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The day had barely started, and Shelby was already feeling giddy. That week had been a good one, having made good progress on her next book and spending some quality time with both Scott and Drift. They all met up fairly often, but it was always nice to be able to hang out with people she thought of as family.
That wasn't what her excitement was from though. Abolish had reached out to her again, a letter tucked away in a sealed envelope. It had her name on front in big swooping letters, and if she didn't know that her heart had stopped long ago, she thought it would have right then and there.
Shelby knew the reaction was a bit dramatic, but she couldn't help it. She and Abolish hadn't talked much in the year after Oakhurst, but once she, Scott, and Drift moved to New York, she started seeing him more.
She knew he watched them. Shelby was more observant than most people gave her credit for. Years had passed and she had learned how to pay attention.
It didn't scare her, though in the beginning she was annoyed at Abolish's constant presence. The first time they talked after the move was when Abolish had sent her a letter to meet him at a library she frequented. She had no doubt that the fact she went there often was the reason he chose it.
Shelby hadn't planned on going at first, but her curiosity got the better of her. It turned out to be the right choice, because the Abolish she met with wasn't the same she saw in Oakhurst. He wasn't all business, and his sharp edges had been softened.
He was still dangerous. She could tell from the way he carried himself that he was. But after that first meeting, she wasn't worried about that strength being used against her.
It wasn't often, but every month or so Abolish would reach out to her and they would met up, just the two of them.
She hadn't intended to catch feelings, but it was impossible not to. Abolish would ask about her writing, and she could tell he actually wanted to know what she had to say.
When Shelby told a bad joke, his lips would twitch into an adorable half smile, and he listened when she ranted about whatever had caught her attention. He asked questions and was intelligent enough to keep up with her quick pace.
Not to mention that he was gorgeous. Shelby had always thought him to be pretty, and the years had been good to him. Many people would probably think he looked unusual, with his half black half white hair. Shelby thought he was perfect.
So, maybe she was a little enamored with him.
Scott teased her often enough about their "secret dates", though she thought he was happy for her. He at least always helped her get ready, and didn't comment when all she could talk about afterwards was how much she wanted to hold Abolish's hand.
So, getting her monthly letter made an already good week even better.
Shelby tucks the letter into a box where she has taken to keeping them. She had already gotten dressed and ready, eager to see Abolish again. Scott looks at her knowingly when she comes downstairs, but doesn't say anything.
Shelby still flusters, avoiding his eyes as she pulls on her boots. She waves goodbye, and with that, she makes her way to the library across the street.
The librarian smiles at her kindly when she enters and makes her way to the back. Sitting at their usual table is Abolish, leaned over a book waiting for her. Shelby doesn't bother trying to stifle her smile.
"Abolish!"
He looks up, his alert eyes softening when he sees her coming. "Shelby. How are you?"
She takes a seat beside him. "I'm doing good! This week's been busy, but I've gotten a lot done, so there's that. Scott, Drift, and I hung out yesterday, though I'm sure you knew that. We went to this super cute cat café. I thought Scott might explode when one of the kittens curled up in his lap." She huffs out an laugh at the memory, turning to face him. "How about you?"
Abolish shuts his book as she speaks, mirroring her to give her his full attention. He nods along with her words, his lips twitching into that small half smile. "I'm doing alright. I'm glad you've been having fun. How is the writing going?"
Shelby wishes for her camera, if only to tuck away that relaxed expression for safe keeping. Abolish didn't react to much, but she was learning how he expresses himself in his own way. It helped that Abolish didn't seem to feel the need to hide from her.
"The writings going well. I'm about two thirds of the way with the first draft, so I'll be able to go over it again and revise soon."
Abolish nods again, still smiling. "That's good."
Shelby nods back, feeling a little silly. She was a rambler, but she felt lost for words. She's sure Abolish has noticed her staring, but he doesn't say anything about it, so he must not mind too much.
"Would you like to go to the cat café with me?" She ends up blurting out, her face flushing lightly as Abolish tilts his head, looking not unlike a cat himself.
When Abolish doesn't answer right away, and Shelby feels her cheeks burn. She definitely shouldn't have indulged in so much blood this morning.
Abolish shrugs, though she sees a light blush scatter across his face, highlighting the freckles along his cheekbones. "I don't see why not."
Shelby melts. "Next week?"
Abolish looks back up at her, and she's momentarily struck by the fond look in his eyes. "That works for me."
She claps her hands, a little too loudly, if the looks sent her way mean anything. "It's a date!"
Abolish chuckles at her antics, the sound gentle and quiet. If Shelby could listen to one sound for rest of life, she thinks it would be that.
"A date it is."