Tuesday Tales - Cold

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “cold”. We are back with my new Sci-Fi story. 

Be sure to check out the other Tuesday Tales by clicking here!

The translucent ice cubes bobbed in the pale green liquid like ducks floating on a tranquil lake. Dani stared at the goblet-like glass in front of her. Alcohol was certainly not her thing. She normally indulged in a cup of tea for her nightcap before turning into bed. 

After what she witnessed tonight? No amount of camomile would settle her nerves. 

She snatched up the margarita and guzzled about half of it. The cold liquid and the bite of the alcohol sent a shiver up her spine. She didn’t want Ezra to think she was a lush but it had been a rough night. She glanced up at him, finding him staring at the imported bottle of Mexican beer sitting on the table before him. The beads of sweat drizzled past the gold label and pooled around in, reflecting the bright colors of the painted tabletop. 

There was a buzz in the little hole in the wall Mexican restaurant. It was enough to drown out the questions that Dani had for Ezra. She glanced around the place at the other patrons enjoying their chips and salsa or their ordered dishes. Most of the tables had no fewer than three empty margarita glasses on them. The walls were painted yellow gold with red and green accents. Painted artwork was nailed into the plaster to give the place a homelike feel.

Dani took one last look around her, sucked a deep breath that reached her belly button, then spoke. “So. About your little friend there.”

“He isn’t my friend by any means,” Ezra growled. His gaze still didn’t reach hers. He kept it locked on his beer bottle.

Dani laid her hands in her lap and twisted them, flustered. Things around her grew a little fuzzy. She was such a lightweight. 

Before she had a chance to pry further, Ezra continued. “It all started when I was nine. I was playing Ghosts In the Graveyard with my cousins at my grandparent’s farm in Wisconsin.”

Dani didn’t think as she pointed to herself. “I’m from Indiana. I’m just on the other side of Lake Michigan.”

The glare Ezra gave her shut her up quick. She dropped her hand back to the table. “Sorry,” she apologized.

Ezra’s head dropped low again. “No, it’s not your fault. I’m the one who should say I’m sorry. It’s just - I’ve never told anyone this. Not even my parents.”

“Go on,” Dani encouraged as she leaned closer.

Tuesday Tales - Year

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “year”. We are back with my new Sci-Fi story. 

Be sure to check out the other Tuesday Tales by clicking here!

Dani stared at him for a long moment. Instead of high tailing it out of there, she took a step towards him. Yes, whatever hovered over him terrified her.  Her vision blurred and her head swam. 

She wasn’t going to leave without him. 

She stepped over the poor… She paused for a second to refocus her gaze. The poor guy. It was definitely a man. She steadied her feet and kept going. She grew closer to Ezra and whatever skimmed the murals above them. 

She saw the blur that shot out of the creature a split second before the collision. It didn’t necessarily hit her. Instead, she felt it pop inside her brain, an intense pressure that was there then not leaving a tiny, pulsing migraine in its wake. What just happened to her? She blinked as she felt it settle inside her, leaving her with the sense that she was definitely no longer alone. 

A hiss from the circulation desk brought her attention back to the scene before her. It was accompanied by the clatter of sharp, quick clicking. It sounded like one of those ancient telegraph machines running out of control. Ezra no longer sat dormant on the desk. While he was still cross legged, his back and neck now arched in an unnatural position. His fingers flexed in an almost fist and his teeth were gritted. His face twisted in agony. 

Whatever just happened to her must have angered the swirly cloud monster. The tapping sound drifted away even though they were clearly still there. They were replaced with a soft, almost child-like voice. 

“Who is this? This little one who thinks she is so brave. Year after year you bring me these poison soaked, leathery corpses. Where have you been hiding this tasty morsel?”

Dani frowned. Did she just imagine that the thing talked and it sounded like a seven-year-old? 

Her scowl disappeared and her eyes widened when Ezra choked out a warning. “Leave her alone. Touch her and I promise I’ll destroy you.”

