Page 17 of Librarian for the Jock
Chapter Seventeen
PAIGE
I wished I could have been there to see the children bombarding Rigs with curiosity and questions as he hid behind a park bench. I was pretty sure it was most of the kids from my weekly read-aloud session. I could easily imagine each child and who was saying what. I did my best to keep my laughter to quiet snickers as Chet told me about his morning.
Shortly after Chet finished telling the story, my kids came tumbling into the library. When they reached us, Chet whipped out the treats he’d brought for them from behind his back. He got our favorite donuts from Mrs. Lawson. All three of us showered him with thank you’s. It had been a while since we’d had our favorite treats from Mrs. Lawson’s bakery, and they were heavenly!
I ushered my kids and Chet into the tiny break room to eat while Chet told the story again to the kids. I laughed hearing it a second time. I think it was more because I enjoyed watching Chet’s expressions as he reenacted the children’s actions and words. It had been a great idea getting our little community to support Chet in having a relaxing stay here.
That Long John hit the spot, and as I swallowed the last bite, I let out a contented sigh and fluttered my eyes shut for a second. When I opened them, Chet was staring at me with a gentle look. I flushed with embarrassment and jumped up.
“I need to get back to the front desk. Kids, finish up your snacks, tidy up, wash your hands, and start your homework in the study areas.”
Barely a full minute after returning to the circulation desk, the wooden door creaked open slowly. Whoever was trying to enter was trying to do so quietly, but no one sneaks into my library! I stood there patiently, waiting to see who it would be, though I already had my suspicions.
It felt like an eternity before Rigs stuck just his head in the door, looking around. Not seeing me staring at him, he carefully slid into the library, quietly closing the door behind him. When he finally noticed me staring at him, he jumped nervously, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Welcome to Hawthorn Hideaway Library. I’m Ms. Campbell, the town librarian. I believe you’re Rigs, visiting our lovely town for a bit.”
Rigs seemed shocked that I knew who he was and that he hadn’t managed to sneak in unnoticed, as I imagine he was used to doing, and he just stared at me.
“It’s a small town, and news of anyone new spreads quickly. How may I help you today?”
Pulling himself together, he said, “Hello, Ms. Campbell. This is a lovely town you have here. I wanted to take a peek at your library and enjoy some cool air on this hot day. Maybe even do a little research while I’m here.”
“Anything in particular you’re researching that I can help you with?”
Looking around at the library with absolutely no interest in our conversation, he replied, “No, thank you. I’ll be fine. I know my way around libraries. Thanks.” Then, he took off towards the nonfiction area.
As I watched him walk away, I knew that his only plan was to “research” what Chet was doing, but I was required to give him the benefit of the doubt. So, I resolved to keep an eye on him. I watched as he moved stealthily through the aisles, his camera ready, looking around.
I lost track of Rigs after a while because I had to help a patron. When I finished, I looked around and saw Chet hanging out in the children’s section on the opposite side of the library, talking with my kids, who were lounging on the beanbags and doing their homework. The children’s section was Chet’s favorite part of the library, and I smiled, thinking about how my kids had suddenly stopped acting like they were too old for it. There was no sign of Rigs, so I got back to work.
A little while later, something told me to check on Rigs and Chet. I walked over toward the nonfiction section but couldn’t find him. I picked up my pace and searched the library. Finally, I found him crouched behind a short shelf in the junior section with his camera aimed at Chet and my children.
My blood boiled. This was a place of peace and respect, and I wouldn’t tolerate anyone disturbing it, especially not someone like Rigs. I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders, and made my way over to where Rigs was hiding, snapping photos of an unsuspecting Chet.
“Excuse me,” I said firmly, but not too loudly, mindful of the other patrons. “What do you think you’re doing?”
Rigs looked up, startled, his camera still in hand. He tried to give me a charming, disarming smile, but I wasn’t buying it. “Oh, just taking a few photos. I’m a journalist, you see.”
I stepped closer, my eyes narrowing. “This is a library, not a photography studio. We have rules here, and one of them is respecting the privacy and peace of our patrons. Please put the camera away and leave.”
Rigs straightened up, clearly not expecting to be confronted. “I have a right to be here, just like anyone else.”
“Yes, you do have a right to be here, to use the library for research and study. However, definitely not with that camera aimed at unaware patrons,” I retorted, crossing my arms. “You’re disturbing the peace and violating our patrons’ privacy. This is a place for reading and learning, not for your harassment.”
He scoffed, clearly annoyed. “Look, lady, I’m just doing my job. I have a right to capture public figures in public spaces.”
I felt my temper flare, but I kept my voice steady. “And I have a right to enforce the rules of this library. Chet is here as a patron, just like anyone else. He deserves the same respect and privacy. Now, you can either put the camera away and leave, or I’ll have to call the sheriff.”
Rigs glared at me, clearly weighing his options. “You’re making a big deal out of nothing.”
I took a step closer, my voice lowering but firm. “I’m making a big deal out of protecting the sanctity of this library and the well-being of everyone in it. If you don’t leave now, you’ll be the one making headlines, and not the kind you’re used to.”
The tension was thick, and for a moment, I wondered if he’d actually leave. But then, something in my expression must have convinced him that I wasn’t bluffing. He muttered something under his breath and reluctantly put the camera away.
“Fine. But this isn’t over,” he said, turning to leave. Rigs hesitated, glancing around as if hoping for support but finding none. The other patrons were now watching, many with disapproving looks on their faces. Realizing he was outnumbered and out of place, Rigs slowly made his way to the door, leaving the library.
I followed him. “And don’t come back unless you’re here to use the library properly,” I added, my tone leaving no room for negotiation. I watched him go, making sure he was really gone before returning to my responsibilities.
As the door swung shut behind him, I let out the breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. I could feel the heat coming off my body—I was so angry. Taking a few deep breaths to calm down and finally starting to feel better, I turned back toward the library, only to see Chet standing there. He had watched the whole scene and now had a look of awe and admiration on his face.
“You okay?”
“Paige, that was incredible,” he said, his voice filled with genuine respect. “Thank you.”
I shrugged, trying to downplay it, but inside, I felt a rush of pride. “Just doing my job. This is a place for books and learning, not for being harassed by paparazzi.”
He smiled, and there was something in his eyes—something warm and appreciative that made my heart flutter. “I’ve never been protected like that before. I actually kind of liked it. You’re my hero, you know that?”
I laughed, feeling a bit embarrassed but also deeply touched. “Well, if it keeps the peace in here, I’m happy to help.”
As I walked back to the front desk, I could feel Chet’s eyes on me. Today, I stood up for my library and for him, and it felt like a small victory for both of us.
The rest of the day passed smoothly, with the peaceful atmosphere restored. Every now and then, I’d catch Chet looking my way, a smile playing on his lips. And in those moments, I felt a little stronger, a little more confident, knowing that I’d made a difference.