25 Making new friends
The library was experiencing a slow day. Amy stretched in her chair and groaned as she let out a huge yawn which froze when a group of women walked into the library one after another. Their ages ranged between early thirties to late fifties. Nonetheless, they were dressed up to the nines as though they were going to some tea party. They talked in hushed tones as they disappeared into the library's conference room.
That part was free for people to have discussions. She had noticed high school students had done that over the past few days she had been working there. But what was the occasion? Her brows rose when she saw Stella looking exceptionally beautiful in an elegant dress and pearl earrings and necklace, walking towards her from her office.
"I came to invite you to join our book club's discussion for today." She rested her palms atop Amy's desk; her eyes radiated with gentleness as she looked at the younger woman.
"Book club?"
"Yes, dear. Please give it a chance. I know you've been in low spirits lately but I think this would cheer you up."
Stella was sad thinking about how closed up Amy was yesterday. In truth, the wet dream about Zachery simply threw her into more confusion. She was already frustrated with her feelings and that dream just made her more upset with herself. She didn't know what to make of things.
Amy gave her an apologetic smile knowing she had worried Stella but then, "No, I would be intruding Stella."
"It won't be intruding when the chairlady herself is inviting you. Besides, it's a chance for you to make new friends. All you really have to do is sit and listen. Ian will fill in for you. I promise you'll have fun!!"
Speaking of the devil, he appeared in seconds. He was at a shelf nearby watching her. His guilt was still gnawing at him. He saw her rush to the bathroom in tears the other day and she was depressed all of yesterday. It was his fault yet he didn't know where to begin to make things right. He really believed he had ruined chances of something special blooming between him and Amy.
"Will you be okay, here?" After all he would be doing both his job and hers. Ian's heart skipped a bit when he saw her worried so he nodded. He would do this much for her.
Stella took her to the conference room where the women had settled around the table. Some were checking their makeup through their little mirrors, others were already in discussions as they laughed in hushed tones. Stella was so excited as she introduced everyone to her from Amy's right to left.
"Meredith, Emma, Sylvia, Anastasia, Dorothy, and Elizabeth. Ladies, this is Emily."
"It's nice to meet you all", Amy smiled. The ladies were stunned by her beauty. They had only heard about her from Stella and looking at her in smart casual, it did nothing to suppress her beauty. Because of Stella, they already had a good impression of her.
"Ooh! Emma, Emily. I guess that makes us both Emz", Emma joked as she pointed at herself then Amy. She seemed to be the youngest in the group and must have a bubbly personality. Amy smiled at her.
"It's great you could join us Emily", the one known as Dorothy was also smiling. She could easily be Stella's age.
"Stella said you like books", Sylvia commented.
'Cecil Martin's Clean Code, and her personal favorite, Charles Petzold's The hidden language of computer hardware and software.' She liked those but, she knew they meant novels so she simply nodded. She had read novels once when she was a teenager but the moment she started reading computer related books, novels were completely forgotten. She settled on the chair that was at the tail of the table while Stella as the chairlady settled at the head.
"How familiar are you with Jane Austen's Pride and prejudice?" Stella asked.
"I've heard of it", Amy replied honestly. She never had the chance to watch the movie either.
"Okay. I guess you can read in your own time. For now you just listen in as we discuss. Ladies, help yourselves to the walnut pie and strawberry cake and some tea", Stella spoke. "So, thoughts on the first six chapters?"
