Work Text:
You supposed you looked out of place in a bookstore, dressed in all black with the sort of ‘scary’ alternative style that often made the elderly cross the street to avoid you. Not that you were anything other than polite to strangers, but people liked making assumptions based on appearance. This was your favourite store near your home, a short walk away that you enjoyed taking on quiet days when you had little else to do.
At the door, you greeted the clerk, who you knew by name now. They asked how your day was going, and you assured them it was a good day and you hoped theirs was the same. You progressed through the small store until you stood in front of your favourite section, finger tracing lightly over spines, seeing both familiar and unfamiliar titles written by well known and brand new authors. Some things would never change here, and yet some things changed constantly. It was oddly comforting to know.
You had a small paperback in hand, eyes scanning the blurb, when you heard someone else stepping up to look at the section. You stepped aside to allow them to browse while you finished the back of the book you held. When you looked up, you found a handsome man around your age. He had mousy brown hair, cute glasses on, and a scarf that was not appropriate for the weather, and yet somehow it made him oddly charming. You felt suddenly shy, but you ignored that and placed back the book you’d taken. As you pulled back though, your hand brushed his. Both of you awkwardly laughed, your dark, chipped nails a stark contrast to his skin coloured, well-kept ones.
Generally, you knew most patrons of the store by name, and if not by name then you at least recognised them, but this man was entirely new to you. You’d definitely remember if you’d seen him before, he was incredibly handsome and exactly your type - skinny, breakable, nerdy.
“I uh- I don’t think I’ve seen you in here before.” You said before you realised what you were doing, but you didn’t regret it.
“No, I don’t come all that often. I live kinda far, but I was passing by and I thought I’d give it a try.” He replied, pushing his hands into the pockets of his brown trousers.
“It’s a nice spot, I come all the time.” You told him, reaching out to grab another book just for something to do with your hands.
“I’m Spencer.” He introduced, not offering you his hand to shake, and you were glad. You introduced yourself in return, and he nodded. A brief pause fell over you both, neither of you sure what to say next.
“That’s a good book.” He finally said, gesturing to the one in your hand.
“Oh, have you read it?” You asked him, turning it over to actually look at the back properly.
“Not personally but uh- a friend of mine did and said they really enjoyed it.” Was his reply, and though he seemed a little choked up to mention his friend, his smile was warm, like he was remembering them fondly.
“Well, judging off the blurb your friend has excellent taste. I think I’ll buy this, actually.” You told him with a small, shy smile, and he nodded, a little lost for words for a moment.
“Why don’t I recommend you something in return? We can.. maybe exchange numbers and tell each other what we think when we finish them?” You suggested, having taken a deep breath to steel yourself enough to say it, pushing down your nerves to be brave.
“Yeah. I’d, uh, I’d like that.” Spencer agreed with a nod. You grinned up at him, as you knelt down to reach the lower shelves, and grabbed a book you were more than familiar with. It was a story you’d read a dozen times, a comfort in dark times, and based purely off his appearance, it seemed like something he’d enjoy.
When you handed him the book, you also handed him your phone already unlocked, for him to enter his number into. He looked a little surprised, as if he’d already forgotten your suggestion, but he entered his number quickly before handing back your phone. You took it back, already excited to see him again at a future date. You slipped your phone into your black canvas bag, turning over the book you held again.
“I don’t normally do this kinda thing.” Spencer said softly, and you couldn’t stop the gentle chuckle that escaped you.
“Me neither. I just- you’re exactly my type. I wasn’t gonna let you slip away.” You winked at him, and Spencer looked away, face flushed pink.
When you headed to the register to pay for the book, you made some light chatter with the clerk, and then Spencer paid for his. Just as you were about to say something, your phone rang, your friend no doubt calling to let you know you were about to be late for lunch.
“I’m so sorry, I’ve gotta run, but I look forward to talking to you again!” You said, then quickly put your new book into your bag, and dashed away.
And as Spencer watched you walk away, he was stuck by a deep grief that nothing could quite balm. At least this was a sweet way to meet again, even if his mind was heavy with the memories you’d once shared, that you no longer retained. The book in his hand felt heavy, it’d perfectly match the copy already on his shelf, that you’d recommended to him years ago, and the book sitting in your bag forgotten too, one that you’d originally recommended to him because of your love for it.
It would never be the same, but Spencer was willing to fall in love with this new you all over again.