“That guy has been in like every movie known to man,” he said, the starstruck effect glazing over his eyes.

“Not you too,” I groaned.

“Francis forces us to know everything about that exhibit. How have you gotten away with not even knowing his name?”

I placed the very last box on top of the stack and shrugged. I didn’t interact with the tourists or exhibits as much as everyone else. I remained behind the scenes, finding new exhibits and documenting old town records. It was the way I preferred it, out of the spotlight of the busy attraction.

“That’s what happens when you’re the favorite, I suppose. A promotion, more leeway,” he huffed. “I’ve been here thirteen years, and it’s always the same for me.”

The old man scowled, adding his last box to the pile.

Probably because of that attitude. 

I worked hard to prove I could handle the responsibility of assistant curator when our prior one retired. They were one of Francis’ closest friends, so I had huge shoes to fill. If I had to put in the extra time and effort, I would do everything I could to keep working my way up.

“I thought I heard you two chattering,” Francis said, and I turned to find her hands on her hips, lips pursed.

“The boxes are all here,” Barren said quickly.

“Perfect,” Francis said, her face lighting with delight. “Now, there are a few exhibits that look a bit drab. I need you to go work on those before we open for the day.”

“But-” Barren started, his shift technically not starting for an hour. He shut his mouth and thought better of the comment.

“I’ll start on organizing the new filing system,” I offered before she had a chance to assign me to a new task.

“Always on top of everything,” she chirped.

I just knew exactly how to remain on her good side. It wasn’t rocket science, but it did require a bit of trial and error.

I turned and got to work, burying myself in the work of sorting through all the old records, arranging them in a more organized fashion in the large metal cabinets.

* * *

My shift was over before I knew it, and I gathered my belongings from the small desk I claimed as my own in the back room. My work computer was still on, and I sent myself an email before shutting it down, my usual routine on days I was able to contribute to my personal research.

It was a busier than usual day at the museum, tourists flocking inside for a reprieve from the brutal heat or a break from the overcrowded beaches.

Visitors all gravitated toward the same three beaches, unaware of the hidden gems our town had to offer.