Three

This would be the perfect morning if I weren't running down the block, shoving a piece of toast in my mouth, hoping I don't choke all because my alarm didn't go off. I don't understand why it didn't go off. I never turn the stupid thing off; it's my phone, for Christ's sake. It's supposed to be reliable.

I turn the corner, prepared for Elma, but I'm blown away when it's Silas standing there. His black hat pulled low, making his eyes concealed. He must've scared Elma away, and if I'm being honest, I'm glad. I don't have time for her this morning.

"Morning, Teagan," he says, slowly turning his head toward me. His eyes send shivers down my spine. They are emptier today.

I move closer to the door, moving my bag in front of my stomach. "Silas, how's your morning so far?" What I want to ask is if everything is okay, but I don't know him that well, and I know personal boundaries.

"It's going. I'm here for that book. Sorry about yesterday."

"No worries, I'm sure wherever you went must've been important."

He gives me a grim smile but doesn't explain further. We're all entitled to our secrets; he would've told me if he wanted to share.

I unlock the door and hold it open for him. When he doesn't move, I head in. I'm in the middle of the shop when I stop. Something is off.

"Did you hear the bell ring when I opened the door?" I stare at the door, puzzled. I can't remember if it went off yesterday, either. I know in the morning, but after that, nothing. Silas turns to the door, adjusting his hat.

"I don't think it did."

I walk back to the door, pushing it open. Nothing. No ding. I look up at the bell, but it's gone.

"The bell is gone." I stare at nothing in shock.

"Who would steal a bell?"

I turn to him and shrug. "That's what I want to know. Is there some creep out there getting their rocks off with bells?"

"Should we be alarmed by the bell thieves?"

I point my finger and laugh. "Funny. But seriously, where did it go?"

"Sure it didn't fall off and roll away?"

Who knows at this point? "Let me turn some lights on, and I'll get that book for you. You disappeared so fast yesterday I thought I was losing my mind."

He removes his hat, scratches his head, and then replaces it. "I'm sorry about that."

When he says nothing else, I move along, readjusting books as I go. I flick all the switches when I reach the office, and the shop comes alive. This is my favourite time of the day; it's when the magic starts. Heading back to the front, I swipe Silas' book from behind the counter and pray he's still here.

I swing around and bump into his chest. I pull in a breath of his woodsy scent through my nose, and my body turns to jelly.

"The book?" his voice snaps me out of my stupor.

I back away and slam the book into his chest. "Here. Enjoy." My God, how many times have I embarrassed myself in front of him already? He probably thinks I'm a nutcase. The warmth of his hand wraps around my wrist, and I glance at him.

He taps the book with his other hand. "I still need to pay for it."

I shake my head; it must be because I'm still running behind. "I swear I'd lose my head if it weren't screwed on. My alarm didn't go off, sending my entire morning into a whirlwind." I turn the computer on, and wait for another wave of embarrassment to pass by. At this point, I hope Silas never comes back.

"How long have you owned this bookstore?"

I am delighted by how far this shop has come since opening. So much blood, sweat and buckets of tears have gone into it. Every time I switch the sign from closed to open, it reminds me it was all worth it.

"I opened it around two years ago. One town council member wasn't overly excited about it, and they fought me, but in the end, I won." I roll my eyes at the memory of Nancy picking a fight with me.

A frown creased his forehead. "Why wouldn't they want a bookstore in town?"

"Nancy Montgomery. She kept denying my building permit. She's had a hate on, for my family for decades. Realistically, I should've known better."

"Nancy sounds like a cunt. But I'm glad it worked out in the end. This place is amazing. "

"Thanks. I'll give you a piece of advice. Stay away from the Montgomery family; they will make your life a living hell."

He pulls his wallet out and tosses two twenty-dollar bills down. "I'm not afraid, Teagan. Take care."

He should be. That family has more pull in this town than anyone; poor Elma doesn't even gossip about them. If they found out she was spreading rumours, her ass would be blacklisted from every business in this town. The only way I was able to get my building permit was to give up the café that I wanted to include. After I talked things over with my parents, we both determined it wasn't necessary and would only add more stress. If Nancy thinks she won over that, let her.

