Page 1 of Lonely in Misty Mountain

CHAPTER ONE

Harper

“Meow.”Mr. Waffles walked in between my legs and rubbed himself on my thick wool tights.

“I know, baby. I wish I didn’t have to leave either. But someone’s gotta pay the bills around here.” I said to my cat with a teasing tone as I reached down and tickled under his chin. His tabby stripes of brown and black were as pretty as a tiger’s stripes.

I straightened my short, curvy frame and smoothed down my long wool pencil skirt for the millionth time. I paired the burgundy and black plaid design with a black silk top and a burgundy knit cardigan, knit by me. There were a hundred or so more hanging in my closet, from different colors to lengths, all knit by hand.

“I fit the part of someone who works at a bookstore,” I mumbled to myself and checked my hair, the long brown waves tumbling down over my shoulders. Pulling on a black wool hat with the pom pom on top, I grabbed my purse hanging on theback of my vanity chair and hurried down the stairs of my recently rented cottage.

Misty Mountain had become my new home and my cat, and I settled in only a few weeks ago, having moved here alone miles away from where I grew up. I needed to tuck away the painful memories of my childhood, leaving them in the past where they belong. Except for Mr. Waffles. He was coming with me wherever I ended up.

After renting this adorable cottage on the outskirts of town, only a few minutes’ drive into the heart of the small town, I familiarized myself with the area and landed a job at the one place I wanted to work most- Evergreen Books & Trinkets.

I filled up my cat’s bowl with dry food before packing my own lunch and pouring myself a cup of hot coffee to go. Winter was in full swing here in Misty Mountain, Colorado, which meant bundling up. Boots, jacket, scarf, and gloves completed my outfit, and I kissed my cat goodbye before grabbing my things and heading outside.

“Damn it, I should’ve started my car.” I muttered and shivered in the cold, frigid air. Winter where I came from wasn’t nearly as cold and I already dreaded the snow I knew would be coming anytime now.

Letting the engine warm up for a bit, I made it to my first day on the job, excitement and anxiousness building up inside. Books had been a part of my life for as long as I could remember and the thought of being surrounded by them had me feeling all giddy inside like a kid on Christmas morning.

“Hi, Harper! Welcome! Let me show you around.” Miss Lila beamed as she beckoned me inside the cozy bookstore. I fell in love with the place from the first moment I walked in, the warmth and coziness wrapping me up like a hot cup of cocoa.

“I love it in here. The atmosphere, the vibes. It’s perfect.” I admired the small alcove with a fireplace, a few armchairsscattered around for guests to read. The endless shelves of books were fascinating, so many more here than my few shelves at home. Which only meant more books to discover.

“It’ll be nice having you here to help. With the holidays fast approaching, we’ll be busy.” Miss Lila smiled, her warm presence putting me at ease and washing away the worries of first day on the job jitters. “So, tell me, dear, what kind of books do you like to read?”

“Romance mostly.”

“Always a good choice. Everyone needs a little love in their life.” Her hazel eyes sparkled from behind her round glasses.

“Stocking shelves, straightening up, dusting, and of course helping customers and cashing them out are your main duties. We do get big orders from time to time, especially when a popular author drops a release, but for the most part, our stock comes in on a steady basis. You’ll also meet Amelia, who works here as well. She’s been a little preoccupied with her new love lately.” Miss Lila grinned. I imagined she knew the people of Misty Mountain well, having lived here her whole life, and with a population of twenty-five hundred, you’re bound to see the same people often.

The day went by, and I fell into an easy routine with Miss Lila, as we dusted the shelves and waited on customers.

Later in the afternoon, a large shipment came in, with the latest thriller release from author Lee Child.

“We can set up a few copies on the new release table. I also need to save a copy for Kaiden.” Miss Lila explained as we opened the boxes and unpacked the stacks. “He devours mystery thrillers like it’s his job. So, whenever a big release comes in, I’ll set aside a copy for him.”

“That’s sweet of you. He must appreciate it.”

Miss Lila winked, the twinkle in her eyes again. “It’s the least I can do. He always makes sure I’m plowed out in the winter and the yard around my shop is tidy the rest of the year.”

We finished with the new shipment before Miss Lila closed the shop for the evening. She set a copy of the new book on top of a stack behind the counter.

“Are those for deliveries?” The question popped out, my curiosity piqued, when normally my shyness holds me back. But something about Miss Lila made me comfortable.

“Yes. This stack is just for Kaiden. Like I said, he devours books. I keep him well stocked. Take care of people in town and they’ll take care of you.”

I ran my finger over the edges of the books, reading the titles and authors, the stack full of mysteries and thrillers. “I wonder if these are good.” I mused to myself, my experience with the thriller genre very little. Clearly, whoever this Kaiden guy was thought so.

“Oh yes, dear. They’ll keep you turning the pages well into the night. Alright, looks like we’ve done for the day. Thank you for all your help. Tomorrow, you’ll meet Amelia, and we can work out a schedule between the three of us.”

“Perfect. Thank you for everything.” I grabbed my purse and lunch bag from the bottom shelf of the counter and fished out my car keys. My phone buzzed from the inner pocket and when I pulled it out, a weather alert flashed across the screen.

Unexpected snowstorm alert- We are tracking a fast-moving snowstorm due to drop over two feet of snow in the next twenty-four hours. Snow expected to start just after midnight. Please seek shelter immediately and stay off the roads, especially those on the mountain. Thank you.

I gasped and a swarm of butterflies filled my stomach.

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