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“I was thinking more of a guitarist.” Harry frowned at him. “But trust me, Sam’s with me on this one.”
They clinked the tops of their beer bottles together before each taking a sip and reminiscing about Angus, their childhood, and the bookstore. Their conversation finally shifted to the cottage next to the bookstore. It had belonged to a woman named Cybill Riley, who had been quite the character in her own right.
“You remember Cybill, right?” Harry asked with a chuckle. “She and Angus were like oil and water. They argued about everything, especially when Angus wanted to buy her cottage to expand the bookstore.”
Mike laughed, remembering the countless times he’d witnessed their heated exchanges. “They were like an old married couple, always bickering, but they never seemed to get tired of each other.”
“I always wondered if Angus had a soft spot for her,” Harry mused. “He was heartbroken when she passed away last year.”
“You’re more than right about that,” Mike admitted. “Did you know they used to date, which was quite serious, too? But then Angus joined the army, and she married Doug Riley.” He took a sip of his beer. “Angus never really got over her, even though they always fought. I guess love works in mysterious ways.”
Harry nodded, his eyes drifting to the shelves of books. “Maybe that’s why they could never figure out what made Angus so ill. He was dying of a broken heart after Cybill was gone.”
“It’s possible,” Mike said quietly, shrugging. “Maybe all those years of bickering were because Cybill had never gotten over Angus either.”
They fell into a comfortable silence, each lost in their thoughts about Angus and his impact on their lives. The bookstore felt like a time capsule, preserving the memories of a man who had touched so many lives through his love for books.
“You know, Harry,” Mike said, breaking the silence. “I think I need more time to consider selling the bookstore. It’s not just a business. It’s a legacy, and I don’t want to rush into a decision.”
Harry smiled, placing a reassuring hand on Mike’s shoulder. “Take all the time you need, my friend. Angus would understand and want what’s best for you and the bookstore.”
The sun bathed the bookstore in a warm golden glow, and Mike couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace settling over him. There may be a way to honor his uncle’s legacy and keep the bookstore alive. He knew he had a lot to consider. Still, for now, he allowed himself to be immersed in the memories of Angus and the magic of the bookstore that had shaped so many lives, including his own.
The rest of the day passed in a haze of nostalgia and quiet contemplation, and as the day started to dip into late afternoon, Mike made a silent promise to himself and Angus. He would find a way to do right by the legacy of Sully’s Corner, just as Angus had done for him and so many others. Mike was about to tell Harry about his decision when he was interrupted by someone ringing the store’s front doorbell.
Harry stopped what he was doing and popped his head around the corner of a bookshelf. “You expecting someone?”
“Nope!” Mike shook his head. “I thought maybe you’d ordered pizza.”
“I think we should.” Harry looked at Mike, who frowned at him, confused. “Order pizza.”
Mike nodded in agreement as the doorbell rang again, followed by a knock.
“Hello?” a female voice called. “I can see you in there.”
Mike started walking to the front of the store as Harry stepped out from behind a bookshelf with some books in his hand and squinted at the door.
“Hey, isn’t that Nicole Scott?” Harry looked questioningly at Mike.
“As in Scott House and Scott’s Hotel?” Mike asked Harry, who nodded.
“Yeah, she used to be here all the time. Angus was very fond of her,” Harry reminded Mike before grinning at him. “If memory serves me right, you had a giant crush on her.”
“What?” Mike spluttered and actually felt his cheeks heat. “I never had a crush on her.”
“No, not at all!” Harry raised his eyes and shook his head. “I remember you getting a broken nose from walking into that glass door.” He pointed to the open doors. “Because you couldn’t take your eyes off her.”
“When I was sixteen, I couldn’t take my eyes off a lot of teenage girls.” Mike gave him a frustrated look.
“Seems like that kinda followed you through manhood too.” Harry gave Mike a smug grin. “You know, with thetwodivorces and one broken engagement.”
“I get it, Harry!” Mike growled warningly at his friend.
The doorbell rang again.
“You’re being rude by staring at me and not letting me in!” Nicky called out as she hit the glass door.
“I agree, you’re being rude!” Harry pointed to the glass door.
