Page 7 of Librarian for the Jock

Chapter Seven

PAIGE

As I sat behind the circulation desk, sorting through a stack of returned books, my mind kept wandering back to Chet. It hadn’t even been 24 hours since he’d walked into my library, but I found myself surprised that I couldn't shake the memory. Even as I attempted to push him out of my mind, his presence lingered, like a stubborn shadow, refusing to be ignored.

It was ridiculous, really. He was a famous professional football player, and I was just a simple woman with an insignificant job. There was no way anything could ever come of it.

I sighed and pushed my hair back from my face, trying to force myself to concentrate. But every time I closed my eyes, I could see his smile as he picked up book after book yesterday, almost as if each book were an old friend. It was infuriating how much he’d managed to worm his way into my thoughts.

I glanced up as the door to the library opened and my best friend April breezed in, a bright smile on her face. "Hey, Paige! How's it going?"

I forced a smile in return, shaking off my preoccupation. "Hey, April. Just getting through this mountain of returned books."

“Have you heard the news?” April was the head of the town newspaper and loved to share a good story. She often came to visit me in the library, doing research in an attempt to make sure that her reporting was as accurate as possible. Being an ethical journalist was really important to her.

“No, I haven't heard any big news. What’s up?”

“We have someone famous staying in our small town! He’s a professional football player and…”

April frowned, noticing the look on my face and my lack of excitement at her ‘big’ news. "What's wrong? You seem a million miles away."

I hesitated for a moment before deciding to confide in her. After all, she was my best friend. "A new patron came in yesterday." I admitted, feeling a flush of embarrassment creep up my cheeks.

April’s eyes widened in surprise. “Why are you blushing?” "Was it Chet Bennett? THE Chet? The football player?"

I nodded, feeling a little silly now that I had said it out loud. "Yeah, Chet. He came into the library yesterday and I can't seem to get him out of my head. There’s just something intriguing about him."

April grinned mischievously. "Well, well, well. Looks like someone's got a little crush."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help but smile. "It's not like that. He seems nice, but he’s famous, and there’s a six-year age gap between us, and even the idea of it feels unrealistic and far-fetched. Come on, a librarian with a professional football player? Ever read a story like that before?"

April shrugged, undeterred. "Who cares about age or fame? If you like him, you like him. Why not see where it goes?"

I sighed, nervously curling a loose strand of hair with my finger. "I don't know, April. It just seems like I’d be setting myself up for disappointment. Besides, I have to focus on my kids right now. I really can't afford to get distracted by some celebrity crush."

The doors creaked open and we both turned. It made me anxious that someone else might have overheard our ridiculous conversation. My heart skipped a beat when I saw Chet step through the doorway, a casual grin on his face as he walked toward us at the circulation desk.

"Hey there," he greeted me and nodded hello to April. She nodded back. He looked back at me. "Fancy meeting you here again."

I couldn't help but smile in return. "Hi, Mr. Bennett. Everyone here already seems to know you, I’m sorry I didn’t formally introduce myself yesterday. I’m Paige Campbell, librarian. How can I help you?"

He shrugged and his eyes shifted to the desk. He suddenly looked shy, "I'm in need of some good reading material to get me through the weekend."

I raised an eyebrow, amused. "Really? Didn’t you just borrow five books yesterday? Exactly what kind of reading material does a professional football player like yourself need?"

Chet gave a nervous chuckle and ran a hand through his hair. "Believe it or not, I finished three of the books already. I am sorry I forgot to bring them with me today; I’ll bring them back on Monday. There are some parts I wanted to look over again in the other two. I'm a bit of a history buff. I've been wanting to brush up on my World War II knowledge, more specifically about Hawaii and Pearl Harbor."

I couldn't help but be intrigued (not that I hadn’t been already). This famous athlete, known for his prowess on the football field, was expressing a genuine interest in history. It was a side of him I hadn't expected, and it only deepened my curiosity.

"Well, lucky for you, we have a whole section dedicated to World War II. I also have a fascination with Hawaii so I can point you to some great books on the bombing of Pearl Harbor," I said, gesturing towards the shelves. "Would you like me to show you?”

Chet nodded eagerly, following me as I led him to the history section. As I pulled out a few books and handed them to him, our fingers brushing together briefly, sending a jolt of electricity coursing through me. I did my best not to act as flustered as I was feeling.

He seemed satisfied with the books and I scuttled back to the circulation desk.

April was still there. She silently watched our whole interaction, her “news reporter senses” taking everything in. I could see the hint of mischief still lingering in her eyes.

“What are you staring at?” I asked gruffly.

Grinning widely, in a loud hushed voice, April said, “I am just observing interesting humans interact. I’ve never seen you act like you just did with Chet. Let me take that back, the last time I saw you act like that was when we were in high school. So, as mature adults, never. It was quite entertaining to watch.”

“Oh, stop that and be quiet. I have no idea what you are talking about!” I fiercely whispered back.

