Chapter 7
Shelby handed Theresa Combs (rom-coms) the handled bag and receipt for three new releases. “Happy reading. Enjoy your staycation.”
“Oh, I’m planning on it. And I’ll make proper use of this.” She pulled out the door hanger that read Go away, I’m reading.
Shelby smiled. “You go, girl.”
A minute later the downstairs bell tinkled as the woman slipped outside. Shelby caught sight of the signed document Gray had
brought her and stuck it in her purse. It was a done deal. After two weeks the bookshop would be entirely hers.
She drew in a breath and let relief wash over her. There would be a couple of awkward weeks ahead, but at least this was resolved.
Her eyes shot back to the papers as a strange fluttery sensation stirred inside her.
He signed away his ownership to you.
It was impossible not to recognize that this was an act of kindness. Maybe it was only his guilt talking, but it was still
an incredibly generous thing to do. And somehow that kindness soothed the ache of pain and grief inside.
The bell downstairs jingled again. Even if the wall clock didn’t announce it was four o’clock, the arrival of Daryl Lundstrom would have.
The twenty-five-year-old man with Down syndrome was always a bright spot in her day.
He reached the top of the steps, his brown bangs hanging in his eyes, and beamed when he caught sight of her behind the counter. “I got your newspaper, Miss Shelby!”
“Thank you, Daryl. You’re so helpful. Is that a new shirt?”
“Mom got it for me. She said I look good in blue. Do you think I look good in blue, Miss Shelby?”
“Indeed I do. It matches your eyes.”
He slapped the paper on the counter. “My dad had blue eyes. That’s how come I got them.” His parents had divorced when he
was a baby, and his father had taken off for greener pastures.
“Would you like to do some stickers for me today?”
“Will you give me ice cream money?”
Shelby chuckled. “You drive a hard bargain.”
“I’m not allowed to drive, Miss Shelby.”
“Good point. And yes to the ice cream money. It shouldn’t take very long.” She settled him at the far end of the counter with
the books and discount stickers.
He’d completed this task enough times in the past that he needed no instruction. So she left him to check on the customers
who’d come in earlier while she was assisting Theresa.
She spotted Haley tidying the bookshelves again and gritted her teeth. Shelby had spoken with her about assisting customers
a few times in the month she’d worked for the store, to no avail. She only wanted to move books around and straighten displays.
God forbid she’d actually have to answer the phone. She wasn’t cut out for retail, but her mother had been so desperate to
find her a job. And now she was Shelby’s problem.
Shelby approached the girl who was straightening the Women’s Fiction endcap. She stood barely over five feet, her thick brown
hair in a messy bun framing the birdlike bone structure of her face. “Haley, have you checked on the customers in the Nonfiction
section?”
“Oh, I didn’t see them come in.”
“Can you see if they need help finding anything?”
“Okay.”
Shelby watched her approach the man and teenage boy who were perusing books in the Sports section. Haley spoke so softly her
words were inaudible, but the man said they were doing fine and they went back to browsing on their own.
As Haley went off to tidy the children’s area, Shelby’s gaze drifted toward the back staircase. Gray had been down there all
day, leaving only to grab lunch around one o’clock. Not that she was paying attention. Fine by her. He had plenty to do, and
the less time they interacted, the better.
The phone pealed from the front desk. Shelby tossed a frown in the general direction of the children’s area and went to answer.
Felicia Borden (literary fiction) wanted to order seven copies of Shelterwood for her book club. After Shelby disconnected the call she placed the order and was checking on Daryl when footfalls sounded
on the front stairs.
Liddy appeared looking like a fall fashion model in an olive-green sweater, trendy pants, and black leather boots. Her gaze
fastened on the New Arrivals table. “Ooh, the new Kristin Hannah book. I didn’t realize it was already out.”
“It’s really good. Liddy, have you met my friend Daryl? He helps out at the store sometimes. Daryl, this is my sister-in-law,
Liddy.”
Liddy smiled at him. “Hi, Daryl.”
He barely glanced up from his task. “Hi there. I’m doing stickers.”
“I’m sure you’re doing a great job.”
“I am.”
Shelby and Liddy traded grins.
“Where’s Ollie?” Shelby asked.
