Chapter Nine

There was less work and more play with each passing day at the bookstore. At some point, Nash began having long conversations with Ace that distracted him. Lunch breaks turn into them not returning to the bookstore until closing time. Things were becoming fun- F is for friends who do stuff together type of F.U.N except the goal wasn't friendship but a romantic relationship.

Nash could see Ace almost nearing the finish line of his goal. He didn't know whether he was excited or nervous about it. Ace invaded his mind. Nash thought about him before bed, eagerly awaiting Ace's texts and calls, each touch electric. It was like a disease.

Nash couldn't believe he was falling in love. He remembered when he swore up and down that they wouldn't be friends. While Nash accepted his feelings with each passing day, he also acknowledged the nervousness that accompanied it. Nash was thankful that Ace, despite their lack of experience, took the initiative. His knowledge and insight lay within the fictional realm. There was a time when he thought that people were out here putting their mouths on each other, sharing a bed, and being naked together. If he wanted a relationship, the things he had to do would be endless. There was nothing wrong with being single. It reduces heartbreak, and sometimes, it's just better that way- being single. But something about the sweetness that invaded his heart whenever he read about something hard to find in reality made Nash want that experience. Someone to sweep him off his feet and say honey-coated words; Nash didn't know where or if someone like that existed.

What he was experiencing with Ace was different from his imagination running wild with fictitious situations. Maybe Nash needed to take his head out of the books. But what would he do without them? The reality was well-reality while dreams were fun.

Ace was a great guy. He was winning Nash over, so obviously, he was doing something right. The muttering of voices caught Nash's attention as he entered the bookstore. The space was a daily occupant of Nash and Ace, with occasional customers on the hunt for books as Nash did. He came to know that The Book Nook had a majority of classic and rare finds. His immediate thought was a customer paid an early visit. Greeted him was a short-haired girl with dark brown eyes and freckles littering her cheeks. She wore a white crop top with blue sleeves and jeans, their interaction too close for comfort and a customer.

"Morning," Ace greeted him, going in for a hug. Nash stopped him. Was this jealousy he was feeling? Am I jealous? He was overthinking the situation. Nash didn't know who she was, but seeing them closely engaging in conversation garnered a reaction, right?

"Morning," Nash said dryly.

"I told you we'd be meeting soon," The girl said, leaving Nash puzzled. She showcased the small cactus design on her shirt. "Moonbeancactus, the stalker, matchmaker, and avid reader of explicit material with a straight face." Nash was surprised. He hadn't spoken with Moonbeancactus after they sent him the video. Being caught up in his feelings with Ace, Nash forgot about her. "I'm sad that you ghosted me."

"That's Amy, a friend of mine," Aced added. "I just learned that she's Moonbeancactus."

"How does it feel meeting the girl behind the screen?" Amy asked. "I've been looking forward to meeting you for a long time."

"What are the chances that you'd be standing in front of me like this?" Nash replied. "I'm lost for words."

Not once in his years of being a member of the Book Nerds website did Nash think he would meet a fellow user. And that user happens to be Ace's friend. The same Ace who thought leaving a poor first impression in the name of being remembered by a guy he liked, whom Nash was meeting for the first time, coincidentally worked at the bookstore where Amy, Ace's friend from the Book Nerd Forum suggested he find a copy of his favorite book.

"Did you two plan this?" Nash glanced between them.

"An unbelievable coincidence, ain't it?" Amy said. "Talk about a page ripped right out of a book when I learned that the guy he's been drooling over for months turned out to be CollectorOfHotMen." Hearing his username out loud was ten times more embarrassing than reading it.

"I promise you we did not plan any of this," Ace spoke. "Amy, could you grab us something from Do'Nuts?"

"I swear I need to have a deep conversation with the owner to know what fueled the name Do'Nuts." With that, Amy left, leaving the two to talk.

"What does she mean you've been drooling over me for months?" Nash asked.

