Page 5 of Librarian for the Jock

Chapter Five

PAIGE

Focus, focus, Paige! Why is this new library patron distracting me so much? I have work to do! I felt like I should know who he was, he was strangely familiar, yet I also didn’t recognize him. I thought I knew everyone in this town. Did he live here during the five years I was gone? He seemed so familiar with the library, and Ms. Smith clearly knew him well, but I couldn’t put my finger on who he was. My mind spun with questions.

I discreetly observed him from my vantage point behind the circulation desk. He carried himself with an air of quiet confidence, navigating the rows of shelves with a purposeful stride, an intriguing juxtaposition to the hushed, relaxed ambiance of the library.

He was far from the nerdy type who typically hung out in the library. His athletic frame moved gracefully between the book stacks, his focus unwavering as he scanned titles. His intent gaze swept across the spines, absorbing each book title, and I found his reverence and interest in the books so attractive that at one point my face started to get hot and I had to force myself to look away. I fanned myself and tried to help another patron, but it was suddenly very difficult to do even the simplest thing.

Thankfully, the day went by quickly. My new librarian patron disappeared around lunchtime, but then came back as if to actively torture me further. Doesn’t he have anything else to do all day? What is his story? Everyone has a story…

My mind was creating an out-of-world story about a big jock in a library when the familiar sound of the library door creaking open caught my attention. Brandon and Jenny, sluggishly and silently entered the library, their backpacks slung over their shoulders.

"Hi, you two. How was school today?"

I got the typical responses. Brandon shrugged his shoulders in boredom and Jenny only gave me a nondescript “Okay.”

Suddenly Brandon's eyes widened like saucers, and his jaw practically hit the floor. I followed his gaze to see what had caught his attention. He was staring at my newest patron, who was currently browsing through the self-help section. Yes, right in the middle of the books on mindfulness and meditation. Why did Brandon look so surprised? Could he know the man and I don’t? That’s not possible!

“Brandon, stop staring! It’s rude, you know! He’s a new patron and we need to respect everyone and their personal bubbles in the library.” I whispered in an urgent tone.

"Mom, that's Chet Bennett!" Brandon exclaimed in a hushed tone, as if afraid the big man might disappear if he spoke too loudly. His voice was a mix of awe and disbelief.

“Am I supposed to know who that is?”

Brandon turned to me, his excitement turning into a mix of disbelief and irritation. "Mom, he's like a football legend! How can you not know him? I have his poster on the wall in my room!"

“Brandon, in all of your football posters the players are wearing helmets and in full uniform. I have no idea what they look like in normal clothes without something covering their faces.”

“Yeah, except he’s on the news and commercials all the time! You have to know who he is.”

“That’s not helpful, Brandon. You know I don’t pay attention to the news, especially not sports news, and how often do I watch commercials? What kind of commercial?” Is that why he looks familiar? Have I seen him in a commercial?

Jenny dropped her backpack with an exaggerated sigh. As Brandon's excitement over seeing Chet Bennett in person grew, she couldn't help but roll her eyes.

"Chet who?" she deadpanned, feigning ignorance.

Brandon shot her an incredulous look. "Chet Bennett! The football legend! Seriously, Jen, are you living in an alternate reality?"

She shrugged. "Sports, football, touchdowns—none of that rings a bell. I'm more into the fine arts of daydreaming and avoiding being called on in class."

Brandon sighed, shaking his head. "You're missing out on so much, Jen."

“So where is he? This football legend?”

He nodded his head in the football legend’s direction.

Jenny's eyes wandered toward Chet Bennett, her nonchalant expression suddenly transforming. "Wait, that is Chet Bennett? The one with the dazzling blue eyes and chiseled jawline?"

Brandon blinked in confusion. "Uh, I guess so? Why?"

Jenny smirked. "Well, I definitely pay attention to all those commercials he’s in! Wow! Seeing him up close, he's like a walking movie poster. I mean, I always appreciate a good face when I see one."

Me again, “What kind of commercials?”

“Cereal, deodorant, and men’s underwear.” Jenny sighs.

I look at Jenny in disbelief. Is this really my daughter? I don’t think I even looked at the opposite sex until I was a junior in high school!

Brandon gives her a disgusted look. “Snap out of it, Jenny. There is no way you could get a guy like him.”

“Looking doesn’t hurt anyone! So I can look as much as I want!”

Now I was in shock. My 14-year-old son was talking to his 11-year-old sister about “getting” a grown man! I pulled them closer urgently.

“Shhhh! We are in the library and this conversation is getting way out of hand. And it’s certainly a conversation Mr. Bennet should not overhear!”

Brandon and Jenny started shoving each other.

“Stop it right now. Both of you.” I was angry now, but I still managed to whisper.“It’s none of our business why he’s here.” But, I really wanted to know why he was here.

Brandon shrugged. “I hear he used to have family in this town. He would come out here in the summers and on holidays when he was a kid. Uncle Brad is friends with him and he told me all about this guy when he found out that I loved football. I think Uncle Brad used to play football with him at the park when he was in town. That’s a huge reason he’s one of my favorites. He’s like a crazy awesome football player and he knows people here. I figure maybe, just maybe, I might get a chance to meet him here someday. I can’t believe it’s actually happening! The season just ended so maybe he needed a break from all the craziness that fame gives you. Why don’t we just ask him?”

