Chapter 7 : Getting to Know You

Mia's POV

Ethan and I had a plan to meet at the library to discuss my choice. I paced back and forth in front of the building while I waited for him to arrive. I hoped I was making the right decision. My stomach churned while I waited, and I wondered what the hell was taking him so long.

Finally, after what felt like several eternities, I saw his black SUV approaching in the distance. I let out a sigh of relief as the truck pulled up to the curb. Ethan’s driver gave me a polite smile as he came around to get his door for him, and I smiled back. Ethan stepped out and straightened his suit while another man stepped out behind him. The pair walked over to me, and Ethan extended his hand toward me to shake.

“Hello, Mia.” Ethan started with a charming smile. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

“You too.” I smiled, looking over to the strange man that accompanied him.

“I’d like you to meet Ryan Parker.” Ethan said, politely. “Ryan is my business partner and long time friend. He’ll be assisting me in finding the perfect building for our shopping outlet.”

“Pleasure to meet you.” Ryan smiled kindly, and we shook hands.

“You as well.” I replied.

“Well, you definitely weren’t lying.” Ryan began as he admired the Greenbrooke Library behind us. “It certainly has a charm to it.”

“I told you,” Ethan smiled. “It’d be a shame to destroy such a beautiful place. Mia is the librarian. She’s been caring for this place for the last couple of years.”

“I’ve got to hand it to you, Mia.” Ryan said, looking over at me. “You must make a pretty convincing argument if you got Ethan to change his mind.”

Ethan rolled his eyes and laughed.

“I suppose.” I smiled, feeling my heart beat a bit faster. “I didn’t mean to cause trouble for you two.”

“You didn’t.” Ryan assured me. “There will be other beautiful buildings. I’m sure we’ll find the right place.”

I nodded, thankful that my library was officially off the table. I let out a sigh of relief and wondered if now was a good time to tell Ethan that I was ready to accept his offer. I wasn’t sure if it was appropriate to tell him in front of Ryan, but why else would he bring someone along?

“I know we’re not buying the place.” Ryan was still in awe of the library. “But would it be okay if I still got a quick tour?”

“Of course!” Ethan seemed eager to show him around.

“Actually,” I cut in. “The library is closed on Sundays.”

“Bummer.” Ryan shook his head. “I was really excited to see the layout.”

“Well, I suppose a quick tour wouldn’t hurt.” I said, trying to be nice.

“Are you sure?” Ethan asked. “I wouldn’t want you to get in any trouble.”

“I’m sure.” I waved. “Besides, even if we did get caught, Mayor Pippins worships you.”

“Oh, really?” Ryan said, excited to have something to make fun of his friend for.

“I wouldn’t say worship.” Ethan rolled his eyes. “It’s more like adores.”

“You’re so full of it.” I laughed as we all headed for the front doors of the library.

I opened the doors with my master key. Ryan was even more impressed with the inside of the library than he was with the outside.

“Oh, wow!” He said, taking it all in. “This place is huge! You run it all by yourself?”

“Sort of.” I blushed. Why was I blushing? “There’s one other librarian that helps out.”

“Yeah, but according to Mayor Pippins, she’s ancient.” Ethan added laughing.

“Hey.” I said, not amused. “She’s a very nice woman and she’s been a resident of Greenbrooke for over forty years.”

“You’re right.” Ethan chuckled, trying to be serious. “I apologize for the insensitive comment.”

I nodded as we made our way to the back of the library. The first place I liked to take people when they wanted a tour was to the garden. It was so beautiful and serene and I could tell that Ryan would appreciate its uniqueness.

“This is breathtaking.” Ryan mentioned as we stepped outside. “Do you maintain this yourself?”

“Heaven’s no.” I laughed and smiled at his honest curiosity. “We have a gardener that comes once a week to check on things. Trust me, you don’t want me anywhere near these plants. I don’t have much of a green thumb.”

“Me neither.” Ryan laughed.

We stepped back inside and I led them up the spiral staircase to the upper level of the library. The sun was at the perfect angle to illuminate the shelves, making the whole place come to life. Ryan was completely in love.

“You were right, Ethan. There’s no way we could destroy this place.”

“I told you.” Ethan said, proudly.

Just then, Ryan’s phone rang in his pocket. He pulled it out and answered immediately.

“This is Ryan Parker.” He said.

The call was clearly about business because he quickly excused himself and said he’d catch up with us in a second. We both nodded as he stepped away. I was happy to finally have a moment alone with Ethan so we could talk.

“He’s nice.” I said, as Ryan walked away.

“I know.” Ethan replied. “That’s why I only do business with him. He has the best discernment out of anyone I know.”

“How long have you two known each other?” I asked as we drifted down a nearby aisle.

“Since college.” Ethan answered. “We were roommates for a bit.”

We continued to talk about nothing as we walked. I was happy to catch up with Ethan, but under the surface I was dying to tell him what my answer would be.

