Chapter 602: The First Story
Tuesday, March 7th, Afternoon
Once walking through the doors, she could smell the scent of books. While not known as a scholar, she graduated high school with honors, was a three-time Academic All-American, and graduated college cum laude. She knew she could've done better, but her time was split. She looked over the shelves and the various tags and went towards the biography section.
Angela looked over the rows and rows of books. Looking at the spines, she wondered which one to pick up first. Reading any of these books was the research, she told herself. Clay had mentioned there might be a market for her autobiography, but she wasn't sure who would read it or how to write it. Clay sent her a list of books to pick up. The sad fact was that Angela didn't think her life was that interesting.
"Looking for a specific biography, Angela?" Jolie Morgan asked.
"Just a list of biographies my agent wants me to read," Angela said.
Jolie nodded, "Clay Evans is your agent?" she asked.
"Yeah, how do you know?" Angela asked.
"He called with the list, and we pulled them for you," Jolie said.
"Interesting; I wonder how much it's going to cost," Angela said.
"You already paid for them," Jolie said.
"So, nice of him," Angela said.
"It was for me," Jolie said.
Angela smiled and chuckled, "I'm sure," she said.
"They're in back; I'll go get them for you," Jolie said and walked away.
Angela stood at the shelves and looked over the titles. Nothing was catching her eyes, maybe something not in the sports biographies. Perhaps something she could get Jess to read; her daughter wasn't very bookish; she did well in school but didn't have a love of books. Angela speculated that she got that from her dad, who wasn't a book reader; as he said, he'd rather be prescient in their lives than reading a book.
"Angela?" a male voice asked.
Angela turned to see Royce Parker standing at the end of the aisle. "Royce?" Angela asked.
Royce nodded, "Yeah, I've seen you've not changed much," he said.
"Thank you," Angela said, "I thought you were staying in Canada."
"You're welcome; that was the plan until Sasha passed," Royce said.
"I'm sorry, Royce," Angela said.
"Thank you, it was rough, but me and the boys have moved here," Royce said.
"You have kids?" Angela asked.
"Yeah, two, they were Sasha's. I adopted them when we got married," Royce said.
"Wow!" Angela said.
"Yeah, we were planning on trying for one more, but well, cancer happened," Royce said.
"Again, I'm sorry, Royce," Angela said, "How old are they?"
"Kyler is seventeen and going to graduate, and Kenelm is fifteen," Royce said.
"Kenelm?" Angela asked.
"Sasha liked the name; he usually goes by Ken," Royce said.
"Okay," Angela said.
"How about you married or have kids?" Royce asked.
"I'm not married, but I have a daughter," Angela said.
"Yeah? How old?" Royce asked.
"Jess is ten, going on fifteen," Angela said, rolled her eyes, and sighed.
"Is she here?" Royce asked.
Angela shook her head, "No, she's in Connecticut, has school, and couldn't take her out again," Angela said.
"Is she with her father?" Royce asked.
"Oh god, I hope not! That would be awful," Angela said, "And a mean thing to say."
"What? What did I say?" Royce asked.
"Jess's dad died three years ago," Angela said.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Royce said.
"It's fine; you didn't know," Angela said.
"That explains why you're not married," Royce said.
"Yeah, we were engaged but hadn't set a date when he died," Angela said.
"I'm sorry, Angela, I, I, I don't know," Royce said.
"It's tough, but Jess and I have adjusted, mostly," Angela said.
"Well, if you need to talk," Royce said, reached into his wallet, and pulled out his business card.
Angela took it and looked it over. "Mystic Security?" she asked.
"It was the name of my company well before I sold it," Royce said.
"Cyber security," Angela said.
"Yeah, it was good to me," Royce said.
Angela looked at the card and slipped it into her pocket. "Thanks," Angela said.
"You're welcome, and I'm serious," Royce said.
"Hi Serious, I'm Angela," Angela said and laughed.
"Funny," Royce said and laughed.
"I try," Angela said.
"What are you doing for dinner?" Royce asked.
Angela pushed a stray strand of hair out of her face. "I have plans tonight," Angela said.
"Oh, okay," Royce said.
"Sorry, and I'm only in town until Monday," Angela said.
"We'll have to meet up before you head back to Connecticut," Royce said.
"We'll see," Angela said.
Angela noticed Jolie come over. The younger woman looked at Angela. "I have your purchases at the front counter," Jolie said.
"Thanks, Jolie," Angela said.
"You're welcome, and it's my job anyway, Angela," Jolie said and walked away.
Angela turned to Royce. "I have to go," she said.
"Already?" Royce asked.
Angela nodded, "Yeah, I have some work to do," she said.
"It's good to catch up," Royce said.
"Yes, it was; see you soon," Angela said and walked away.
