A Story A Day. Story 337 of 365: Best (Part VII).

Eirian managed to avoid Ismene during the whole day, to prevent being scolded for her wicked plan. So Ismene found herself going home without having been able to tell her off, she would have her opportunity later that evening, when they were going to have a drink at a bar in the center. Ismene arrived home and decided to rest for a while, they had to meet two hours later, she had more than enough time to get changed. She lay on the sofa and took the book she had been reading, however, after few minutes of reading it she remembered about the bookstoree she had seen on her way to the lab, if she recalled correctly it wasn't too far from where she had to meet her friend. Well, a trip to the bookstore would be a nice plan to fill up some time, she stood up and headed to her room, she did need new books.

Ten minutes later she left her home wearing a blue summer dress, she didn't usually wear dresses, but from time to time it was nice to dress up in a more girly way. It was a pleasant afternoon and she decided to walk, after all that was the best way to get to know a city. The walk was much shorter than she had expected, and she soon saw the trees of the park. It was a busy part of the city, with both locals and tourists swarming around the entrances of the park. She told herself that she needed to go there eventually, maybe on a Sunday morning, that would be nice, she decided. Ismene was lost on her thoughts when her phone rang, she didn't know the number, but she assumed it would be Eirian calling her. 

-Hello?-she answered. 

-Hi, Ismene, it's Leo.- listening to him without seeing him, made her realize he had a smoldering deep voice, if there was something that could make her melt was a man with a baritone voice. - Ismene? 

-Oh, yes, sorry. How are you?- "How are you? Seriously, Is?!" She thought to herself, she had decided she wouldn't let him get what he wanted that easily, and it had taken one second to give her up on her resolution. "You're a responsible person, damnit!" 

-Fine, you?- she could almost see his suficient smile, on the other side of the line.

-Not bad. What do you want? 

-Straight to the point, I like it. What are you doing tomorrow?

-Nothing. Yet. 

-Good, meet me in front of the cathedral at 11. 

He hanged up before Ismene had even time to reply. She stared at the phone, mildly annoyed, she would go, for sure, it was always nice meeting new people. Despite his attitude. She put her phone back inside her purse, and continued her way. If she wasn't mistaken the bookstore was close, and in fact she saw it some meters ahead. There were a couple of chairs on the sidewalk next to an old table were some books were piled up. It was a narrow shop, the wooden door and window frames were painted in deep green, on top of it there was a black sign that had the name of the bookshop painted in golden letters "Hoifmeister. Book keepers.". She took a deep breath with expectation, opened the door, and was immediately overwhelmed by the smell of books, their covers facing her from the shelves. There were new books and old books, classics and new literature, there was chaos, but there was also some hidden order, there were tables with books casually piled up, there were hidden corners, a spiral staircase that had its walls covered in books. She didn't even realize there were other customers in the shop, it was paradise, and for what she knew it was hers. She was so immersed looking at the books that she didn't even realize someone was talking to her. 

-Can I help you?- a man's voice repeated. 

-Sorry. What? 

She took her eyes off the book she was checking and looked at the man. He was tall, had dark hair, a five o'clock shadow, and kind chocolate eyes that looked at her warmly. He seemed to be a couple of years older than herself. 

-My name is Frode Hoifmeister. I'm the owner of the bookshop, fifth generation. That's an exquisite novel, the one you're holding. I'm of the opinion that Paasilinna doesn't get the credit he deserves, he has a delciously dark sense of humor.- his voice was a deep bass. 

-I'm Ismene, I'm new in town and I was looking for a new bookstore. It looks like I've found it. I have only read "The Year of the Hare" so far, and I was looking for something else, or anything you can recommend. 

-"The Howling Miller" is a great choice.-he smiled.- Ismene, you said? Your parents must love Greek mythology. 

-Well, actually, I'm Greek. My full name is Ismene Argyris. 

-Interesting. I have a complete collection on Greek mythology, if you are ever interested. Although, I suspect you might know more that I do. 

-I know the basics, but nothing else. 

-Well, I'll be delighted to tell you more and recommend you books if you are so kind as to come on a less busy day, let's say a Sunday morning. 

Ismene was delighted, she would have access to that dream any time she wanted, and with a private guide. Frode accompanied her to the register, and as he did, he let her pass in front of her. He smelled of freshly chopped wood and old books, another of Ismene's debilities was good smelling men. She paid for the book and promised to pass by the following Sunday morning. When she was already on the street she realized she had a wide smile upon her face that couldn't be explained only by the acquisition of a new book. What happened with the men in that city?