Reading “Recommendations” [Gill/Elli]
“Y-yes, of course,” Elli answered with a smile she hoped looked sincere. It wasn’t that she was lying about being a regular customer. Far from it in fact. If there was any way to support a friend’s business then she’d be there no questions asked. The fact that it aligned with one of her hobbies only made it more enjoyable.
However, she wished she’d gone to a different clerk just this once.
“No wait at all,” she replied, a little remorseful for it. That was quicker than expected and she had not the slightest idea of how to get out of this situation either. It felt like time slowed down as Gill’s attention turned back toward the stack of books.
And there it was: recognition. Elli’s face heated up at the sight of Gill’s one cheeks flushing. What she wouldn’t give to be swallowed up by the earth right then and there. Anything to get out of this situation. But she was forced to stand there as Gill involuntarily learned one of her deepest secrets. The irony wasn’t lost on her about the lengths she went through to keep it from him the last time he visited.
The embarrassment only grew as he went onto the next book. Thoughts whirled in Elli’s mind, asking what he must be thinking. Of the books? Of her? Had his opinion of her changed? She couldn’t imagine it not given the reaction he had. Seeing how red his face was only made her wonder just how worse hers was.
Then he spoke.
Well, not really spoke so much muttered a surprise. And it was with that that Elli could no longer look at the man, her eyes falling downcast to the counter. The heat emanating from her cheeks could fry an egg. She was positive of it.
Then he really did speak.
And… was he recommending one of the books to her? Elli lifted her eyes just enough to see which book he’d tapped. She couldn’t believe it–he pointed to the smuttiest book of them all. Surprise taking over, her eyes darted to look up at the blond. The last thing she expected was to see a smile on his face. It was small, but there was no mistaking it. Did that mean, he didn’t think less of her for it?
“You think I’ll like it?” Elli asked before she could even filter what she was asking. Oh Goddess, did she really say that? To Gill? She could only hope that the checkout process was almost done so she’d never have to face the blond again. With her new found embarrassment she couldn’t look him in the eyes any longer and opted to stare at the book in question’s half-clad male hero on the cover.
“Well—”
He’d started talking before he’d even meant to— and now had to fill the pause to actually think his answer over with a slightly wider embarrassed smile, one that he hid behind the palm of his hand. The question was a good one. Would Elli enjoy this book? Was he qualified to make such an assumption about her?
He glanced up to her, as though looking at his old friend for the very first time, as though the answer to her question might be written on her forehead— or at least, on her facial expression. Poor, dear Elli— she had to be as red as he must be. What a sight they must be for anyone who happened to glance over at this exchange, he thought.
Still, for as much as the conversation had caught him off guard, Gill had to admit he felt no personal shame discussing the matter. After all, there was no such thing as an immoral book— especially if one took a page from Oscar Wilde. Books are well written, or badly written, he reminded himself mentally. That is all.
He drew in a short, amused breath— then continued.
“I’ll say this,” he began, lowering his hand from his mouth and returning to checking the books out for her. No sense putting off doing his job, after all - he was sure Elli didn’t want him keeping her there for an hour as he judged her selections. “I found it to be a very— thrilling read.” Oh, dear. Not the best choice of words. Gill caught himself chuckling softly at himself. “Probably one of the best romance novels I’ve read. The author knows not to take himself too seriously, and I enjoyed the narration as a result. It’s silly and fun.”
He paused, before adding quietly: “And sexy.” He shook his head, as though having difficulty accepting that these words were coming out of his mouth. “Probably one of the best romance novels I’ve read, and I’ve read my fair share. If that sounds like it’s something you might enjoy, then I would say— yes. I think you’ll like it quite a bit.”