He whimpered as the voice responded. “You’ve tried for more than a decade to get rid of me. How has that gone for you?”

Tuesday Tales - Carry

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “carry” (or “carried” in my case). We are back with my new Sci-Fi story. 

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Except, the door was already cracked open. There shouldn’t be any light coming though except a possible security flood light. Instead, an eerie blue hue emitted from the gap between the two double doors. 

She took a deep breath and nudged the open door enough to slip inside the building. She adjusted her grip on the ring that she carried until each key protruded between the fingers of her fist, just like her mother showed her to do to keep herself safe. She set each loafer down carefully as she crept down the corridor so she wouldn’t make a sound. When she reached the main hall of the building, she froze in her place. 

The green hooded lamps on each table had been turned off before she left that day. They now glowed icy blue. A body sprawled across the middle of the walkway. In the shadows she couldn’t tell if it was a man or woman or if they were alive or dead.

On the circulation desk sat Ezra, his legs crossed beneath him. Somewhere during the night he lost his shirt. His muscular torso was a pale sapphire like the light around him. His veins snaked an indigo path across his flesh. His eyes were closed like he was sleeping while his body shook violently. Somewhere behind him, coming from his body, was a swirl of cloudy tendrils. They looked almost like smoke, like they had no substance. When one collided with a book and sent it crashing to the floor, she knew they were definitely solid. 

A tentacle danced over the person lying on the cold marble floor. It stopped then sharpened to a lethal point. It rose up as if it were about to attack. 

Dani didn’t realize she gasped out loud. She was certain it was all in her head. Everything in the room stopped and seemed to focus on her. Ezra’s eyes popped open and looked at her. 

He seemed in agony as he pried his mouth open. His body tensed and his voice cracked as he cried. “Dani, run.”

Tuesday Tales - Shady

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “shady”. We are back with my new Sci-Fi story. 

Be sure to check out the other Tuesday Tales by clicking here!

Dani forgot that she then showed the photo to Elise, who then encouraged her to forward it to their manager so it could be posted on social media. She must have left her cell phone on the desk when she sent the picture. It was too bad she figured it out halfway to her apartment. She had to hop off at the next stop in a neighborhood she didn’t know to wait for the next bus to take her back downtown. When she arrived, the crowd that greeted her was far different than the one she was used to during the day. This one was far more ready to party than the business folk who were deep into their daily grind. Everything around her seemed a little suspicious, a little shady. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but it made her uneasy.

She should have just left her device until morning when the library reopened. She could feel something in the air, like some evil was about to escape their prison. The idea was ludicrous, she knew that. It was the fear of a small town girl in a big city. The only reason she came back for it was because her parents were supposed to call like they did every week since she had been in Boston. If she didn’t answer, they would probably send the police. She didn’t need that stress right now. 

It didn’t surprise her that she left it. She couldn’t keep her mind straight lately. Ever since their dinner together a few nights previous, it seemed Ezra was avoiding her at all costs. She found him still curled up on the floor between the bookshelves. However, he no longer stopped by the circulation desk to chat with her. When he did leave, he kept his gaze to the floor and refused to acknowledge her. 

She didn’t know what she said to him. It broke her heart to think that she might have hurt him in some way. By the way the others at the library talked about him, he might not ever give her a chance to fix whatever mistake she made. It twisted her inside, shattered her heart and made her forget all the important things she prided herself on remembering. 

She jogged up the stairs as she pulled the ring of keys free from her bag. The raucous laughter behind her put her on edge. She found the one she needed and leaned down to slip it into the lock. 

Except, the door was already cracked open. 

Tuesday Tales - Careful

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “careful”. We are back with my new Sci-Fi story. 

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“Seems like a fitting choice, then.” Ezra sat up straight as the waitress came back for their order. Each of them took a quick glance at their menus as they made their choice. She smiled at them and retreated back to the kitchen again before they started their conversation back up. 

