Chapter 14
Chapter Fourteen
MELLIE
Iwake up the following morning feeling better than I have in years. Finally clearing the air with Ronin has lifted a weight off my shoulders. One I was so accustomed to carrying, I had lost perspective on how heavy it had become.
Today, I want to visit Nora at The Reading Nook and hopefully make a decision about whether or not I’ll be staying in Blue Fields. My heart is leaning toward yes, but I have to be smart and think it through. The last time that I made a life decision based solely on emotion didn’t work out too well.
I bundle myself up in my winter coat, scarf, and gloves, and leave the house, locking the door behind me.
The walk into town is beautiful. There is a crisp smell to the air, like the scent right before it snows.
Main Street comes into view within minutes, the old brick buildings welcoming me home like old friends.
I decide to make a pit stop for some coffee, but Ronin isn’t working and I feel a surprising pang of disappointment as some older teenage girl I’ve never seen takes my drink order.
I make my way to the bookshop, spying Nora behind the counter through the large windows that are framed by deep pine green wood, the hanging sign protruding from the brick surrounding it swinging gently in the breeze.
I stop on the sidewalk to admire the window display.
Nora has compiled a collection of local and statewide authors, and I have a sudden vision of seeing a book in the window with my name scrawled across the bottom.
Shaking my head, I pull open the door, the bell tinkling softly as I enter.
“Amelia!” Nora comes around the counter to greet me as I sweep into the store, a cold breeze following me in and rustling some book pages near the entrance.
“Hey, Nora.” I lean in to hug her and place a kiss on her soft cheek. “I just figured I’d stop by and discuss the job offer a bit more. Maybe get a sense of what I’d be signing up for.”
Nora beams. “Of course, dear. Come in, come in. I’ll show you around.”
We wander among the shelves, Nora pointing out new additions here and there, and I ask questions as we walk.
She takes breaks from our conversation to help the occasional customer, and we discuss the details of what my job responsibilities will be and what sort of salary I can expect.
She gives me a quick tutorial on how she orders books, how she keeps an inventory of what’s in stock—small things in her day to day operations.
We wind our way back toward the front of the store.
“How many staff members do you usually keep these days?” I ask.
“Most of the time, it’s just me, Julian, and one other employee, Sydney,” Nora answers, her hands clasped in front of her.
“You’ll like her. She’s about your age, maybe a few years younger.
She moved here with her mother just after you went to California, and she’s worked here for the last year or so, part time, while she finishes school.
” Nora stops, stooping down to retrieve a fallen book and placing it back on a shelf.
“During tourist season, however, I usually hire some extra help.”
I nod, remembering back to how busy our tiny town would get, especially in the warmer months when it seems like the town holds a different festival every other weekend.
Nora takes a few moments to brew some tea, and soon after, we find ourselves seated in the chairs by the front entrance, each with a fresh teacup.
“Amelia,” Nora begins. “Let me be frank with you.”
“Of course.” I nod my head, blowing on my tea before taking a small sip.
“If you decide to take this job, ultimately the idea is to leave The Reading Nook to you as the sole owner once I retire. Which, let’s face it, won’t be too long now.” She studies my face for my reaction. “I wanted to make sure that part was clear when I asked if you’d take over.”
“Owner?” I set my teacup down in its saucer, willing my hands not to shake. “What do you mean? Are you sure?”
I’ve always assumed Nora and Julian would leave the bookstore to Ronin, but maybe his involvement in Double Shot has changed things. Maybe that’s what Ronin was alluding to last night, but didn’t want to say.
“More sure than anything else in a long while, Amelia.” Nora places her own teacup down and reaches for my hands, steadying me.
“I know I made it seem like you’d just be running the store, but I wanted you to have a chance to think hard about the decision to move back before placing more responsibility on those shoulders.
” She smiles, her eyes crinkling. “You’re family, Mellie.
You’re the granddaughter I never knew I needed.
You spent half of your life between these walls.
” She beams at me. “Its legacy is just as much yours as it is mine.”
My eyes fill and tears spill over, Nora’s hands gripping mine tight, her papery skin brushing gently.
“Nora, I don’t know what to say.” I try to swallow against the lump in my throat, more unshed tears threatening to overwhelm. “Of course I feel the same. You’re my family, too.” She releases her grip and I swipe at my face with my sleeves. “I’m honored that you would leave this to me.”
Nora leans back in her chair, giving me a moment to think.
And I let it all sink in. The gravity of what she and Julian are offering to me. Not just a job, but a business. Something that will be mine.
A home.
Never once did I think I would willingly choose this town. I spent so much of my youth being bitter and hating the world that I didn’t let it win me over. Not even as an adult—it was just this small place where I’d felt stuck in time.
But now, it’s my choice. And I want to choose Blue Fields for myself.
Not for my parents or for Ronin, but for me.
I smile at Nora, fresh tears escaping, this time ones of happiness. “Nora…I accept.”