I watch Silas walk out before moving to the back room. I honestly need to hire more help. Now that the bell is broken, I have no way of telling when people walk in. I'm only grateful it's not Mom and Tot day. I would be losing my mind. As much as I hate to admit it, Elma has yet to grace me with her presence and daily dose of gossip. I must be coming down with something if that's what I'm looking forward to now.

I load a box of books onto my cart and haul it out front; the worst part of unpacking is entering books into the system—another reason to hire someone. But it comes along with owning the joint. I wouldn't be here if I didn't enjoy it. The storage room will be ready for next week's order, with the last box unpacked. And now I'm prepared for the cycle to repeat itself once more.

The slam of the door brings my attention to the front of the shop; that bell is sadly missed—in a way. It's quieter.

"Teagan, hun. Where are you?"

Elma. I thought too soon.

"I'm back here. Give me a second." I park the cart out of the way of the back door and hang the clipboard before walking out and finding Elma searching the romance section. It's not the section I would ever think of finding her in. Considering she constantly bashes the books for having sex in them. When she sees me watching her, her cheeks flame a bright crimson.

"Teagan. I was only passing by. I have news to tell." She turned away from the books and walked toward me.

That gleam in her eye shines bright, which only means the gossip is extra juicy. I lean against the counter, waiting.

"It's about your friend Jace and his girlfriend Ivory. "

I raise my hands, making her stop. "Nope. Not listening. If Jace has shit to tell me, he would call me. You are not spreading jack shit about him around this town. I draw the line there, Elma. Not to be rude, but you don't know anything about Jace or Ivory to be spreading shit around. The only one who gets to talk smack about him is me, the best friend. The one that knows him. You don't get to. And whoever you got your sources from should be ashamed of themselves." I'm beyond pissed; my hands are shaking, and I have to shove them into the jeans of my pockets.

Elma stands there shocked, hand pressed to her chest as if I killed her cat. I'm not sure what she expected. I'll tolerate anything, but you don't know my friends; do not gossip about them.

"My apologies. I didn't mean to upset you. But perhaps you should give Jace a call. I'll leave you alone."

I give her a tight-lipped smile and nod. It would be wise for her to leave. As soon as that door closes, I reach for my phone. Hitting Jace's name, I wait for him to pick it up. Usually, if he has shit to tell me, he doesn't wait, so if Elma knows something, it can't be good.

"Tee, what's up?"

"I don't know, J. You tell me." I tell him, giving him a snarky tone.

He's quiet on the other end, too quiet. The sort of quietness where your mind wonders to the deep dark corner of who the fuck did he murder or did Ivory get pregnant by some other man. Kind of dark corner.

"Jace, fucking tell me because Elma is spreading a rumour about you two, and I already bitched her out, so my fisty train is in the station."

He releases a slow, long breath. "Tee, it's nothing that you're thinking. Elma is like a dog who gets a scent and goes with it. She honestly needs to retire at this point before she talks about the wrong person. I swear. And it's not even about Ivory."

"I hear, ya, but seriously, what's the news? Don't make me beat it out of you."

"I was promoted to chief, and of course, a certain member was pissed and said that I didn't deserve it because I'm not a local to Holden, even though I've been here since I was ten."

"Let me guess, Nancy's son Blaine."

"Ding, ding. You are the winner. What a joke. I've done more for this fire department than that asshole ever has. He's only here because Nancy is a bitch, and everyone knows it."

"You didn't take the chief's position, did you? "

"No."

I can hear the heartbreak in his voice. Jace has talked about being chief ever since joining the fire department. It was his big goal, and to be presented with that honour is monumental. But of course, Blaine bitched to his mommy. God, he is such a bitch boy. You can't do anything in this town with the Montgomery's being up your ass for it.

"It is what it is. I have to let you go, Tee. I'll talk to you later. Thanks for the call, and I promise next time, you'll be the first to know anything new."

"Yeah, okay. Bring Ivory over for supper one night. We need to catch up. I love you."

"I love you, too."

I wish there were something I could do for him. He's been there for me more than I can count, and I'm useless. Blaine Montgomery needs to fuck off, same with his mother. They aren't the rulers of this town, and it's about time someone reminded them of it. It takes everything in me to finish the rest of the day. Trying to smile at customers when you are pissed is more complicated than it seems. All I know is closing time will be a sweet relief.

I'm halfway home when something suddenly feels off. I stop walking and glance over my shoulder. Of course, nobody is there. I've officially lost it.