Page 121 of Battle of the Bookstores

“That was intense,” Xander says, and I whirl to face him. He’s flustered, smoothing the nonexistent hair on his shiny head. “I guess you’re the manager, Josie. Congrats.”

“Huh?” I gape at him.

“Let’s talk next steps.” He launches into an explanation, but I’m too dazed to pay attention. All I can think about is finding Ryan to make sure he’s okay.

“I’ve carved out Monday mornings from nine thirty to nine forty-five for us to check in,” Xander is saying, “so save nonurgent items until then. It’ll streamline things for me, having one manager to deal with. Let’s gather the staff and let them know.”

“Wait, I don’t—”

But he’s already standing, clapping his hands. “Everyone! I have an announcement.”

Ryan’s staff comes over, and Eddie joins us from behind the counter, bringing Mabel. Xander gives them all a bland smile. “I’d like to introduce your new manager. Josie Klein.”

Cinderella’s eyes spark with alarm. “What? Where’s Ryan?”

Xander shrugs. “He quit.”

“Why would he do that?” Nora gasps.

Another shrug from Xander, more impatient now. “If you have questions, direct them to Josie, and she’ll contact me if needed.” He emphasizes the last two words. Then he faces the staff again. “Thanks for all your, uh, hard work. Let’s make some money, okay?”

On that uninspiring note, he heads out.

I’m immediately mobbed by the Happy Endings staff, asking why Ryan left.

“I’m calling him,” I say, pulling out my phone. No answer, so I leave a voicemail and text him to call me. As soon as I hit send, Eddie tells me that Mabel is starting cosmetology school soon and will be cutting her hours, so he’ll need to hire another barista. Also, he needs a new espresso machine.

“Order what you need, but be mindful of the cost, okay?” I tell him. “And can you draft a job description for me to review?”

“Sure thing.”

Then the door chimes, and in comes the contractor. He says there’s an issue with the lighting and he’s going to get the electrician back in here tomorrow to fix it.

“Sure, okay,” I tell him.

The rest of the day rushes by in a whirlwind of responsibilities, but underneath it all, worry gnaws at me—and guilt, too. This is all my fault. My plan failed, I couldn’t convince Xander, and now Ryan’s out of a job. Is he angry? Does he blame me? What does this mean forus? I try calling again, texting—nothing. I even send him a DM onBookFriends, but the silence stretches on, making the knot in my stomach twist tighter.

Finally, as I’m locking up the store, my phone pings with a text. From Ryan.

Hey, sorry for disappearing on you. Just needed some time to clear my head and figure a few things out. Want to come over?

All the tension of the day rushes out of my body. He’s fine. We’re fine. Everything is going to be fine.

I reply:

Sounds great.I’m leaving the store now. Send me your address?

He does, and I take a bus toward Charlestown. When I reach his building, he buzzes me in, and I race up the stairs to his apartment. The door opens before I can knock, and there he is, all big and broad and sturdy, wearing sweatpants and a T-shirt, his hair adorably messy. I launch myself into his arms, breathing in his familiar scent. Tears well up in my eyes and soon I’m sniffing, trying to hold myself back from crying.

“Hey, it’s all right,” Ryan murmurs, running his hands down my back. “What’s going on? Wait—” He pulls away; his forehead is wrinkled with concern. “Xander gave you the job, right? That asshole better—”

“Yes, he did—not that he had any choice,” I say, then bury my face in Ryan’s chest again. “What were you thinking?Quitting your job for me? Why would you ever think that’s a good idea?”

He exhales and holds me tighter, kissing the top of my head. “Because you deserved to win, Josie. You’re the reason we started working together in the first place—otherwise you would’ve crushed me.”

“But I can’t take your job!” I hiccup, wiping my eyes. “You love that store—you’ve worked there since you were fifteen years old!”

“And I think it’s time for me to move on.”

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