1. Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Emily

"We both know you're not going to buy that book, Mr. Brown."

I grin knowingly, carefully placing a pile of paperbacks on the counter and running a hand over the cover. "I thought we agreed that it's just not your taste in genre?"

Mr. Brown scowls playfully in my direction, clicking his tongue as he saunters over. "One day, I will buy it and surprise both of us."

I laugh, meticulously wrapping the books he will purchase with bubble wrap. "I'll be here when you do."

There's something comforting about his chuckle. "I must say, you do have a talent. My granddaughter loved the book you recommended. She said it was on her reading list and everything."

"That's because I had her grandfather to guide me," I whisper conspiratorially, winking. I tug the bag's handle, double-checking that it won't pierce through the bottom. Pushing it toward him, I sigh happily. "Would you like some help bringing these home?"

"Don't bother," he waves me off, reaching over to pinch my cheek. "You're too kind. I may be old, but I still have some strength left in me."

"Of course," I agree easily, laughing softly. "Just making sure."

He clicks his tongue once more, squinting his eyes as he digs into his pocket. I shuffle a bit under his scrutiny. I know exactly what kind of conversation we're going to have when he gives me that look.

Mr. Brown tilts his head as he passes me some money. "You're still single? No boyfriends or anything like that?"

"No, sir," I reply, scrunching my face up in amusement. The cash register lets out a ding that echoes through the walls, mixing with the music I put on. "You already know I don't."

"I'm just saying," he shrugs, grumbling a dismissive noise. "My youngest son is not that much older than you. It'll be nice for him to get with someone as polite and smart as you."

"You're very kind, but It's not my priority." My ears heat up at the compliment, and I fight the urge to cover them with my hands. "If all I think about is falling in love, where will you get your books from?"

"Yes, you're right." he nods, rubbing his chin. "Don't fall for someone who doesn't appreciate what you're good at, okay?"

I smile, thankful. "I'll be alright, sir. Thank you."

He takes the bag and waves, calling over his shoulder as he makes his way to the exit. "If you ever change your mind, just give me a call!"

I shake my head fondly as he leaves, the smile on my face never faltering. If you were to tell me ten years ago that I would be running my own business that's successful enough to have regulars, I would've laughed in your face.

I still laugh now, if I'm honest.

Disbelief. Joy. Excitement. It never gets old, and I don't think it ever will. Who would've thought that my affinity for books and literature would get me here? A cozy little bookstore with a good circle of customers and as many books as I could want in the palm of my hands.

Before I called this place my own, it was a stationary shop that had a book section and a reading nook. I was drawn to it immediately—sometimes just browsing their selection for hours— and I ended up forming a bond with Stephanie, the owner.

She became a good friend as we talked about our love for the art of writing and creating things. Coming to that shop was the best part of my day, where I could indulge in my passion.

So, you can imagine my heartbreak when, one faithful day, she broke the news that she decided to leave town. The property was going to be put on sale—and she was offering it to me .

"This is exactly what you've been dreaming of, Emily."

I falter, wringing my hands together. I did tell her how much I wanted to open my own bookstore, but I didn't think it'd be like this . The entire conversation is giving me whiplash. "I know. I'm just really sad to see you go. This place has been," I take in a deep breath, " everything to me."

She shakes her head fondly, a sad smile on her lips. "I'm glad it has, sweetheart. But if you take this, you could turn it into something better. A bigger place for what you love."

"I don't know if I can do that," I look down at my feet, my emotions all over the place. "This is yours . I feel like I'm replacing it."

"You will be," she tilts her head, nodding. "For the better. This is your chance to make it a reality."

I don't say anything, biting my tongue to hold back the overwhelming feeling in my chest. She sighs, not unkindly, and moves closer to me. Stephanie squeezes my arm. "Hey."

I look up at her, waiting. She gazes around the shop with a soft smile before saying, "If there's anyone I would want to leave this space to, it would be you. At least I'd know it's in good hands."

A heavy breath leaves me, and I squeeze my fingers in my hand. This could actually be happening. Stephanie is looking at me expectantly, an understanding grin on her face.

I shake my head, laughing. Here goes nothing. "Okay. I'll take it."

It's been years since then, and I'm still in disbelief.

I walk around, taking everything in. Time slips past me as I carefully scour through the shelves, making sure that everything is in place as I hum along to the song playing.

Winter is definitely my favorite time of year for the bookstore. Cold winters mean turning off the piercing overhead lights and bringing out the string lights and mood lamps. The dark wood is coated in a pretty yellow-orange glow, giving the shop a brand-new look.