My mind was spinning a bit with all the information that Brandon had just shared with me. This was actually the most I’d heard Brandon speak in one sitting in months. He used to be such a chatterbox when he was little, but apparently not speaking to parents is a teenager thing.

“No, please don’t bother him right now,” I said firmly. “Maybe when he’s leaving you can approach him. Go take a seat and get your homework done. We will leave in about an hour and half. Go.” I escorted them to a table far away from Mr. Bennett, praying that Brandon would be able to focus and get some work done. He’s incredibly behind in some of his classes.

I went back to my desk and thought about Chet Bennett and his story. Brad and I are six years apart, but I know some of his friends, at least the ones that live here, but I don’t remember Chet. I suppose I didn’t pay much attention to Brad’s friends though. I vaguely remember him talking about a friend that went pro. Was that Chet Bennett?

I suppose in the grand scheme of things it wouldn’t have mattered if I’d paid more attention to Brad’s friends when we were kids. Because of our age difference, Brad and his friends would have been in elementary school when I was in high school, and by the time his friends were grown up, I was off at college.

I shook my head, trying to shake off this feeling, trying to get Chet Bennett off my mind. Chet Bennett is one of my brother’s friends, which already makes things complicated, and way too young for me. Plus, this handsome man was the professional football player my 14-year-old son idolized. I needed to get him off my mind.

Yet, I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like just to talk to Chet. The thought of discussing touchdowns and football plays felt foreign to me and I questioned whether I could find common ground with someone so deeply immersed in the glamorous world of professional sports. I didn’t follow football and trying to navigate that conversation seemed a bit daunting. What would we even talk about?

Then there’s the fact that he’s famous. I love my quiet life. Our lives are so different.

I just need to erase his handsome features from my mind and forget his intriguing love for books and this library. No, I will not be swayed by any fantasy story I might create in my head. Why was I even having these crazy thoughts? Note to self: Chet Bennett is just a library patron that I serve in this community and nothing else. Get back to work, Paige!

As the library's closing time approached, I began gently reminding patrons to wrap up their activities. Chet Bennett, engrossed in a book, reluctantly shut it, gathered his belongings, and stood up to leave. His towering figure garnered a few more glances from intrigued library-goers. As he started making his way toward the exit, I noticed them whispering greetings like, “Hey, Chet! Great to have you home again!”

Always polite, Chet nodded his head, smiled, and whispered back, “Thank you.”

Brandon was right, the Hawthorn Hideaway community definitely knows him. Apparently I’ve been living under a rock, or maybe just hiding in a library.

I watched out of the corner of my eye as Brandon, apparently feeling a sudden surge of courage, decided it was now or never to say something to his football idol. With a nervous grin, he approached Chet just before the man reached the door. I paused what I was doing and watched curiously.

"Hey, uh, Mr. Bennett, I'm a huge fan," Brandon stammered, trying to play it cool but failing miserably.

Chet turned, flashing a friendly smile. "Hey there! Thanks, I appreciate it. What's your name?"

"I'm Brandon," he replied, his excitement evident in his voice. "I watch all your games, and, well, it's really cool to see you here in our library."

Chet chuckled. "Well, I like to mix things up. Libraries are my secret hideout. What brings you to the library?"

"Oh, you know, the usual – homework, avoiding chores, and running into football legends," Brandon replied, attempting to keep it casual.

Chet chuckled again. "Sounds like a solid plan. What's on your mind?"

Brandon laughed nervously. "Yeah, I guess so. Anyway, do you have any advice for someone like me who dreams of making it big in football?"

Chet raised an eyebrow playfully, pondered for a moment, then leaned in conspiratorially. "Well, the first rule of football greatness – always listen to your mom. She's got the playbook to succeed."

Brandon flashed me a look of defeat and I tried not to laugh.

Chet followed Brandon’s gaze. “So, your mom is the librarian?”

Brandon slowly nodded.

I couldn't help but join in with a smirk. "He's right, Brandon. Mom knows best."

Chet winked at me. "And secondly, keep hitting the books here at the library. You never know when you might need some smart plays on the field.”

Brandon eagerly listened, but I know these tips were not what he was expecting.

“Lastly, keep practicing and never forget to have fun on the field. Oh, and a good touchdown dance never hurt anyone."

Brandon nodded and smiled, soaking in the advice. "Got it, Mr. Bennett. Thanks!"

Chet patted him on the back. "No problem, Brandon. Keep chasing those dreams. Now, I better not keep the library police, aka your mom, waiting. See you around!"

As Chet Bennett made his way out of the library with a wave, Brandon stood there, starstruck and slightly dazed. He rushed back to the circulation desk, a goofy grin plastered across his face.

"Mom, did that just happen? Did Chet Bennett really give me football advice?"

I chuckled, "Seems like it, Brandon.”

“He’s so cool!”