By the time the hour ended, Bette had three handwritten pages worth of books she needed to peruse for her assignments.  She was still writing when Gail walked up to the counter with her items.  “These are great.  Just what I’m looking for.”

“Good.  We’re proud of our collections.”

Bette put on her cotton gloves and started back to the files when Gail said, “I’ll bet you’d know–is there a coffee shop around here?  I’m craving a good coffee.”

She turned and said, “A place just opened called Willoughby’s.  You might like it.  I haven’t been in, but I hear that they have good coffee.”

“Join me?  You’re the first person I’ve said more than five words to in New Haven.”

Bette cocked her head in surprise that this stranger would want her to tag along.  “Thanks, but I can’t.  I have to work until five, then my boyfriend’s coming to pick me up for dinner.”

Bette wasn’t positive, but it looked like Gail’s face showed a brief hint of disappointment.  Whether it was because Bette couldn’t join her for coffee or that she had a boyfriend, she couldn’t tell.

“Some other time.  I’ll be around.”

“Definitely.”

______

Every day, for the first week and a half, Bette sat at the counter opposite Gail’s table and did her own work on the days that she was working at the library.  It made sense for her to stay in the room instead of leaving, then returning every time Gail buzzed for more material.  She had started bringing her backpack with her and used the time to ostensibly assist the patron while in reality she studied for her class.   On non-work days, she found herself, just stopping in to study with her because there were few distractions.  Occasionally, when Gail just wanted to chat, they did that.  Bette found the woman fascinating.  It seemed like Gail knew about every book written with a preference for the Victorian period.  Sometimes, she’d find a paragraph or phrase that moved her so that she had to share it with Bette.  She’d trot over to the counter and say, “you’ve got to read this.  Is that great writing or what?  God, that’s just awesome.”