Free Mute (Muted Trilogy Book 1) by Nikita Spoke Page B

Johnson.
    Feeling her cheeks warm, Jemma gestured to the computer for Cecily to see.
    “Who’s that?” she asked, and Jemma pointed up to the balcony as Jack approached it, waving. When Cecily had dipped her head in acknowledgment, Jack went back to his table. “I’m glad we haven’t lost all our regulars.”
    “A lot of them have still been coming in,” wrote Jemma. “Just not this week.”
    “They’ll be back,” typed Cecily. “I’m sure of it. You and I can work out a schedule to return to normal hours. I’ve been unable to reach Susan. Her sister had her cell phone when I texted it, and she said Susan and her husband went on one of those end-of-the-world cruises, but I wasn’t able to confirm, and the dratted things don’t have return dates. I wanted to get in touch with you, too, of course, but the employee roster hasn’t been updated since you started. I only knew your work email, and as I mentioned, I had no idea you were already back.” Cecily looked at her watch before she continued typing. “There’s an event downtown tonight for the library directors. Come to it; you’ve been serving as an interim director, after all. I doubt we can change your pay rate for the past couple of weeks, but you’ll certainly be more than welcome tonight.”
    Jemma rubbed the back of her neck before reaching for the tablet again. “What sort of an event?”
    “It’s a casual dinner at the main library. It’s a fairly regular occurrence. It helps management stay on the same page without having to pay us overtime.” Cecily’s lips twitched, some of her formal demeanor slipping. “I insist. You wouldn’t argue with LeVar Burton, now would you?”
    Jemma chuckled soundlessly. “I suppose not.”
    Cecily smiled. “It starts at six, but you can come after you close, unless you had something else planned. I’d like to discuss something with you and Jessica.”
    Jemma nodded, and Cecily reached out her hand. They shook, and then Cecily left. Jemma scratched her head. Seeing her immediate supervisor use the patron entrance was odd. Her computer chimed again with another message from Jack.
    CapJack284: Didn’t mean to intrude. You should come sit up here some time while the tablet is speaking. It’s almost as loud up here as it is right next to it. Must be something about the shape of the building.
    LibraryOneWest: It’s all right .
    CapJack284: Not really. I think that’s twice now I’ve probably come across as a bit oblivious to boundaries. We’re here a lot, and I would hate to make you uncomfortable , he sent. With that electronic voice, I couldn’t tell whether she was upset with you or not. No inflection. She seems like a fine person, but she’s not often complimentary. I HAVE heard her sarcastic, though, so… I just thought it might help.
    LibraryOneWest: I appreciate it .
    Jemma glanced at the lower right of the screen.
    LibraryOneWest: We close in an hour.
    CapJack284: Aye, aye ;)
    She switched back over to her spreadsheet, finishing it quickly and running the evening reports, logging the small amount of foot traffic in the appropriate book. At quarter of five, her computer chimed again, twice in quick succession.
    CapJack284: I bet she wants to talk to you about a promotion.
    CapJack284: I’m sorry. Boundaries. You’ll let me know if I cross them?
    She smiled and responded.
    Don’t worry, you’ll know if you do.
    CapJack284: Actually, can you tell me BEFORE I cross your boundaries? I suspect upsetting my librarian could be traumatizing. I might be permanently affected by the scolding.
    LibraryOneWest: Ha! Okay, sure, I’ll let you know if you get close to making me uncomfortable.
    CapJack284: Whew. That’s a relief.
    CapJack284: Also, I’m glad you didn’t say “LOL.” That might have damaged my trusting nature, saying you’re laughing out loud when you’re silent.
    LibraryOneWest: That would be unfortunate.
    Jemma felt a little off-balance. She bantered like this with her sister,