Slipping the last book into place, I absently make my way back to the front of the shop. I jump back in surprise when I see someone perched on the counter. "Oh, fuck!"

As her head turns around, she raises a hand in a calm wave and kicks her feet while a smile plays on her lips. "Just me."

I shake my head in disbelief, chuckling. "Lily, I love you, but please stop scaring me. How'd you come in? I didn't hear you."

"No promises. And through the back door." She tilts her head and shrugs, blue eyes glowing with mischief. "Thought we could have lunch together."

"Yeah, sure." I poke her forehead lightly before sliding behind the counter and pulling out a chair. I peer at the bag she brought excitedly. "What have you got for me?"

"Your mom made some sandwiches!" Lily grabs a bag by her feet. The familiar scent of my mom's cooking wafts through the air as she places our options next to her. "She told me to share."

I look up at her, confused. "Why were you with my mom?"

"She loves me, and also, I was hungry," Lily replies, playfully flipping her hair over her shoulder. We each pick one up, sounds of approval leaving us as we eat in comfortable silence. Mom's food never disappoints. Lily picks out the tomatoes from her sandwich and asks, "Anything fun happen today?"

I swallow my bite. "Not really. Mr. Brown came by and offered me his son's hand in marriage again."

Her eyes widened as she gave me a look. " Again ? At this point, Em, just marry the guy."

"No!" I laugh, bewildered. "Never even met him. That's a bit weird, don't you think?"

Lily hums. "You want me to talk to Mr. Brown?"

"He's like, seventy or something. It's okay. He's just being nice." I wave her off before taking another bite of my sandwich. "I prefer it to happen naturally, you know?" I shrug, leaning my forearms on the table. "The setup's important to me when meeting people."

Love is a gray area for me.

Love is beautiful. Love is my favorite thing on earth. I love love. I love being in love. I love giving people love. But that's just the idealized version of it. There's always going to be pain: learning, lessons, heartbreak. It's never as smooth sailing as all the books make it out to be.

And sure, those things are worth going through for the right person, but my last relationship was less than stellar. I find myself turning away from it. There's only so much turmoil and pain one can go through without feeling like they need to hide their heart away.

"What's the right way, then?" Lily scoots closer, holding a hand up. She seems more excited than I am. "Is it something like someone spilling a drink on you on accident, and they give you their jacket? Then you meet up again to give it back, and you fall in love?"

I open my mouth to reply, but she waves for me to stop. Lily sits up straighter, staring off into the bookshelves as she paints her picture. " Or is it in some kind of concert or club, and they're next to you in line, and you spend the whole night talking, and before you know it, you're married!"

I stare blankly at her before clicking my tongue. Shaking my head softly, I say, "I just want to meet someone a bit more naturally. Maybe go to dinner after a while of getting to know each other."

Lily blows a raspberry into the air. She takes a big bite of the sandwich, her cheek puffing up to one side. "Isn't that a bit boring, though?"

"Yeah, but I feel like I'd only enjoy those as a reader. In real life, it seems like a drag. I'd prefer boring, and I don't want to meet someone with the obligation of falling in love with them."

She nods understandingly. "I guess so. I'm just saying you're my friend, and I care for you. So, if you ever do feel a bit lonely at night, I can call someone for you." She waves a hand vaguely around. "You know, to spend time with."

I blink once at the implication. "What?"

"I'm just saying!" Lily quickly says, her voice a tone higher. There's a blush on her cheekbones. "It's normal."

"I didn't think the conversation would go in this direction, but okay." I laugh as she sputters, pushing me on the shoulder. "Don't worry about me. I just like whining."

"If it happens, it happens."

"Exactly. You'd be the first to know, anyway."

Lily's smile is contagious. "Damn right, I would."

Just as I'm about to say something else, the bell on the door rings as a pair walks in. I drop my sandwich and greet the customers as Lily jumps off the counter and places the food back in the bags. Lily and I share a smile as they slowly walk toward the bookshelves.

I won't say there aren't times I feel a twinge of loneliness—hell, even watching the couple come in arm-in-arm makes me sigh—but I know how I am when I fall.

No matter how many books I read, the best storylines are the ones where the characters don't even realize how much they've fallen for each other. It's that silent understanding and mutual respect that always makes me smile. The last relationship I had lacked that, and I've learned my lesson.

There's no need to rush, anyway. The bookstore takes up so much of my time. I prefer it this way.