“It seems you like books as much as I do,” Dani commented as she carefully raised her water glass to her lips. 

“I’m not sure anyone likes books as much as you do,” Ezra teased. 

Seriously, could someone turn down the heat? Every time Ezra opened his mouth, her face got hotter. “So Egyptian history? That’s a hefty subject to dive into.”

“Actually, I am more into mystery and fantasy.”

Dani took a drink of the ice cold beverage and set it down. “Every time I see you, you have another book about architecture or mythology, all set in Egypt.”

He paused. The way his face twisted and crinkled, it seemed like he was wrestling with something painful. “I guess you could say I have a thirst for knowledge. Among other things.”

Dani nodded towards his glass. “Like beer.”

“Sure. Beer.”

She bit her lower lip as the conversation between them died off again. She was a quiet person and typically felt uncomfortable around others. 

This dinner had suddenly become the most awkward moment of her life. Hopefully they could get past the iciness and start chattering with each other again. 

By the time their plates arrived, it was pretty clear. That wouldn’t be the case. Maybe the dinner invite was a bad idea. Ezra seemed like a great guy. However, he wasn’t about to let her in. Maybe that was for the best. She came to Boston to work. And nothing changed the fact that she was the same Danielle she had always been. 

She didn’t have friends at home. She apparently wouldn’t have them here either. 

Tuesday Tales - Thanks

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “thanks”. We are back with my new Sci-Fi story. 

Be sure to check out the other Tuesday Tales by clicking here!

Dani was flustered at his words. Was he flirting? Did he think she was that much of a lightweight that she would get drunk on water? Truthfully, he wasn’t far off but he didn’t need to know that. 

She was just grateful that the room was dim enough to hide her scarlet cheeks. “Thanks,” she finally sputtered out.

The hustle and bustle of the room encompassed them while they sat in awkward silence. Dani drew circles in the perspiration that drizzled down her glass. She glanced up to Ezra then dropped her gaze back to the table. 

Was he staring at her?

She cleared her throat, took a deep breath and looked at him again. The corners of his mouth twitched upward in a smile. “What led you to start hacking or ethically hacking or…”

She sighed. She really sucked at this. 

Ezra shrugged one of his shoulders. “I really don’t like being around people. I am better off being alone. I’m not social and have a difficult time talking to anyone unless I really know them.”

Dani cocked her head towards her shoulder. “You talk to me and you barely know me.”

“I don’t know what it is about you. I feel like I can trust you.”

Dani smiled at him. “I’m not comfortable around strangers either. Maybe we’re two peas in a pod. Kindred spirits of sorts.”

Any joy in Ezra’s face seemed to fade. “I doubt that.” He took a sip of his beer then continued to speak. “So tell me, what inspired you to be a librarian?”

“I’ve loved books as long as I can remember. I knew my alphabet and could read a few words before I was enrolled in preschool. I would rather enjoy a good story instead of going partying. I figured being a librarian was a good career choice.”

Tuesday Tales - Mouse

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “mouse”. We are back with my new Sci-Fi story. 

Be sure to check out the other Tuesday Tales by clicking here!

Dani felt her mouth drop open at Ezra’s words. When she realized what she did, she snapped it up just as quickly. She had to look like one of the goldfish in the children’s section of the library. She felt about as foolish. 

It took a few tries to find her voice. “I asked you to dinner. I should cover the tab.”

“I insist,” Ezra answered. “Have you gotten a paycheck yet?”

She felt her cheeks heat up. “No. I don’t want you to overextend yourself. Your money should go to the things you need.”

He cocked his head to the side. The corner of his eyes wrinkled like he was fighting back a grin. “I’m not. I have plenty. What would make you think I didn’t?”

Dani noticed she was full body squirming when she almost fell off her stool. “You spend all day every day in the library reading, quiet as a mouse. I guess I thought you didn’t have a job or a home.”

