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"Your Mary was a smart woman."
"Sweet as pie too."Henry swiped at his eyes then straightened his shoulders."No Mary, no cookies."He took a seat at one of the small tables near the side window to reminisce.She knew not to intrude and busied herself by organizing the books which had arrived last night.
In the beginning, Henry had been harsh with her, finding fault in everything she did—then by mid-day he'd surprise her with pastries from the bakery next door.Once in a while they'd share lunch and talk.His mood swings were unpredictable, and she attributed it to his grief.He’d loved his Mary deeply.The kind of love she wrote about.
Done with his coffee, Henry clicked his teeth at Charlie who perked his ears and shuffled next to his master.
"I'll be in the office if you need me."
"No problem," she said to his disappearing back.
No customers yet, so Stephanie stood near the large window to watch the activity on Main Street.Big fluffy flakes fell like marshmallows from the sky and a few women shoppers stopped to drape their wool scarves over their heads.Men in caps or warm jackets with hoods rarely looked up to see the magic in the air.A couple of children in snowsuits played on the cobblestone street, slipping and sliding, giggling with delight.
She laughed aloud as a little girl, possibly three or four, stuck her tongue out to capture the snow drops.Next, a lady walked past the store with a small gray Schnauzer on a leash.The dog wore a plaid coat that matched his owner’s and shook his head in bewilderment as snow melted on his nose.
The scene looked to be right out of a Charles Dickens novel.This sweet town of Harmony certainly was aptly named.Peace and love seemed to float in the air, touching all those that lived here.People smiled and laughed a lot.The streets were clean, children well-behaved, and everyone she'd met so far were friendly—and genuine.Main Street was dressed up like a festive fairytale, due to the combined efforts of all the shop keepers and restaurants.
She stepped away from the window when she heard the wooden floor creak and Henry's muted footsteps.Her boss had a huge wobbly stack of books in his hands, topped by his chin.Charlie raced by his legs and then squatted before him to nudge a speck of white frosting from the tree.
"Henry!Don't move!"Rushing over to his side, Steph reached for the top layer of hard covers but was an instant too late.Henry tripped over his dog with a grunt and dumped the books on the counter.They sprayed everywhere.One fell on poor Charlie's hind end; he let out a howl then limped a few steps away to lie down and lick his wounds.
The counter had saved Henry, although he was still hunched over and sucking in gulps of air."You all right?"she asked."Maybe you should sit down."
"I'm fine," he wheezed."Just knocked the wind out of me."He sank into the nearest chair, the concerned dog at his feet.
Stephanie poured Henry a fresh mug of coffee and he nodded his thanks.Knowing that he wouldn't want her hovering over him, she returned to the array of books.One had fallen on the floor, and she gave it a quick dust before adding it to the pile on the counter.
"That was a close call," she said with a quick glance in his direction.Charlie rested his old body against Henry’s legs."One of my chores is to help you move the books around.Let me do it.We don't want any accidents."She knew that old people were at risk if they had a bad fall.
"Don't worry, I'm fit as a fiddle."He waved a finger at her."No nagging now.I take my aspirin every day.Just mind the product."
"Trust me, I will.These are beauties, all bestsellers."Stephanie admired the shiny new covers and envied the authors’ names that were prominently displayed.As she hoped to be one day soon."Up front as usual?"
"Yes.They sell well and make great gifts."
She'd learned quickly that impulse buys doubled their sales.
"Perfect.I'll get right to it."Steph removed last month's top listed books to their correct shelves in alphabetical order.She organized the new supply—including her own two latest releases—on the display table reserved for new hard covers and paperbacks—all bestsellers.
Henry rose from his chair, his color back to normal as he headed over to see what she'd done."You've got it set up nice," he nodded with satisfaction."You've got a real knack for this business.The customers like you, one in particular."His eyes twinkled as he helped himself to a candy cane in the Santa Claus bowl.
"Thanks, boss.I learned from an expert."She didn't respond to his comment about David Wilson, the local dentist in town.She’d gone to his office for a regular checkup and cleaning, signing up as a new patient.She hadn’t thought there’d been any chemistry, but then he'd started popping into the bookstore every few days.
"When are you going to stop playing hard to get and go out with him?"Henry asked, unwrapping the candy.
"Never.I'm still a newbie in town and I don't plan on rushing into anything."She didn't want to discuss her past, or explain that after putting her life on hold, she was certainly not ready to settle down.She needed to expand her horizons and take her writing to a new level.Why not?It washertime.
"Never met a woman who didn't want to get married and have a gaggle of kids.You’re not one ofthosetypes, are you?"
What on earth was he talking about?Oh...oh.Stephanie scowled."Henry Thompson!I'm shocked at you!"
He chuckled and tugged at his brown vest which strained over his plump belly."I'm shocked at myself.But you never know these days.Times are a'changing."
"Diversity and equality.All good things."She directed the conversation away from her love life, or lack of."Should you be eating that candy?"
"Probably not.The missus hated my fondness for sweets.Said it wasn't good for my teeth or my waistline."Henry flashed his gums and pearly dentures."Now my teeth are gone, she's gone, and I can do as I please.Isn't that so?"
"Absolutely.”Stephanie grinned as he and his dog sauntered off.Had her boss shared a little joke?Things were looking up.
