In the crowded city of New York, Elsie lives a quiet life, unaware that her world is about to be turned upside down when she meets famous British celebrity Callum Turner.
Callum and Elsie's relationship seems to be going great but after his sisters...
The early morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a soft glow over the small bookshop where I worked, located in the grand heart of New York City. As I made my way to the front desk, Monday greeted me with its usual routine. I would clock in, make my way to storage to see if there were any book drop offs, and then restock the shelves with books from hopefully satisfied customers.
Soon enough, I exchanged simple "good morning's" and "hello's" with fellow staff and customers who quickly began to fill the quiet space.
As I began my daily tasks of restocking shelves, and tidying displays, my gaze drifted towards a familiar figure nestled in the small corner near the romance aisle.
He was there, again, the mysterious stranger who had recently become a regular presence in my mornings. With his tall frame and dark brown hair, I quietly watched as he sat flipping through the pages of a book, completely lost in its pages.
I snapped out of it by the sound of a customer asking me where they could find the poetry section, as I quickly turned and pointed to a sign that said "poetry," in bold letters right next to an aisle of books.
I couldn't help but steal a couple more glances at him as I went about my work, secretly admiring his features and the way his blue eyes sparkled with each turn of the page.
I thought about ways I could approach him and spark conversation, yet I knew I was too shy to go through with any of those plans. I mean why would I even bother to disturb his peace. This was an everyday ritual. Ever since the beginning of the month he's come in, sat in that small little corner and picked up the same book. And everyday I would silently watch and admire him.
But today was different. As he rose to leave, I felt my feet begin to trail off towards him. A small flutter of courage suddenly washing over me as I quickened my pace. Today was the day I'd make my move.
My pacing was disrupted by the sudden crash of me running into a customer, who I didn't realize was exiting the aisle next to me. "Oh gosh, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," I muttered, as I watched her look up at me and roll her eyes before scoffing a quiet "fuck you" and walking away. It was an older woman probably in her late 50's or 60's. I couldn't be bothered by her response to the situation, asshole customers were an everyday thing, and I was the one who ran into her after all.
I looked back up to the area he was sitting and noticed there was a small piece of paper left sitting on top of the book he was reading. I quickly made my way over to it, calling out for him. "Wait! You left something!" I yelled out, but as I turned and looked towards the exit he was already gone.
With a small sigh I reached for the book and unfolded the small paper that sat on top. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious on what it was so I slowly unfolded it, and read the small printed letters. "Couldn't help but notice you staring," continued with a small phone number scrawled beneath the dark letters.
I held the paper close to my heart as my eyes grew wide. Was this paper left for me? Who am I kidding, of course it was left for me, but wow was my staring really that obvious?!
"SMITH GET BACK TO WORK, THE SHELVES WONT RESTOCK THEMSELVES!!" I turned around from the adamant voice of my manager and gleefully returned to work.
This could be my chance!!
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elsie.smith - book reviews coming soon?? 💐
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madisonbeer beautiful girl 💗 reply to madisonbeer - elsie.smith MWAHH
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Real Life
As the day drew to an end and the last rays of sunlight crept away, I stepped out of the bookshop. It was finally time for me to go home and I heard the familiar bell jingle signaling my leave as I stepped through the door.
The city buzzed with even more energy at night than it did in the day. The streets of New York were never empty nor quiet. It always felt like a different world, leaving the quiet calmness of the bookstore and entering the loud honking, yelling mess of the city.
With the note tucked safely in my pocket, I made my way towards the parking lot.
I couldn't get him out of my head. What was I supposed to do with his number?
The cool evening breeze brushed against my skin as I reached my car. I sighed as I made my way onto the street, realizing it was more packed tonight than normally which meant it would probably be an hour before I could make it back to my apartment.
I stopped at a red light, grabbing my phone and deciding to play music. Music was one of my escapes from reality. Books came first of course, but music was always a close second. The rest of the drive was enjoyable, filled with me occasionally yelling out the lyrics to my favorite songs.
After a while I made it home. I was greeted by my cat pepper who always waited on the fluffy matt in my living room for my return. I pet her then plopped on my bed, sighing deeply. Now what do I do with this note?
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author notes! sorry if you think the chapter is kinda short I had this idea in my head for so long but once I started writing it everything left my head but hope you enjoyed anyways!!! 💗💗
