SPENSER
My office at the back of the store isn’t spacious, but it suits me. And it’s big enough to conduct an informal interview, which is why Juliet Crawford is sitting across the desk from me. She’s one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever seen, to the point that it’s distracting. But her looks are not the reason she’s here, obviously.
I peruse her application. “Your experience is better than most,” I note. “Looks like you worked at a bookstore in college and then moved into a library position after graduation? Where you stayed until your branch closed?”
She nods. “Yep, I worked two jobs in school, so in addition to the local indie bookstore, I waited tables, which was a good way to learn customer service. I got my degree—double major in English and History, with a minor in Humanities—and then got hired at a library. I loved that job, but when my branch closed, I ended up moving here to Harmony Glen.”
I have more questions, but once again, I’m distracted by how striking she is. Surprisingly tall, with unusual eyes. I think they’re hazel, but they shift with the light, going from green to brown to almost blue. Her long, dark hair is pulled up in a neatbun, and part of me wants to yank the pins from it, just to watch it spill down her back.
What the hell? I’m not usually like this. But my antennae are pointing straight at her, detecting her pheromones, signaling to me that she’s a potential mate. No, no, no. Bad antennae.
That isnotwhy she’s here.
I clear my throat and try to refocus. “What is it you like about working with books?”
She smiles, leaning back in her chair. “I love to learn. It’s something I got from my dad. Every day is an opportunity to acquire knowledge, you know? And sure, I suppose I could just sit around on the internet all day, but what’s the fun in that? I like the sense of discovery, of picking up a book and unearthing facts. And when it comes to fiction, well, what can I say? I’m a sucker for a good story.”
“Who are your favorite authors? And what’s your all-time favorite book?” I ask.
She shakes her head, a few tendrils coming loose from her bun. “Nope. Sorry, I know this is an interview, but I can’t get sucked into that game. I refuse to play favorites. There are too many that I love, and many more that I’m still finding. It’s possible I haven’t even read my favorite book yet.”
I can’t help my grin. That’s the perfect answer. “Well said. If you’re interested, the job is yours. I think you’ll fit in quite well here.” Though with her looks, brains, and dizzying pheromones, I imagine she’d fit in anywhere.
A huge smile blooms across her face, making her even more beautiful. “Really? Just like that?”
“Yep. Just like that. Are you available in the evenings for training?” I ask. “I usually work the late shift, and I prefer to train new employees myself. Say, noon to eight-thirty, with a half hour lunch break? At least for the first month. I don’tusually come on shift until one or two, but I can make an exception if it works for you.”
She nods. “Sure, that should be fine. May I ask why you prefer the night shift?”
The corner of my mouth tips up in a half smile. “I’m mothfolk. We’re nocturnal.”
She shakes her head, clearly dismayed with herself. “Of course. I know that about moths, obviously, but didn’t put two and two together. Makes complete sense.”
“It’s fine. Why would you know anything about my kind? You’re a human, I’m assuming? Have you met many monsters? Am I the first mothman you’ve known?”
“Yes, no, yes. I didn’t know any monsters before I came here, but since I’ve been in Harmony Glen, I’ve met a couple, including Gillian at the café and my cousin’s partner. Gabe, from the hardware store. But you’re my first and only mothman.”
I process what she said. “Wait, you’re Maggie’s cousin?” I blink, looking for a family resemblance that doesn’t seem to exist. Maggie is a cute, bubbly blonde. Juliet is a goddess of academia, I’m pretty sure. She’s statuesque and well-spoken and smells like night-blooming jasmine. “Of course, I should have noticed the last name.”
She nods. “I recently found myself at a…loose ends, let’s say. Maggie and Gabe took pity on me and loaned me the apartment above Harmony Hardware. I’ll be staying in Harmony Glen while I get back on my feet. And I guess maybe longer, depending on how things go.”
“Well, I certainly hope you’ll stick around.” I tuck her application into my desk drawer. “So, with you on board, there will be a total of six employees here, including myself. Agnes is basically my assistant manager. She always opens the store. She has twelve grandchildren, the temperament of a battleship, andhas read pretty much every mystery, suspense, and thriller ever published.”
“She sounds perfect.”
I smile. A compliment for Agnes is an easy way to get on my good side. Not everyone can see through her grumpy exterior to her kind heart and expansive book knowledge.
“Jin, the other full-time employee, usually picks up the swing shift, as it’s their preference. For us, that’s 10:00 to 6:30. The two part-timers, Kelly and Coby, fill in the gaps as needed.”
“Once I’m through the training period, will I have a set shift?” she asks.
“If that’s what you want. I find that some people like a predictable schedule, and some like to mix it up. It’s certainly something we can revisit in a few weeks.”
“That works for me.”
“Great.” I stand and reach out to shake her hand, which is softer than kitten fur. “Welcome to Moonbeam Books, Juliet. You start on Thursday.”
“Looking forward to it.”
