𝐇𝐈𝐌 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐑. joe goldberg

The familiar chime of Mooney's Bookstore door announced a new presence. Joe Goldberg, amidst his meticulous arrangement of books, barely registered it at first. His mind was still replaying the ghost of Beck, her memory a familiar ache. He watched, almost idly, as the new customer drifted through the aisles, a splash of unexpected color in her loose, sheer green top and innocent pink ballet flats.

He noticed the way she lingered at the 'Catcher in the Rye' section, the subtle tilt of her head. A new face. Interesting. He found himself drawn to her, a predator sensing fresh prey. He maneuvered himself, casually, to the opposite side of her aisle, peeking through a gap in the shelves. She caught his eye, a small, daring smile.

Then, a playful tap on his shoulder. Her voice, sweet like honey, asked about a book. "The Catcher in the Rye," she said, a hint of feigned confusion. He led her to it, reaching for the top shelf. As she took the book, it slipped, and she bent to retrieve it, giving him a fleeting glimpse of black lace. A calculated move, he thought, a little game.

At the register, as she handed him cash, a driver's license peeked out. Charlie Simmons. The name tasted good on his tongue. "Charlie Simmons?" he repeated, and her story about her name was as charmingly quirky as she seemed. As she left, she turned back, giving him a small, knowing wave. He beamed. This was the beginning of something, he felt it. And he was right.