Page 41 of Battle of the Bookstores

I fire off a text to Georgia.

Kenneth Michael Rutherford is a horrible human and I didn’t do my homework on his new book and now he’s in my bookstore.

I have to stop this. But before I can figure out what to do, my phone vibrates in my pocket.

Georgia:I just looked him up. He’s DISGUSTING.

Josie:I feel horrible for inviting him. For ever supporting him!

Georgia:How could you have known? The book just came out! It’s not your fault.

But it is my fault—it’s my literal job to know these things. I’ve been focused on winning this competition and beating Ryan, rather than keeping up with the literary community.

Josie:I’m going to ask him to leave. I can’t sit here and allow him to keep spouting this disgusting rhetoric.

Georgia:WAIT!

Georgia:Looks like he’s supported by some scary people—white supremacy organizations and a group that wants tolegalize corporal punishments for disobedient wives. You don’t want to upset these people. They could be dangerous.

Josie:I need to do something!

Georgia:Not while you’re alone. Is there anyone at Beans who could stand with you while you ask everyone to leave?

I peer through the bookcases forming the makeshift wall between my store and the coffee shop. Mabel is the only one working, and she’s busy ringing up a late-evening customer.

Josie:No

Georgia:What about at Happy Endings? That awful Ryan guy is tall and intimidating, right?

I almost scoff out loud. Yes, Ryan is at his store—and every glimpse I get of him brings back memories of his mouth, inches from mine, the mocking lilt in his voice, and his smirky smile. There is no way I’m asking him for a damn thing.

Josie:He won’t help me. He hates me. He’d rejoice in my downfall.

Georgia:Then just sit tight. It’ll be over soon.

Rutherford talks for another fifteen minutes, then does a Q&A, followed by a meet and greet. I spend that time looking up organizations that support individuals with disabilities—I’ll donate tonight’s profits to them. There’s no way I can keep this money.

And if Xander asks what happened? I’ll be truthful, even though it might ruin my chances of getting the head manager position.

BOOKFRIENDS

June 22, 11:21 PM

RJ.Reads:How did the big event go??!? I’ve been sending good bookish thoughts your way all day.

BookshopGirl:I don’t really want to talk about it if that’s okay.

RJ.Reads:That bad? Did no one show?

BookshopGirl:No, there were plenty of people there.

RJ.Reads:I hope you at least sold a lot of books? (he says, not sure how to get out of this conversation that his friend clearly doesn’t want to be having)

BookshopGirl:It wasn’t just the event, though that was awful. The whole thing brought up some stuff from the past. I’ve been thinking about it all day and can’t seem to stop.

RJ.Reads:I’m sorry.

BookshopGirl:Thanks.

---