“At your dad’s house with Caleb.” She picked up Kristin Hannah’s new release. “I had an errand and couldn’t resist stopping
in.”
“You should take that home with you. You’re eligible for Gram’s family and friends discount.”
She spared Shelby a glance. “I’m not taking it for free.”
“Fine, leave it here then. I’ll bring it over after work.”
Liddy sighed but tucked the book under her arm. “That’s very kind of you. Thank you.”
“I’m bursting at the seams to discuss it with someone, so read fast.” Shelby joined her by the table and lowered her voice.
“How are Dad and Caleb getting along? Sorry I haven’t been around to help run interference.”
“No need for that. They’re actually getting along very well.”
Shelby did a double take. “Really?”
“They’re bonding over their mutual dislike of Grayson Briggs.”
“Terrific.”
“From my perspective it’s working out great. Did he show up today?”
“He’s down in the office.”
As if summoned by their conversation, footfalls sounded on the back staircase, then Gray appeared at the top. He moved toward
them with that fluid stride that bordered on a strut.
“Holy cannoli,” Liddy whispered.
“Shut it. You’re supposed to be on my side.”
“I’m 100 percent on your side, but he sure is pretty to look at.”
Gray’s gaze flickered Liddy’s way before settling on Shelby. “I’m about to call it a day. We’re caught up on the inventory.”
“Already?” There’d been dozens of boxes.
“Gray!” Daryl’s stool crashed behind him as he bolted to his feet and rounded the counter. He lumbered toward Gray, beaming.
What in the world?
“Daryl. Hey, good to see you, friend. What are you doing here?”
“I work here, Gray! Well, sometimes I do. Don’t I, Shelby? I get ice cream money. Do you live here again? We can shoot hoops at the park. I still live by the park. Do you still live by the park?”
“Not anymore. I’m just here for a visit.” Gray’s gaze skated to Shelby. “I’m helping out at the store for a while.”
These two had obviously spent time together years ago before Gray had moved in with his grandma. He’d never mentioned it.
But Gray must’ve made quite the impression for Daryl to remember him all these years later. She tried to imagine sixteen-year-old
Gray voluntarily shooting hoops with thirteen-year-old Daryl and failed.
“Can we play basketball again, Gray? It’s not too cold yet.”
“No, it’s not too cold. Sure, buddy. Let’s meet up tomorrow night at five thirty. We’ll have a little time before the sun
sets.”
“Sure, Gray. Let’s meet up then.” He turned toward Shelby. “Gray is my friend. We’re meeting up.”
It was impossible not to be charmed by his excitement. “So I hear. I’m sure you’ll have fun.”
He scooted back to the counter. “I’m almost finished and then you’ll give me ice cream money.”
“That’s right.”
Liddy stuck out a hand to Gray. “Hi, I’m Liddy, Shelby’s sister-in-law.”
“Nice to meet you.” Gray offered a cautious smile and shook her hand.
His smile and demeanor when meeting someone new had always reminded Shelby of a wounded animal that anticipated rejection.
It had broken her heart to see it then, and she didn’t love it now. He’d never deserved the poor treatment he’d gotten around
here. But sticking up for him hadn’t exactly worked out for her in the long run.
“Here’s the key.” He set it on the counter.
“Okay.”
“Well...” Gray’s baby-blue eyes locked on Shelby.
She felt it down to her toes. A long second ticked by. Two. Heat prickled beneath her armpits while thoughts pinged around her brain like pinballs. He had that stare that made you think he could see right into your mind.
“Unless you need something else from me, I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Uh, sure,” she croaked. Cleared her throat. “Sure. I’ll see you at eight.”
As he descended the steps her breath eased from her lungs. One day down, thirteen to go. She nearly moaned.
Liddy gave her a pointed look. “What was that ?” she whispered.
“What was what?”
“ That. That thing sizzling between the two of you. I thought you were going to spontaneously combust.”
The bell downstairs jingled with Gray’s departure.
Shelby straightened an endcap book that might’ve already been straight. “That was just anger and bitterness.”
“Ha! Keep telling yourself that. He is not over you, friend, and I’m starting to wonder if the same can be said for you.”
Remembering the effortless way he’d slid into her heart all those years ago, Shelby resolved to fortify her defenses. “That...
is not happening.”