Richard sighed as he looked at the last stack of books to be received, rubbing at the back of his neck.

“Long day?” Rex asked as he leaned in the doorway.

Richard raised an eyebrow. “You aren’t supposed to be back here,” he commented.

“Why? So you can sigh where no one can see you?”

“Exactly.”

Rex laughed. “Admit it: you’re just back here to hide.”

“I wish, but I do have actual work to do.”

“Too much to take a break?”

Richard looked at the last box again and then shook his head. “A short one. What’s up?”

Rex shrugged. “Was driving by and thought I’d stop in. I haven’t actually been in a library since school.”

“You’re missing out.”

“Nah. This was always more your place than mine or Graham’s.”

Richard rolled his eyes as he sat down. “And the truth comes out. You’re here to gossip.”

“What’s wrong with a guy wanting to know how his friends are doing after an old-fashioned kiss with a little holiday cheer?” Rex asked innocently.

“You’re not fooling anyone. We’re not kids anymore.”

“And you’d never kiss and tell, right?” Rex huffed. “Spoilsport.”

Richard smirked, but the little smile didn’t last long. “Doesn’t matter anyway. Graham was never interested in me, and even if he was - I screwed it up.”

“What do you mean?”

Richard shook his head. “Doesn’t matter. You still doing the mistletoe cashier thing?”

“Of course!” Rex gushed. “Want to give it a try? I’m sure I can get you a hookup by Christmas. There’s still a few days left!”

“No, just looking for the places to avoid for the next few days,” Richard laughed. “Better not to be caught by that devil plant again if I hope to keep my sanity.”

“Graham does like you,” Rex pouted. “He just doesn’t show it very well.”

“No,” Richard disagreed. “He doesn’t hate me, which isn’t the same as liking me. It’s not that straightforward.”

“You’re right. I just don’t like seeing you two alone during the holidays. Christmas should be about family. You’re both lonely.”

“You can’t shove two people together and expect sparks,” Richard laughed. “I’ve got work. If you want gossip try the fiction section. That’s where the ladies have been hovering.”