Zev showed up less than an hour later, drenched to the bone. He sheepishly waved from across the shop as he barged in through the door, grabbing a handful of paper napkins to dry his face and glasses. He plopped down on the other side of the bay window seat, practically panting.
“I couldn’t find my umbrella.” He huffed through heavy breaths.
Alistair moved her messenger bag, making room for her soppy friend.
Thunder exploded in the gray air outside and they both jumped.
“It’s crazy out there,” he muttered, rubbing a handful of crumpled napkins over his wet nest of hair.
“Are you okay?” He backpedaled, “Is everything . . . cool?”
“Everything is reasonably cool, yes.” Alistair answered with a smile. “You want coffee?”
“I’m fine. So . . .” he started, “first, I have a list of books pub
