Page 6 of Librarian for the Jock
Chapter Six
CHET
The next morning, I found myself outside at dawn, tying my running shoes and stepping out into the crisp morning air. A sense of liberation washed over me. There was something invigorating about starting the day with a run, especially in this quiet neighborhood where the only sound was the rhythmic thud of my footsteps on the pavement. It was a relief to escape the constant demands of football, if only for a little while. Here I could simply be Chet, not the football star, just me.
As I started my run, memories of yesterday floated through my mind. I couldn’t help but think of the pretty librarian. Her captivating smile and an aura of mystery had piqued my curiosity. I’d especially enjoyed my conversation with her son, Brandon. He seemed like a really smart kid.
The morning sun cast a golden glow over the houses and long shadows danced at my feet. I breathed in deeply, filling my lungs with the crisp, fresh air. It’s moments like these that remind me of the beauty and wonder that surrounds us, if only we’d take the time to notice.
My mind drifted back to the librarian. It had been a long time since a woman had caught my attention like this. A woman who worked in a library was more than just a pretty face–she had brains. Conversations with her would never be boring!
As I rounded the corner, I spotted two children playing in their front yard, a brother and sister, or cousins maybe, their laughter echoing through the stillness of the morning. I chuckled, wondering if their parents knew they were already outside. Seeing them was a reminder of the innocence and joy that can be found in the simplest of pleasures. Children, like me, understand how great mornings are. We waved to each other and I continued to smile as I passed by, their enthusiasm infectious.
I looked forward to being a father someday, teaching my children the things my parents and grandparents taught me. The librarian already had at least one kid - did she have more? Was she married? I didn’t notice a ring on her finger. I always looked for a ring before I even considered checking out any woman. Could I date a woman with a child or children?
With each step, I felt a renewed sense of energy coursing through my veins. The worries of yesterday faded away, replaced by the promise of a new day filled with endless possibilities. I was grateful for this moment of solitude, this chance to reconnect with myself and the world around me. And with every stride, I became determined to learn more about the intriguing librarian. I had so many questions. Perhaps I'd swing by the library again today, see if I could strike up a real conversation this time.
I was so lost in my thoughts that I nearly ran over a little girl on a tricycle who suddenly darted out in front of me. I grabbed her before she and her bike had a chance to topple over. Her father was running to catch up.
“Lexi! Are you ok? This is why I tell you to stay in the fenced area!”
Lexi. I’ve heard that name recently.
Her father turned to me, “I am so sorry, she is so fast on this thing!” His eyes widened, “Chet? Chet!”
The little girl looked familiar somehow. Ah, the little girl coming down the steps of the library! “Brad McDermott, whoa it’s been a long time!” I looked at him more closely. He looked so different, fuller, scruffier, less like an athlete and more like a middle-aged man. He used to be so fit and thin, but I suppose people change.
Without another word we automatically went into the special handshake routine that we did as kids. Fists were extended, and we bumped them together firmly. Then we reached out our right hand and tapped each other on the shoulder across. Next was the jump toward each other so that our chest collided mid-air with a satisfying thud. We laughed uproariously as we stumbled backward, momentarily off balance. Next was a complex sequence of hand slaps, finger snaps, and intricate twists that only we could execute flawlessly, and only after hours of practice back when we were kids. We finished with a quick victory dance, shuffling our feet, throwing in a few high-fives, and exchanging a determined nod at the end.
Lexi giggled at us. “Daddy, who is that?”
“Lexi, sweetheart, this is one of my best friends from when I was younger. Meet Uncle Chet.”
She shyly smiled and moved closer to Brad. “Hi, Uncle Chet.”
I squatted down to her eye level and offered up a high five. “Hi, Lexi. I met you with your Mommy coming down the library stairs the other day. I think you were saying something about a train.”
“I borrowed a train book from the library to help Daddy poop faster. I think I can, I think I can. Chicka chicka, chicka chicka, chicka chicka, poo poo!”
As she made the train sounds, she jumped back on her tricycle and pedaled back toward the house. I looked at Brad and started laughing. He was beet red.
“Some things never change, huh Brad?”
He muttered under his breath, “Yah…kids say the darndest things.”
I laugh. “It is so good running into you. Literally running into you.”
“Same! Hey, wanna join us for our family dinner tomorrow night? My mom, my sister, and her kids will be coming over, too.”
“Your mom, Aunty Pam? Wow, I haven’t seen her in forever. Your mom is the best. I would love to join you all! I don’t remember your sister though. Have I ever met her?”
“I’m pretty sure you’ve met Paige. She’s six years older than us so she didn’t want to be seen with the little boys then, but she was around.”
“That makes sense. What time? Same house?”
We exchanged numbers and I got the details from him.
“I better get back to Lexi. Olivia would not be pleased to discover that I got distracted and took my eyes off of her while she was this close to the street. Looking forward to catching up more at dinner!”
“I’m looking forward to it too! Thanks Brad.”
Brad jogged back to his house and I headed home, grinning as memories of our childhood antics filled my mind. Happy times.