Over the years, I’d thought about putting myself on the apps, as the young people called them, but I never had. Why not do it? Even if I put it up there didn’t mean I had to act on anything.
I went to the front desk and opened the computer. A customer came in, but said he was just browsing. Another arrived and went straight to the romance section. I decided to take that as a sign.
Soon enough, I had the dating app, Second Chance, open and started creating a profile. It didn’t take me long. I kept it short. Then dug through my phone to see if I had any photographs I could put up there. I found one someone had taken last summer at a party at Alex and Gillian’s house. I was standing on their patio, with the sun setting behind me. It was decent and looked like me, so I put the one up and hit “go live.”
@BookGuy
Age: 43
About Me
I’m a retired Navy officer who came home to run my mother’s bookstore after she passed away. The shop’s been in my family for over forty years, and I can’t imagine doing anything else now. However, it’s been an adjustment after a career in the Navy.
I’ve never been married. No kids. Although I have a cat who doesn’t like me much. He just arrived at the book store one day and my mother let him stay. Now he lurks around the shop,looking for trouble and ways to annoy me. Still, I love him. I pride myself on being logical, but I’m in love with a fat orange cat name Poe who thinks he’s the actual owner of the store, so what does that say about me?
I’m more reticent than the life of the party type, but I like to think I’m fun anyway. I have a good sense of humor, albeit somewhat dry. I love chatting about nothing or everything, especially one on one. I enjoy art, movies, the outdoors, running on the beach. I’m a morning person who loves to go to bed early. Actually, I LOVE sleeping. Maybe from all the time on ships with very small bunks made me appreciate a big, fluffy bed. The only thing that keeps me up late is a good book.
Some of my favorite things … cherry pie with ice cream, black coffee first thing in the morning, movies with happy endings, twisty thrillers, the feel of sand between my toes, sad songs, good poetry, and a bold red wine.
Prompts
My real-life superpower is knowing that stillness and quiet is not something to avoid.
After work, you’ll find me at home with a good book, out with friends for dinner and drinks, or watching a sappy movie.
I promise I won’t judge you if you get your books at the library. I understand about book budgets. I just love that you read.
Favorite song: “The Book of Love” - the Gavin James version makes my heart feel like it might burst from the beauty of it.
What’s your comfort movie—and will you share the popcorn?
The Remains of the Day. I have no idea why, because it’s so sad, which is contrary to what I said earlier about happy endings. Apparently I’m a man of contradictions! I’ll sharethe popcorn but prefer separate bowls. And please, no talking during the film. Not cool.
My customer came up with a stack of romance novels. We chatted about the weather as I rang her up. Poe appeared, jumping on the counter and staring at the poor woman.
“Isn’t he cute.” She reached out to pet him, but one of his famous hisses discouraged her. “Oh dear. I guess he doesn’t like me.”
Poe regarded her with complete disdain, stood up slowly, and walked away, tail vertical.
“He’s a jerk,” I said. “Don’t take it personally.”
The woman laughed, probably uncertain whether I was joking. I wasn’t.
She’d just walked out when Annie Delacroix walked in and headed straight toward me.
“Annie, what brings you by?” Hopefully it was not to purchase another book her mother would disapprove of. But it wasn’t that at all. She’d seen the help wanted sign and wondered if she could apply.
“Do you have time?” I asked. “Soccer keeps you busy, right?”
“I only have practice three days a week plus one game. Practices are moving to mornings now that school’s out, and my games are always in the evenings. So that leaves plenty of time for work.”
“What makes you want to work here?”
“It’s perfect for me. I love books and people. Not to mention that you have a reputation for being a great boss.”
“Is that right?”
She gave me a shy smile. “Yeah.”
