Page 38 of Battle of the Bookstores

RJ.Reads:Maybe you’re just meeting all the wrong kinds of books.

RJ.Reads:*reading. I mean READING the wrong books.

BookshopGirl:Ha. So you only read one book at a time?

RJ.Reads:Usually, yeah. I guess I’m a serial monogamist. I like to give my current book all the care and attention it deserves.

BookshopGirl:I bet your book appreciates that.

11

Josie

My monthly meetingwith Xander is today.

Last night, I dreamed that I was forcibly removed from my store along with my beloved customers, favorite authors, and hundreds of beautiful books, all of us chucked in the dumpster while Ryan watched, rubbing his hands together and cackling like a cartoon villain.

I’m terrified that it was a premonition, that Xander will tell me his good buddy Ryan is so far ahead, he’s going to call it right now and hire him.

My phone chimes, and I’m grateful to see a message from RJ.

RJ.Reads:Did you finish 11/22/63?

BookshopGirl:Yes…

RJ.Reads:And…(he says, nervously holding his breath).

BookshopGirl:I loved it. I’m still thinking about that ending—glad he didn’t copout and give us an unrealistically happy conclusion. It was SO satisfying. And who knew Stephen King could write such a compelling love story? Thanks for the recommendation.

RJ.Reads:I RECOMMENDED A BOOK TO BOOKSHOPGIRL AND SHE LIKED IT! I feel like I won a gold medal at the Olympics!

A customer walks up and I trade my goofy grin for a professional smile. Chatting with RJ feels almost like reading a good book, the kind you can’t wait to get back to—but even better because we’re writing it together as we go. There’s no pressure, no awkward pauses; I can take my time with my replies and savor every word of his. We’re characters in a story of our own making, with no real-world complications to muddy the waters. It’s comfortable and exciting all at once—and unlike anything I’ve felt in my life. When I’m finished ringing up my customer, I send him another message.

BookshopGirl:Do you have another rec for me? I’ve forgotten how relaxing it is to turn your brain off and live in another world.

RJ.Reads:You want something to take you to another world? Hmmm…

RJ.Reads:Have you read The Princess Bride?

BookshopGirl:I’ve seen the movie.

RJ.Reads:The book is always better, but in this case, the book is a GAZILLION times better. I think you’ll get a kick out of a literary device he uses. It’s another won of my brother’s favorite books.

RJ.Reads:*another ONE (sorry)

BookshopGirl:Are you ever going to suggest one of your favorites? The best way to get to know someone is to read their favorite books.

RJ.Reads:Yikes, that’s kind of personal! I need to test the water before being that vulnerable. What if you hate my favorite book? I’ll be forced to cut you out of my life, which would be a real shame.

BookshopGirl:Ah, yes, the literary obligation to hate people who hate your favorite book.

RJ.Reads:The #1 commandment of readers: Thou shalt despise all thosewho despise thy beloved books, for they show contempt for the treasures of thy heart and the wisdom therein.

I’m grinning as I go through my day; it’s busy, but after a particularly maddening customer, I can’t help sending another message.

BookshopGirl:A customer asked for help finding books for his wife’s birthday—classic “One has a blue cover and the other one starts with M” scenario. I found them! But then…he ordered them online. RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME.

RJ.Reads:NOOOOOO. Why do people do this?

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