The smile he must have held back broke through. “I work at night. I’m a consultant. Billion dollar businesses hire me to try to break into their networks. Once I’m finished, I report back to them on what I found and the best way to fix it so someone will ill intent can’t do it too.”

“So you’re a hacker.”

“An ethical one, yes. Now that you know all about me, let me get this dinner. You can get the next one once you get paid.”

Dani nodded at him. “Deal.”

Ezra motioned to the glass sitting in front of Dani. The waitress must have been a ninja. Dani never saw her bring it. “Would you like something stronger?”

She stared at the clear beverage in front of her. She shook her head. “I am parched and I didn’t get to eat all day. Water may be a little too much for me tonight.”

Ezra winked at her. “If you get a little tipsy on your water, I’ll make sure you get home safe.”

Tuesday Tales - Fan

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “fan”. We are back with my new Sci-Fi story. 

Be sure to check out the other Tuesday Tales by clicking here!

Dani took in the place as she followed Ezra and the hostess through the establishment to their table. A long wooden bar the color of honey ran along one wall. It was topped with brass rails, giving it an antique vibe. It was lined on the patron side with about a dozen stools with black padded leather seats. Behind it was a stained glass mirror surrounded by rows of various liquor. 

The floor of the bar area was filled with tables circled with the same type of seats as the bar had. The walls were adorned with brass sconces. The bulbs they held were dimmed by frosted glass shades. Along the far wall were a few black leather booths. There were a couple of televisions in each corner of the room playing various sports. They were tucked back enough not to be an eyesore. Above then were two gigantic ceiling fans pushing the air around so the space was comfortable for those inside. A doorway led to another room painted a few shades lighter. By the layout of the space, it must have been strictly dining. 

She nearly bumped into the table as they came to a stop. She looked up to find Ezra climbing onto a stool. The woman gestured for her to settle on the other. Without a word, Dami scurried onto it. Grace was not her friend as she nearly toppled off it. Then again, grace was rarely her friend. 

“Veronica will be here in a moment to take your order,” the hostess informed them before she sashayed away. 

Dani gave the place one last inspection before turning her attention back to Ezra. “This seems nice. Have you been here before?”

He glanced around and sighed. Whatever was on his mind, he didn’t seem too happy about it. “A few, yeah.”

A bubbly blonde wearing the same uniform as the hostess popped up out of nowhere like a tightly sprung jack in the box. “Hi. My name is Veronica. What can I get you to drink?”

“Water, please,” Dani answered. She could barely hear her own voice. However, Veronica must have because she was scribbling furiously. 

“I’ll take a 20 ounce mug of the special beer on tap.” Ezra pointed to her then himself. “This is on one check. You can bring me the bill.”

Tuesday Tales - Push

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “push”. We are back with my new Sci-Fi story. 

Be sure to check out the other Tuesday Tales by clicking here!

Ezra motioned to the right as he smiled at her. She returned the grin and started in the direction he indicated. It took a few steps for him to catch up with her. 

Although the sounds of the city blared around them, their walk was quiet. Dani glanced up at Ezra from the corner of her eye. His plain white t-shirt and jeans were a little rumpled from sitting on the floor all afternoon. His shoulder length black hair was tied back with a ponytail band and his beard was neatly combed and trimmed. His dark eyes were focused ahead of them and looked determined, like he was on a mission. 

Admittedly, Dani always fell for the standardly handsome, popular guy. She had a huge crush on the quarterback in high school. She asked the theater president in college to go to the movies. 

They both laughed at her. She kept her feelings, and her lovesick heart to herself. Her pent up desire was focused on rock musicians and movie stars. 

Until now. He wasn’t the type of guy she normally found attractive. Truthfully, he was kind of cute. 

The elegant storefront of the sports bar appeared as they rounded the corner. The deep caramel wood and gold lettering blended in with the neighborhood. As they approached the glass door leading inside, Ezra pushed it open and held it for her to pass through. The cool of the air conditioning and the melody of voices greeted them. 

A girl dressed in a polo embroidered with the image of the business and a pair of tight fitting slacks greeted them. “Table for two.”

