Bookstore Companion

Bookstore Companion

Entering the recently opened bookstore “Great Reads,” Raymond Strand hoped to find a signed copy of the latest Margret Howel novel. After stepping inside, he spotted Patty Silver, the proprietor, across the room. Standing with her back towards him, she was filling up a spot on one of the shelves with some newly arrived paperbacks.

Small in stature, she wore a white blouse, black slacks, and had long, straight, mahogany-colored hair. Pleased with what he saw, he continued to watch her for a moment then cleared his throat to get her attention. When she turned, he gasped with surprise; she looked remarkably like, Carol, his ex.

“Can I help you?” she asked with a warm, professional smile.

Shaking himself out of his astonishment, he replied, “I’m here for the new Margret Howel novel.”

“One of the signed copies?” He nodded. “You’re in luck. I still have a couple left.” She handed him one of the two hard copies sitting on the counter next to the register. Then while he casually flipped through its pages, she said, “I’m assuming you’re a huge fan?”

Looking up, he replied. “So far, I’ve read every one of her books.”

“So, have I.”

Smiling, he stared at her a moment then asked, “You wouldn’t happen to have been adopted, were you?”

“Why do ask?”

“Because you look so much like my ex.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “Would I know her? Does she live here in town?”

“Not anymore. She recently got a job premotion in California.”

“You didn’t go with her?”

He shook his head. “I like my job here too much.”

“Why, what do you do?”

“I’m an editor at ‘In Your Heart Books.’”

“That’s the Christian publisher?” He nodded. “And you read Margret Howel mysteries?” Again, he nodded. “Aren’t they a little risqué for your Christian values?”

He held up his hands in a slightly dismissive manner. “Not really. Literature is literature.”

“Well, I hope you like Margret’s new one, too,” she said, as the buzzer above the front door announced the arrival of another customer.

“I’m sure I will,” he replied, then paying for the book, headed for the entrance.

Over the next month, he visited the shop more than once. He told himself and her that it was because he wanted to check on her supply of ‘In Your Heart Books.’ But it really was because of what he felt every time he saw her. Looking into her deep blue eyes and seeing her dazzling smile, a flower of heat blossomed inside him. That’s when he’d have to make excuses about why he was there.

“I think I can get you more copies of our inventory,” he said, while pretending to study the small supply she already had.

“That would be great!” she said absently touching his arm. Immediately, heat blossomed under her touch.

He turned to face her. “You look so lovely this morning,” he said before he could stop himself.

Smiling, she asked, “Is that because I look so much like your ex?”

His face flushed. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

Continuing to smile, she said, “Why not, if you meant it?” He did. But instead of answering her, he turned back and pretended, once again, to study what was on the shelf.

As time went on, their relationship progressed way beyond being acquaintances. Then one Saturday morning, as he was leaving her shop, he stopped short. “Carol?” he said to the person standing before him. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m back,” she replied.

“Temporarily?”

“No, permanently.”

“Why, what happened?”

“Let’s just say, it didn’t turn out to be quite as I had hoped.”

“I’m sorry,” he said and meant it. But at the same time, he felt a knot of fear grow in his stomach. Was she expecting things to go back to the way they were before?

“I hope you’re not expecting us to be a couple again?” he said.

“Why not?” she asked, her brow furrowing.

“Because I’ve moved on. I’ve met someone.”

“Is she Christian?”

“Not really.” He gestured toward the shop behind him. “In fact, she owns this bookstore.”

“I’d like to meet her,” she said, taking a step towards the building.

“You can’t!” he said quickly, stopping her. “She just left to run an arrand. But I’ll introduce you to her soon.”

He didn’t have to; she did it herself. And as he expected, his ex accused him of hooking up with Patty Silver because of how much she and Patty looked alike. He tried to deny it, but she refused to believe him. Finally, it took his engagement to Patty to convince her, even though she remained verbally skeptical.

Raymond’s contentious relationship with Carol continued until he found out she was dating again. It’s about time, he thought. Now, maybe she’ll stop harassing me about Patty.

She did.