Spotlight: Chapter 35

“Congratulations.” Ruby holds up the best bookstore in the city award and grins. “Do you want to take it home so you can sleep with it under your pillow?”

“Shut up.” I take it from her with a laugh.

We got the news yesterday. Out of all the bookstores in the city, The Book Nook was voted Lake City’s favorite for the first time. I’m so proud, but also… maybe realizing I never really needed the award. Or at least not for the reasons I thought. I love this store, this job, doing it with my family.

We’ve started hosting weekly events: book clubs, author signings, adult reading time, and even a collaboration with Sabrina that we called “Ballet and Books”. It was a big hit with kids.

“I think we can safely leave it on the counter,” I say.

Grinning, she sets it down next to the register, nearly hidden from view.

“Okay, well, maybe turn it out so people can read it.” I angle the award so it’s in view for the customers.

Ruby laughs again.

“Can you watch the store for a bit?” I ask. “I need to do something.”

“Sure. I have nowhere to go and nothing to do. At least until my agent gets back to me with notes.”

“The book is great. She’s going to love it and so will everyone else.”

Ruby beams. “I’m choosing to live in that bubble of hope for now.”

She finally finished her book and it’s the best thing she’s written. Of course, I always say that but this time I think her readers are going to agree with me. Flynn does. He read it to make sure she got the sporty scenes right, or at least that was his excuse. I’m pretty sure he’d have read it either way. After all, he’s read everything else she’s written.

I grab a couple of things from the office and then head outside. It’s summer and our little stretch of sidewalk is empty as people hide away from the afternoon heat.

Despite the sweat beading up on my forehead and the back of my neck, I stop in front of Plot Twist to admire the artwork then let out a small laugh. It says, “Congratulations to The Book Nook, Best Bookstore in Lake City.” And underneath is a picture of a woman that looks a lot like me with a stack of books in her hand.

Walter is full of surprises.

Plot Twist is as quiet as our store is today, but the air conditioning washes over me, and I let out a relieved breath to be inside.

“Hello. Welcome in,” Walter calls from somewhere in the store.

“It’s just me. Olivia,” I say in response.

He peeks around the side of a bookshelf with a stack of books in one hand. A smile pulls at one side of his mouth. “You’re the first person that’s come in all afternoon.”

“Everyone is hiding at home today,” I say as I approach him. “Thanks for the shout-out on the window.”

“You’re welcome.” His gaze is shifty, like maybe he’s uncomfortable with the affection, even though it was initiated by him.

So, instead of saying more, I take in the scene around him. There are stacks of books on the floor in front of the small romance section. I’m thrilled to see him revamping it, even if it is still the smallest section in the store.

“What’s happening here?” I ask as I move to stand beside him and inspect the transformation.

“I remembered a few more of Mae’s favorites, so I ordered them, and they came in yesterday.”

“Wait. These are all her favorite books?” I ask.

“I don’t know romance, so I let her do the talking. Seems only right.”

I look over the books with new eyes. I should have guessed. There are lots of historical romance and popular authors from twenty years ago. He doesn’t hate romance. He just really loved her.

“I have an idea,” I say, setting the things I brought on the floor and disappearing back to the front. I grab a Sharpie, tape, and the picture of Mae he keeps at the front counter.

Walter watches with trepidation as I make a sign and then tape it over the current “Romance” sign above the shelves. Then I place her picture on the top shelf underneath it.

He nods and together we reshelve the other books.

“There,” I say when we’re done. I place both hands on my hips to admire our work.

“Mae’s Favorites,” he reads the sign and then smiles. “She’d love this. Thank you.”

“And…” I lean down to pick up the book I brought him. It’s Ruby’s last release. I set it on the shelf with the other books.

He gives me a wry look.

“Okay, fine. It can go on the front table.” I take the book back with every intent of leaving it here somewhere. It would be a real travesty for a bookstore not to carry a single Ruby Madison book.

“And this is for you.” I pick up the plant I brought him and hold it out. It’s become a thing. Every time I stop in, I bring him one. I can’t help it. Everyone should have a little greenery in their life.

“It will look great on the front table or maybe the counter,” I say.

“Thank you, Olivia,” he says. “I have something for you too.”

“You do?” I can’t hide the surprise in my voice.

He walks to the front, and I follow him. I put Ruby’s book on a front table for some lucky reader to pick up.

Walter goes around the counter, and I move to stand in front of it. He places the plant by the register and then reaches underneath and pulls out a worn paperback. He holds it in his hands for a moment, then extends it toward me.

I take it without realizing what it is, but the second my brain makes the connection I try to give it back. Even holding it feels wrong. It’s too precious. Too old. Too important.

“Walter, I can’t accept this.”

“Yes, you can.” He waves his hands to indicate he isn’t going to take it from me and steps back.

I glance down at the worn cover of my very favorite book. “It was Mae’s. You read it every year.”

“And I still can. She’d want someone that loved it as much as her to have it.”

“It’s a first edition,” I whisper. I’m not sure why. I think I’m in shock.

When he doesn’t reply, I step forward and hug him. I think I take him by surprise, but he eventually hooks one arm around me and pats me softly.

“Thank you so much. I will cherish it,” I say as I move back. I hug the book to my chest. I’ve very clearly made him uncomfortable, so I discreetly wipe my eyes before I do something embarrassing like cry in front of him.

We’re both saved by the front door opening. Flynn walks in with Greer on his shoulders.

“Hey,” I say, smiling both at the sight of them and the surprise. “How’d you find me?”

“Ruby told us you were here.” Flynn leans forward to kiss me and then pulls back and glances to Walter. He extends a hand to him. “Nice to see you. The store is looking great.”

“It is, isn’t it? Olivia has a good eye.”

“That she does,” Flynn grins proudly.

Walter tips his head to the back of the store. “I have a box full of shirts and hats for you to sign. I can’t keep your stuff in stock.”

In the month since Flynn turned down the Renegades’ offer and decided to stay with the Mustangs, the team has continued to hold one of the best records in the league. The unshakeable hope that at one point felt illogical, has become reality, and I couldn’t be prouder to watch Flynn bask in all the love and admiration. The city loves him. And so do I.

“I’ll come back later this afternoon. I’m going to take my girls to get ice cream,” Flynn says.

Walter nods his approval.

“I told Ruby I’d only be gone for a few minutes.”

Flynn grins. “She said, ‘Tell Olivia not to even think about coming back here today.’ She’s got you covered.”

“Okay.”

“Yeah?” Flynn asks.

A few months ago, I probably would have put up more of a fight or felt guilty that someone was offering to help me out, but right now I just want to spend a little more time with Flynn and Greer. Soaking up this day, this feeling, and this life.

“Will you win me something out of the claw machine?”

His smile kicks up on one side. “You got it, gorgeous.”