Dani stumbled over her words. She did this when she was confronted by a stranger. The only place it didn’t occur was behind the desk at the library. 

Ezra covered for her. “Yes, a table for two.”

“Bar height okay for you?”

“That will be fine.”

Dani didn’t know why but she scowled. Was the woman flirting with Ezra? She had no idea but it seemed like it. She was so out of her league. 

Tuesday Tales - Greasy

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “greasy”. We are back with my new Sci-Fi story. 

Be sure to check out the other Tuesday Tales by clicking here!

Ezra stood stone still for a long moment. The only things moving were his eyelids, which did a full blink a couple of times. Finally he answered. “Sure. Sounds great.”

“Let me grab my things and we can go if you’re ready.”

“I left a couple books on the floor. I will go get them and bring them back here to be reshelved.”

“Thanks. Give me more to do,” Elise teased from across the desk. Dani didn’t know why, but she fought back the urge to roll her eyes. 

“I can put them back,” Ezra offered. 

“I was kidding. I have a better idea. I will put them aside so they are ready for you tomorrow. Does that sound good?”

Ezra let go a small smile. “Sounds amazing.”

Dani scurried off to her cubbie to gather her things while Ezra disappeared between the bookcases. She shrugged her purse up her shoulder then wove her way outside the desk to wait for him. What felt like eternity was only a minute or two. Ezra returned with a couple hefty tomes and laid them on the top of the desk. 

“Ready to go?” Dani questioned. 

“Sure,” he replied. 

They strode side by side through the library to the doors then outside to the city street. Dani glanced each way then stopped. 

“Is something wrong?” Ezra inquired.

Dani shook her head with a smile. “I was so forward to ask you to dinner, but I have no idea where to go. I’m not from Boston. The only places I’ve eaten out at have been the cafe in the library and the pizza place near where I live. That’s miles from here. I’d love to find a greasy spoon type place.”

Ezra cocked his head to the left. “Will an upscale bar and grill do? There are several around here.”

“Lead the way.”

Tuesday Tales - Flush

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “flush”. We are back with my new Sci-Fi story. 

Be sure to check out the other Tuesday Tales by clicking here!

Dani felt her cheeks flush hot. Elise’s words were a huge compliment Dani didn’t feel she deserved in such a short time. Had she been doing that great of a job in only a couple of days? Or was Kristy that big of a pain in the butt? In the short time Dani knew her, she did seem to be a bit short tempered and abrasive. 

Dani didn’t have enough time to debate the question with herself in her head before a line of patrons appeared before her at the desk. 

As the shadows stretched long across the tile floor, Dani’s feet began to ache. She had no idea how long she had been answering questions and looking up volumes for all those who asked. She was so engrossed in it all she never had the chance to look at a clock. She knew the magic show was done. The arrival of a grumbling, snippy Kristy indicated that it was finished.  

She flexed her toes in her leather Mary Janes then picked up a stack. She carried them to the cart to resolve. 

“Hey, it’s about time to clock out,” Elise reminded her as she tapped her on the shoulder. 

Before Dani could say anything, a voice broke their conversation. “Can I ask you ladies a question first?”

Dani watched Elise’s head turn towards the sound as hers did as well. She already knew who it was. She had been thinking about him since she met him. 

Ezra smiled at both of them as he leaned against the circulation desk. “Has my Egyptian Mythology book arrived yet?”

“Not yet,” Elise answered. “It’ll be here by next week.”

“Okay. I’ll check back.” He gave them one last grin then turned to leave. 

“Wait.” Dani called out to him. 

Ezra turned back to him. Elise walked away, leaving them alone. She could have sworn Elise winked at her before the librarian disappeared. 

“How can I help you?” Ezra inquired.

The image of him huddled between the bookshelves the day before popped into Elise’s mind. There was a pang in her heart. “Can I take you to dinner? It was so busy today I missed lunch. I’m starving.”