Page 47 of Battle of the Bookstores

RJ.Reads:Didn’t anyone at school reach out to you? Try and support you?

BookshopGirl:Yes, but by the time the next semester started, my mom had been dumped by that guy and wasn’tfunctional even though she was technically home. My sister needed me, so I just…never went back.

BookshopGirl:It’s fine. I’ve had to live with that ever since: the knowledge that I’m the kind of person who gives up.

Shaking my head, I type the words I wish I could say to her in real life:

RJ.Reads:No, you’re the kind of person who sacrificed her future to care for her little sister when no one else would. Your mom failed you. You did not fail. You showed strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

BookshopGirl:My sister is the one who showed strength and resilience. She deals with the effects of that accident every day—and she hasn’t let that stop her.

RJ.Reads:Neither have you! You’ve worked your way up to be the manager of your store. That’s impressive.

BookshopGirl:Right now I’m only managing myself.

RJ.Reads:Doesn’t matter. Bookselling is important work, BSG. I know you know that.

BookshopGirl:Of course I do. But it’s not just the job, you know? It’s about what it represents—a sense of purpose, of accomplishment. Things at work are a little tenuous right now, and if I lose my job? I don’t know what I’ll do.

I understand completely. Interesting that we’re both facing the possibility of losing our jobs—though I suppose that’s probably true for lots of indie booksellers.

RJ.Reads:If that happens, you’ll get through it the same way you got through the situation in college.

BookshopGirl:By giving up?

RJ.Reads:No, by finding a new path, by adapting and persevering. You’re more capable and resilient than you give yourself credit for.

There’s a long pause, and I start to worry that maybe I said too much. But then three dots appear, followed by her reply.

BookshopGirl:You’re a good person, RJ. I know you said you grew up feeling below average, but everything I’ve seen is top tier. You’re an excellent listener, a thoughtful bookseller, and a wonderful friend. I know that for sure.

I stare at her words, wondering how she’s turned this around so that she’s complimenting and comforting me. But after my run-in with Josie earlier, I needed to hear this, to remind me of the kind of person I want to be. The kind of person I know I can be, if I’m honest with myself about my behavior and make some changes.

RJ.Reads:I appreciate that. More than you know. Chat tomorrow?

BookshopGirl:Of course. The best parts of my days are chatting with you.

RJ.Reads:Same.

13

Josie

I’m at TabulaInscripta, packing online orders for a local author’s preorder campaign, when the door chimes. It’s Georgia, cane in one hand and phone in the other.

“I just got to Josie’s store!” Georgia says into the phone, flashing me a wide, hopeful smile.

And instantly, I know. She’s talking to our mother. The only person on earth who makes my smart, confident sister regress to an eager-to-please teenager.

I shake my head as Georgia whispers, “Mom’s about to leave for Mexico—she wants to say hello!” Before I can respond, she says into the phone, “Hey, Mom! Josie’s right here!”

She thrusts it at me, and I reluctantly take it. “Hello?”

“Josie!” My mother’s high-pitched voice fills my ear. “Sweetheart! How are you? Are you dating anyone? It’s been so long since you dated anyone, Jojo.”

It’s true, Georgia mouths, and I roll my eyes.

My mom continues, “Georgie sent a picture of you two, and it looks like you’re breaking out a little. I heard about anew acne cream that could help. Darrell can get it for you—he’s a doctor!”

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