"Well, just remember, sometimes the best things in life come when you least expect them." She smirked and glanced toward Chet, who was still across the room looking at some shelves of books.

“Shh! Why did you really come to the library today, anyway?”

“I came in to get info on Chet and his last season. I should just go ask him now, maybe have an impromptu interview!” Her smile got wider.

“Oh, no, you will not. I will not let you bother him while he is having personal time in the library. You can ask him whatever you want when you see him out and about, just not in the library. I respect my patrons' personal bubbles too much.”

Still grinning at me, she said mock-respectfully, “Yes, Madam Librarian. I will not disturb your patrons while they’re in the library. I will ask him what he thinks about you outside the library.”

She smirked and sashayed away as I growled, “April…”

I sat down at my desk, resolved to regain control over my thoughts and emotions and quell my persistent thoughts of Chet. I pulled out a sheet of paper and began to jot down a list of reasons why I needed to stop thinking about him, and to make my plans to ignore him. These were the five detailed reasons I came up with:

He's Famous: Chet's status as a professional football player meant that he was constantly in the spotlight. Pursuing anything with him would inevitably thrust me into that same spotlight, a place I'm not comfortable with or equipped to handle. Introverted Librarians hate the spotlight–that’s why we hide in our libraries. I had to constantly remember that his fame came with a whole set of complications and expectations that I wasn’t prepared to deal with.

Age Gap: There's a significant six-year age gap between us, which means we're likely at very different stages in our lives. While he's living the high life of a single, successful athlete, I'm focused on my children. They are my top priority and any potential distraction, especially one involving someone like Chet, could take away precious time and attention from them. They rely on me for guidance, support, and love, and I owe it to them to be fully present and focused on their well-being.Trying to bridge that age gap and life priorities would only lead to potential misunderstandings and frustrations down the road.

Professionalism: As a librarian and a mother, it's important for me to maintain a sense of professionalism at all times and to model healthy behaviors for my children. A romantic relationship with a patron, especially one as high-profile as Chet, could compromise that professionalism and potentially put my job at risk. Or worse, send the wrong message about priorities and values to my children. I need to demonstrate the importance of stability, responsibility, and self-respect in all aspects of life.

Distraction: Let's face it–obsessing over Chet is a distraction I can't afford right now. Balancing work, parenting, and a personal life is already challenging enough without adding a complicated romance into the mix. I need to use my time wisely and focus on activities and relationships that contribute positively to my life and the lives of my children. Pining over someone like Chet would not only waste time but would detract from my ability to be present and engaged with my family.

Self-Preservation: Ultimately, I need to protect myself and my children from getting hurt. No matter how tempting the thought of a relationship with Chet may be, it would open all of us up to the risk of disappointment and heartache. I can't let myself get swept away by infatuation and ignore potential consequences. I need to be realistic and guard our hearts against unnecessary pain. I need to protect my children and ensure that they feel safe and loved, regardless of any romantic interests I may have.

I reread my list, then folded up the paper and tucked it away in my desk drawer. It would remind me of all the reasons I needed to stay strong and resist the pull of Chet's charm. I was sure he was like this with all women. I couldn’t believe there was anything special about me. The list renewed my determination to put Chet out of my thoughts and focus on what truly mattered: my responsibility as a mother to prioritize my children's happiness and well-being, no matter how tempting the fantasy of a romance with Chet might be.

The library was only open for half a day on Saturday, so at noon, I closed up and headed home, only to open the front door to the sound of my children bickering.

I let out an exhausted sigh. I was not in a mood for this.

“Brandon!!! Put on a shirt!!! Moooommy! Tell Brandon to put on a shirt!”

“What’s your problem? It’s hot! All cool guys go without a shirt when it’s hot.”

“You are not cool! So put on a shirt.”

“I’m definitely cooler without a shirt on! It’s hot!”

“No!”

“Yes!”

“No! Mommy!!!”

“Stop arguing you two,” I said wearily. “Sheesh, I just got home. Jenny, he’s a boy so he can go without a shirt when he wants to.”

“That’s so not fair. I get older and have to put more clothes on! I hate this stupid training bra. It’s hot.”

“Watch your language.”

“Mommy, Brandon doesn’t even have a body worthy of no shirt!”

“He will soon, my dear.”

“I don’t think so. Life is so not fair.” My poor preteen stomped away to her room.

“Brandon, when you’re lounging around at home, you can go without a shirt. However, when we have company you need to put a shirt on. Is that clear?”

“Fine.” He mumbles.

“I need a nap. I’ll be in my room.“

“Okay.”

Up in my room, I flopped on my back on my bed, kicking off my shoes. Who knew ignoring and avoiding attraction could be so exhausting? I felt a little bad because each time this morning that Chet attempted to talk to me, I found a reason to politely excuse myself. This was for the best, right?

I closed my eyes, still seeing his handsome face in my mind, and drifted off to sleep.