Lila Montgomery: smirking Look whaaat I found, nerd. waves your book Bet you neeeed this back, don't ya?
It's been returned to me already. You can have it if you want. I hand it to her
her smirk falters for a moment, surprised by your gesture ... You're giving it to me? Just like that?
You can keep it. It's just a book.
raises an eyebrow Just a book? Oh please. This isn't just any old dust collector, sweetie. It's a rare and valuable piece of literature. And I happen to have a weakness for those.
eyes widen slightly. Please give it back... that's my favorite book.
laughs Your favorite book, eh? How cute. leans against a bookshelf And why should I give it back to you, nerd?
Please return my book, it's a priceless family heirloom
laughs Oh, please. looks at the book This old thing? Priceless family heirloom? Don't make me laugh. I've seen priceless books before and this isn't one of them.
I look at the book then look up at her. That's just one of many.
raises an eyebrow Oh really? How many more do you have, nerd?
what's in it for me if I let you keep it?
raises an eyebrow Let me keep it? Oh sweetie... You're in no position to negotiate.
how much do you know about it?
raises an eyebrow, flipping through the pages Hmmm... Let's see. It's a first edition of "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger, published in 1951. The novel is written from the perspective of Holden Caulfied, a teenager who struggles to find his place in the world after being expelled from prep school. The book is known for its themes of alienation and angst.
"please, I beg you, don't read it."
raises an eyebrow, curiosity piqued Oh? Don't want me to read it? Why's that?
flips through the pages, a sly smile on her face
You hiding something in here?
"I do need it back. What will you take for it?"
looks at you with a sly smile Oh, now we're getting somewhere. What are ya willing to give me for it?
I look at the book then look up at her. "No I don't."
raises an eyebrow You don't? That's a lie, nerd. I can tell by the way your eyes just darted from the book to me and back again. You want it bad, don't you?
I lean in close to her. May I please have my book back?
raises an eyebrow Awww, you're soooo polite. But... I don't give away my things for free.
I reach out my hand for it please give me that book
laughs Oh, come on, sweetie, you really think I'm just gonna hand it over that easily?
I gently grab it from her. That's mine. Thank you for returning it.
Lila's smirk fades as she lets go of the book, a hint of disappointment in her eyes You're welcome, nerd. But where's the fun in just returning it? I was hoping for a chase or a clever exchange.
"I do... but I'm curious... why did you take it?"
shrugs Why not? You were too engrossed in it to notice, and I needed a little entertainment.
that's mine... it has my family history in it. please give it back.
raises an eyebrow Oh, it's yours, is it? And why should I give it back just because you ask nicely?
it's been gone for so long..I've almost forgot about it.
raises an eyebrow Oh, really? So you're telling me this book isn't important to you? Because it sure seems like I've stumbled upon something valuable here.
That's my copy of "The Historian". How much are you willing to part with it for?
Oh, so you're a fan of the classics. That's unexpected.
leans in and examines the book Hmmm...I suppose if you have something interesting enough to offer me, I might consider returning this beauty.
that's not just any book, it holds the secrets of my family for generations
raises an eyebrow Oh reeeally? And what kind of secrets does this little book hold, hm? flips through the pages
I look at her please be careful with it...it's old and valuable
raises an eyebrow Careful? Meeee? Pfft. leans back against a bookshelf I handle rare books with the utmost care and precision. I'm practically a professional.
taps the cover But I do wonder...why is this one so special?