“I don’t mean to apply pressure.” Ethan broke the brief silence. “But I’d love to know if you’ve had a chance to consider my offer.”

“I have.” I began, playing it cool.

“Well?” Ethan said with eager eyes. “Don’t keep me waiting.”

“I’ll do it.” It shocked me that the words came out easily out of my mouth.

“Really?” Ethan said, smiling from ear to ear.

“Why not?” I was suddenly feeling giddy.

“You’re an angel!” Ethan said, squeezing me with all his might. “You don’t know how much this means to me!” I blushed, read as a tomato. I felt his arms around me and my heart skipped a beat.

“Happy to help.” I was barely able to breathe in his embrace. “I’m doing it for your sister. Lily.”

“Oh, this is perfect.” Ethan was already getting excited. “Lily’s going to love you!”

“You think so?” I asked, realizing I was going to have to meet her in person.

“Absolutely. She’s the kind of girl that looks at the heart first, and I can already tell that you’ve got the best heart.”

“Thank you.” I felt special. I was surprised Ethan was capable of giving a compliment. “That’s so kind of you to say.”

“It’s the truth. Anyone who would do something like this, has to have a good heart.”

I smiled to myself feeling even better about my decision. I hoped for everyone’s sake that Ethan was right about me. I liked how I felt about myself when I was with him. I felt unique. Like no one could duplicate me.

“So I’ve got your first assignment.” Ethan said as we made our way to a table in the cafe.

“What is it?” I asked, feeling excitement and jittery all over.

“It’s Ryan.” Ethan whispered as we sat down.

My eyes grew wide. “What?” I was shocked. “You’re not going to tell him?”

“Of course not!” Ethan said, chuckling. “No one can know. We have to fool everyone, or this will never work.”

“I guess.” I shrugged. “But aren’t you going to feel weird lying to your best friend?”

“Maybe.” Ethan said. “But Lily’s more important.”

I nodded in agreement, fully understanding what he meant. I nodded my head, realizing that this was all real now. I was about to enter into a fake relationship with a complete stranger.

“One more thing.” Ethan said in a more serious tone. “I spoke to my lawyers and they’re working on a contract for everything now.”

“Okay.” I started feeling a little nervous. This was becoming real.

I had completely forgotten about the agreement. It was crazy to think that at the end of all this I was going to receive a life-changing amount of money. I imagined all the things I could do to fix up the library and it brought warmth to my heart. I was proud of myself for taking a leap of faith. Just then, Ryan approached us in the cafe.

“I’m sorry to cut this short.” Ryan put his phone back in his pocket. “But I need to run back to my hotel to do a couple of things on my laptop.”

“Do you want Hector to drive you?” Ethan asked, rising from his seat.

“Don’t worry about it.” Ryan shook his head. “I’ve already called a cab. Mia, thank you so much for the tour. You’ve got a really special place here.”

“No problem.” I smiled. “It was a pleasure to meet you.”

Ryan and Ethan shook hands before Ryan disappeared down the steps and out the front doors. I stood to my feet and told Ethan that we should probably take off too before someone came in, thinking the library was open. Ethan nodded and we walked toward the front doors of the library, talking about our plan.

“So, I guess I should start learning about your family.” I said as we stepped outside. “What are your parents’ names?”

“Henry and Grace.” Ethan answered.

“Do you have any other siblings?” I asked as I locked up the library.

“Nope.” Ethan replied, putting his hand up to block the sun from his eyes. “Just Lily.”

“Do you have any health conditions that I should know about?” I asked more as we walked towards Ethan’s car.

“Like what?” Ethan asked.

“I don’t know.” I shrugged. “Like allergies or diseases. I don’t want to look like a bad girlfriend.”

“Good point.” Ethan nodded, rubbing his chin to think. “No food allergies, but I do have pretty sensitive skin.”

“Sensitive skin?” I teased. “That’s hardly a sickness.”

“Hey.” Ethan started laughing. “Sensitive skin is a real concern.”

“Fine.” I said, rolling my eyes. I started to feel better as I was talking to him, getting to know him.

“And what about you?” Ethan asked, nudging me.

“What about me?” I shrugged.

“What are your parents' names?” He asked. “I don’t want to look like a bad boyfriend either.”

“Mark and Hannah.” I answered with a smile. “They’re really sweet.”

He was quiet for a few seconds, then he added. “Should I meet them?”

“Absolutely not!” I said, mortified. “My family cannot know about any of this. They would sniff out the lie in five seconds.”

“Okay, fine.” Ethan laughed. “But they’re going to have to find out sooner or later when we go public.”

“I know, but I want a little more time.” I said, getting anxious.

“So, what are your sisters’ names?” Ethan asked.

Before I could answer, I heard my name being called in the distance by a familiar voice. I turned around to find Jake walking toward us on the sidewalk. My heart stopped as anxiety washed over me. What in God’s name was he doing here?