Free Crain's Landing by Cayce Poponea

cost only one dollar to rent.
    This morning, I received an email from a sister company to Morning Star, Mystic Records. They wanted to supply us with CDs and music downloads that could be used by our patrons. I instantly replied with a thank you and found that by the end of the following week, I would be able to set up a music section.
    However, the most amazing news of the morning was the team of men who were busy sawing and building in the parking lot. Dwight Merchant, an instructor from the local community college, had introduced himself as soon as I’d pulled into the parking lot. He was a kind and polite man, with a large frame and curly hair that peaked out from a well-broken in ball cap. The sunlight illuminated the large fishhook he had secured to the bill of the hat. He explained he was from the next town over. His family, originally coal miners, had taken up new trades after too many of their kin died in the caverns they mined. He began a long tale of how his early ancestors befriended the natives, living in the surrounding hills; how his parents had an extensive collection of artwork passed down from those relations. I told him how Native American art interested me, and he invited me to attend one of their gatherings, which were, “just a bunch of good ole boys sitting around and telling stories.” I picked up he was suggesting more than a simple friendly invite; he was fishing for an opportunity for a date. I smiled politely while telling him I would be more than happy to post a flier advertising their event. I caught his smirk when he thought I wasn’t looking.
    Ashley came in only a few minutes after I did, holding the door for another group of men carrying more boxes. Contemporary Coffee, a Charleston-based coffee house, had agreed to open a coffee and pastry shop in the library. They had a phenomenal mission statement supporting literacy. When I emailed the CEO of the company with the details of this town’s lack of coffee houses, George Carpenter called me personally with an idea. They would open a small shop inside the library and if all went as he predicted, they would open an entire store in the town in the near future. I was excited, especially at the possibility of at least ten new jobs in the community.
    Ashley had done some investigative work and discovered that Mr. Barrow had invested all the grant money through a brokerage in Charleston. I contacted the city council and they had a judge issue a release for the funds. With the money, I planned to renovate the entire interior of the library. I had contacted several contractors in the city and had each of them give me bids to do the work.
    I was sitting behind my desk at a little after ten o’clock when my day began to turn to shit. I watched from my window as a man carried a huge vase full of flowers into the building. Thinking they were more than likely for Brittney, I returned to my paperwork, only to be interrupted by a knock at my office door. “Come in,” I spoke loudly as I continued with my task.
    “Someone has an admirer.” Brittney’s singsong voice was like listening to cats in heat. I glanced in her direction as she placed the enormous vase on my desk. The flowers were so fragrant and simply breathtaking. The bright petals assured anyone who would look of their message of good cheer. “You must’ve rocked his world to get something this big.” She tossed back in what I suspected was an unbelieving tone.
    I glared at her as I rose from my seat. I located the card and noticed it was still sealed. I would have been pissed if she had opened it. Brittney stood waiting for me to reveal the sender, as if that was going to happen.
    Natalie,
    I wanted to apologize to you for not being quicker on my feet yesterday and allowing my mother to suggest dinner together. It’s entirely your fault, however, as I was completely captivated by you. I would love nothing more than to take you out and get to know you better. Please call with a time I