Guarded

*Spencer's POV*

I was currently flipping through Pride and Prejudice, not having finished the book yet, while standing at the register. I was playing through my argument with Sherlock and conversation with John, over and over again.

I was shaken from my thoughts by someone's cheery voice saying, "Look at my luck!" Jim smiled at me as he walked up to the counter.

"Good morning, Jim," I smiled, feeling uneasy around him still. "How can I help you?"

"I came to buy a few books, figured I'd give reading a shot," Jim laughed through his lie. Why would someone lie about the reason they're buying books?

I nodded, "Do you need any suggestions on good starters?"

"No, thank you, though. I'm just going to see what catches my eye," Jim smiled and walked off to look for some books.

I returned back to my book but found myself distracted. I made sure to keep an eye on Jim while he looked for books. I watched as he browsed the books, picking up one, inspecting the cover, and making his decision. After about 20 minutes, having made sure to look at what felt like every book in the store, Jim came back to the counter with 4 books: Tolstoy's War and Peace, Melville's Moby Dick, Hugo's Les Miserables, and the complete works of Jane Austen. My eyes widened as Jim placed all 4 on the counter with a rather loud thud due to how big each book was.

"Jim," I began, "I admire your enthusiasm, but don't you want to start out with something more contemporary or shorter classics?" I asked.

"Nope! I'll take these," Jim smiled.

"Alright," I said, ringing up the books. When I picked up the complete works of Jane Austen, I said, "She's my favorite author."

"I saw that you were reading one of her books and figured that I'd give her a shot."

"I hope you like her stories," I smiled, "Oh, I ran into Molly the other day. I'm glad she liked the book."

"Oh, yes, she loved it. I wanted to thank you again for helping me."

"Of course."

"Have you and Sherlock decided to give it a try yet?" Jim smirked.

"No."

"Oh, something happened. Don't frown about a man, girl!"

"I'll get over it."

"You shouldn't have too, darling. Men, am I right?" Jim asked, trying to make me laugh.

"I just wish he understood," I told Jim, unsure why I was opening up to him, especially since he usually makes me feel so uncomfortable.

"Don't we all, but here's my number, doll face," Jim wrote his number on a piece of paper nearby and slid it to me, "If you ever want a friend to talk to."

I grabbed the paper, "Thank you, Jim."

"I'll be waiting for the call, honey! See you soon!" Jim grabbed his bag of books and waved while walking out of the store. Again, he was telling the truth when he said that he would see me soon.

The rest of the day at the store was rather uneventful. I left when the store closed, Hamilton thanking me again and again for volunteering my time. I was on my way back to Baker Street when my phone began to ring.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Spencer," John replied, "Sherlock solved the case, so I was going to go and do some more investigating about the Andrew West case. Would you be willing to go with me?"