Not really," as we move along with the crowd passing by tables and authors alike. "I read the manuscript yes, but I haven't entirely read the book yet." his eyes widen mouth a gap as he began to let out a hearty laugh, running fingers through his brown locks.
"Is there something funny about that?" I asked him almost letting go of his arm but his hand stopped it there, the brief silence was welcomed as a smile etched on his face.
"No," he barely croaked. "It's just that I find your lack of interest charming." cursing the soft blush that crept to my cheeks as we roam around, we found our way back to the table in time for the book signing.
"So, where were you two?" Finn asked putting a protective arm around my shoulder.
"We just walked around," I told him briefly. "Nothing to worry about." giving him a smile of confirmation as I went over to assist with the line, Ezra's stares would bore into the back of my head. Handing over books and making my way to the table we set up his hand would brush with mine, the shrill contact sending shivers down my spine.
"After this event is over would you like to get some dinner?" his voice as low soft and a bit raspy as he asked, taking a chance to look at him scanning for any sort of trickery I sighed.
"I have plans for tonight." I told him shrugging off his fingers on the back of my palm scampering to wear Eli's coat, his arm unbeknownst to me was now wrapped around my waist a gentle grip not too tight around my wrist as he spun me around. Eyes meeting his as he twirled a lock of hair.
"Then, have your plan come along." his smile that uneasy smile one you can say would bring you a good day reassuring and solid, but filled with unknown mischief and solace.