"Truth is," Ace started. "The first time I saw you was in Do'Nuts. You ordered a whole box of chocolate frosted donuts. I kept seeing you after that. You pass here quite a lot." It was indeed a street that Nash used often; A wonder he didn't notice the bookstore hidden away or took notice of Ace. "I came to like you and was shocked when you visited the store that day. The rest is history. I spoke about you a lot with Amy, though this is the first time she's seen you. It was after I told her you visited the store and I might have gone about things the wrong way she realized that you both were the same person-granted, Amy hid the fact from me."

What was this crazy, almost orchestrated coincidence? Was it fate? Everything worked out too well. The situation could make Nash laugh. While he planned and dreamed of a different life, fate was working behind the scenes with plans of its own. "Crazy how things turned out. What a small world." That was all Nash could say.

"You and I are meant to be together," Ace said, smiling. "Fate bought us together even if it was a rocky first start."

"How long have you been saving that cheesy line?"

"Not as long as you may think, Mr. CollectorOfHotMen." Ace teased. Nash hoped the small yet hard-to-ignore detail had gone over Ace's head. He should've pretended he didn't hear it. "Can you collect me like a Pokemon? Add me to your collection."

"I already did," Nash cringed at his words. Ace laughed. "You like me that, huh?"

What can I say? I want to spend the rest of my life with a guy who knows that Do'Nuts jelly-filled donuts are crap and appreciates a chocolate-frosted donut," Ace answered. "I don't know, I just like you so much. And I hope you like me back, too." He shrugged."

"Can't believe I'm saying this out loud," Nash muttered. "I do like you back."

"I guess I don't have to bring out that handwritten letter I wrote. It was my last-ditch effort to win your heart."

"I still want to read it," Nash remembered expressing that handwritten letters were romantic. There was something about the scent of ink, the time and effort put into writing it. Having it as a keepsake and anticipating opening it made Nash giddy inside.

"What did I miss?" Amy spoke as she entered. "Do'Nuts was too crowded, so I got us some drinks instead."

"Thanks," Nash said.

"So what now are you two dating? I left so you could talk so it better be good news." Amy spoke. "I bought you two together, so I should know the current status. In a relationship, it's complicated or married?"

"We just started dating," Ace replied, happiness radiating from his words.

"Congratulations," Amy clapped. "As the most experienced person in the room, I offer advice that ends with maybe, and I don't know, it's up to you."

The classic I'll offer help, but if things go wrong, don't blame me, but Nash would take what he got.

Nash didn't know what to expect. It was his first relationship, after all. All those years of reading must've taught him a thing or two, but nothing compared to experiencing it.

"Thanks, I guess," Nash spoke. "Now that we've settled that. Let's get this show on the road."

"I'll help out," Amy offered.

Nash would have completed the task within a week or less if he hadn't been distracted by his budding romance with Ace. With Amy's help, things could get done faster. He felt Ace's arm wrapped around his waist when Amy left to check on the progress. "Thank you." Ace said, pulling Nash closer into the back hug. It was still amusing how bold Ace was, seeing that this was his first relationship. Nash's nerves didn't allow him to initiate physical affection just yet.

"Not right now," Nash told him. "I need to get this done. No, more distractions."

"Should I just close the store?"

"After we finish up. And don't forget to give me the letter. I want to see what you wrote."

"Even I don't want to read it." Ace released Nash. "But since you asked, your wish is my command."

"Stop flirting and get your asses over here," Amy shouted. "I didn't sign up for this. Flirt when I'm not here. Don't remind me that I'm single."

"You heard her," Nash said. "I know you're excited, and so am I, and a tad bit nervous, but calm yourself. You waited months. You can wait a few more hours."

"OK. I'll fetch that embarrassing letter in the meantime."

Who knew that Nash would find love in the small confines of the bookstore? Even he thought he would never experience romance and made peace with it. Nash smiled at the thought as he went to assist Amy.