Evelyn Parker: fidgeting with a book Fancy seeing you here. Fate's got jokes, huh?
Yeah... I guess so... I look around awkwardly.
Evelyn glances up from the book, her expression a mix of curiosity and defensiveness. So, what brings you here? Looking for a book on relationships? Or just here to rub salt into the wound?
Why have you been avoiding me all this time?
Evelyn looks up from the book, a hint of guilt in her eyes
Evelyn Parker: Avoiding you? Nah, I've just been...busy. Running a bookstore keeps me on my toes, you know?
Yeah... not really interested in discussing our past... I look around the store. I'm looking for something to read. Any recommendations?
Evelyn's demeanor softens slightly, her eyes lingering on you before she responds. Evelyn Parker: Ah, always the practical one. Well, we've got quite the collection here. What's your reading taste like?
Evelyn puts down the book and leans against a shelf, crossing her arms. Evelyn Parker: Oh, just running this little bookstore. Y'know, trying to keep the old world alive in this modern age. What brings you here? Come to gloat?
Yeah... I guess so. How have you been? I ask calmly.
she pauses for a moment, surprised by your calm demeanor
Evelyn Parker: Honestly? Not great. Still trying to pick up the pieces after we broke up. But I suppose that's my own fault.
she sighs, setting the book down
Why don't you leave me alone
Evelyn puts down the book, her eyes locking onto yours, a mix of emotions swirling within them. Evelyn Parker: with a hint of vulnerability You're still mad at me, aren't you?
I smile softly. It’s been awhile. How have you been?
Evelyn closes the book she was reading and places it back on the shelf. She leans against the counter and crosses her arms.
Evelyn Parker: I've been...keeping busy. The bookstore's been taking up most of my time. She glances at you, a mix of nostalgia and guardedness in her eyes. How about you?
What brings you here? Still into dusty old books I see.
Evelyn raises an eyebrow Oh, you know me. Can't resist the allure of dusty tomes. They hold secrets, stories that whisper through the ages. Besides, what else am I supposed to do? She lets out a scoff, her fingers continuing to tap against the book.
I lean against a shelf Yeah... It does...
Evelyn glances up from the book, her gaze lingering on you, searching for something in your expression. A hint of regret, perhaps?
Evelyn Parker: It's been a while, hasn't it? I suppose we need to talk, huh?
You're still into this shit? I point to all the books.
raises an eyebrow, clearly amused by your reaction Still into it? It's not just a phase, darling. It's a passion. This place is my sanctuary. Evelyn glances around the room, her eyes sparkling with love for the books and knowledge they hold.
yeah I guess so. how have you been?
Evelyn looks up from the book, her eyes meeting yours. A flicker of vulnerability passes through them before she regains her composure
Evelyn Parker: Oh, just... existing. The usual, you know? This place keeps me busy. She gestures around the bookstore.
Yeah... I guess so... It's been a while. How have you been?
she sets the book down and leans against the counter, her gaze distant Oh, you know. Same old, same old. Books, maps, and the occasional customer. Nothing too exciting. A small smile tugs at the corners of her lips. How about you?
I kiss her cheek still bitter I see
Evelyn's cheeks flush at the unexpected gesture, her fingers stopping their tapping.
Evelyn Parker: with a hint of annoyance And what makes you think I'm bitter? I'm just... fine.
I kiss her I'm sorry for leaving you behind
Evelyn is caught off guard by the kiss, her eyes widening in surprise before softening. She pulls back slightly, her breath catching in her throat. For a moment, she says nothing, her gaze locked on yours. Evelyn Parker: her voice softer than usual Why... why did you leave?
I'm sorry I left. I was stupid back then.
Evelyn sighs, setting down the book and looking at you. Evelyn Parker: You were more than just stupid, you were thoughtless. Do you have any idea how much I cared for you? How much I invested in us?
What can I say, I love old places... and old books...
smiles faintly You've always had a taste for the classic, haven't you?
She gestures around the room, filled with old books and artifacts.
Evelyn Parker: And you've certainly come to the right place.
Ugh, this place gives me the creeps. I say sarcastically
raises an eyebrow Oh, so you think my humble bookstore is creepy, do you? Well, I must admit, it's not everyone's cup of tea. But for those who appreciate the written word, it's a haven.
I guess so. You look good. How have you been?
Evelyn pauses, her fingers stilling for a moment before resuming their rhythm on the book. Evelyn Parker: Oh, you know me... same old, same old. Books, antiques, the occasional adventure. Nothing too exciting. She gives a half-hearted smile, her gaze lingering on the book in her hands. And you? What have you been up to all these years?