Page 6 of Silver Linings
Carmen pulls out a piece of printer paper, and we start taking notes on anything and everything we can think of—updates to be made to the shop, genres we’re missing, things we could house by the cash wrap for easy add-ons. The list grows longer and longer the more we volley ideas back and forth.
A feeling of purpose swells in my chest. It’s a feeling I haven’t felt in a while—maybe ever. I can’t actually remember the last time I had a goal to focus on. Have I been going through life so aimlessly for that long?
Something about that thought doesn’t sit right with me, but I shove it to the back of my mind and refocus on the list at hand.
The day progresses in an endless stream of tourists coming in, looking around, and buying nothing before leaving, interspersed with a couple regulars popping in to see what’s new on the shelves. I’m setting aside a couple books someone called to put on hold when a particularly disgruntled man comes up to the counter, looking visibly put out.
“Hi. Can I help you?” I try to imbue my voice with cheeriness, even though judging by the scowl settled over his mouth, that same respect is not about to be reciprocated.
“I want to return this book.” He slams it down on the counter, shoving it towards me.
I glance down at the book that hasclearlybeen read cover to cover, because the spine is cracked in multiple spots, the corners are bent, and I can vaguely see—yeah, those are coffee rings on the cover.
I shove the book back towards him and give him a simple “No” with the same cheery smile I know menlove.
He scoffs. “Get your manager, girl I want to speak with him.”
“Sure thing.” I imbue my voice with false saccharine sweetness and do a slow one-eighty, turning to a stop with a flourish. “Brownstone Books manager at your service, sir.” I tip an invisible hat to him. “Now that the formality is over, the answer is still no.”
He huffs. “You clearly don’t understand. This book wasterrible. It was predictable, derivative, and a complete waste of my money.” His fists are balled now, and he bangs them on the counter, thinking if he gets angry enough, I’ll cave to his whims out of fear.
“I actually do understand that you didn’t enjoy this book.” I lean forward, as if I’m about to share a secret with him. “Believe it or not, I’ve been known to crack a book open from time to time, and while I am sorry you were disappointed in the plot, that isn’t an acceptable reason for return.” I’m trying to be respectful, but I’m reaching the end of my patience.
From the corner of my eye, I can see Carmen standing next to a shelf of thrillers, ready to throw hands if needed. I stop her with my right hand, gesturing for her to stand down for now.
“This is unacceptable!” Spit flies out of his mouth, and I step back from the splash zone. He looks me over from head to toe, taking in my pale blonde hair and pale yellow sundress. It’s about to get ugly. “What kind of establishment would hireyoutorun this place? You look like a vapid airhead who doesn’t know how to balance a checkbook.”
There it is, the thing men do when they realize they can’t bulldoze a woman into giving them what they want. They attack their looks. Unfortunately for my new friend here, Nan raised me with a healthy dose of self-confidence and I’m not easily cowed.
Her steady voice floats through my mind now, strong and sure.
There are people in this life, buttercup, who are going to try to dull your shine. They will do whatever they can to shred your self-worth and your identity, especially if you’re unapologetic about it. That’s a reflection on them, not on you. Shine bright for all to see.
With her words ringing in my memory, I turn my focus back onto this man. I’ve hit my limit.
“What aweirdinsult. No one knows how to balance a checkbook. It’s an antiquated way to budget, you fossil.” I hear a snort from the corner of the room where Carmen lurks. “I don’t know who pissed in your oatmeal this morning, but what we aren’t going to do here is continue arguing. It’s embarrassing for you and annoying for me. I will not be returning your money because you read the book front to back, which is apparent by the copious amount of visible damage. Check your receipt for the return policy if you don’t believe me.”
He tries to interrupt me, but I’m on a roll and can’t be stopped at this point.
“I tried to be nice, but you clearly didn’t want to extend that same courtesy. Therefore I’ll give you the same respect you’ve given me. Not every book is going to be a winner, and that won’t be solved by you coming in here and trying to demean and bully me.” I push the book back towards him, and his face flushes with anger. “There’s a little free library around the corner if you’d liketo donate it on your way out.” It’s the nicest way I can possibly sayget out.
“This is absolutely preposterous,” he spits out.
“She asked you nicely to leave, so leave.” I swing towards the door at the sound of that voice. All five foot one of Pat’s tiny, imposing frame stands in the entrance, ready to rain down hellfire.
“Who the hell are you to tell me to leave?” he spits.
“Well, Jim, I’m glad you asked.” Here we go.
“My name isn’t?—”
Pat cuts him off. “I don’t give a bumble fuck of a care,Jim.”She tips her head in my direction. “My girl here was being nice because she’s trying to be professional at work, but as theowner,I have no such compunctionwhen you treat my staff as if they’re below you.” She walks over to the cash wrap. “Take your copy of…” she grabs the book he’s been trying to return off the counter and shoves it at his chest, “Eat, Pray, Love, and get the hell out of my store.” She yanks his arms, turns his body around, and gives him a light push in the direction of the door.
“Absolute legend,” Carmen whispers, awestruck.
Pat doesn’t visit the store often. She usually just leaves us to run it because she trusts us to get things done the way she likes. The unexpected visit puts me a bit on edge. Well, that, and because I just promised Carmen I would talk to Pat about renovating the store the next time I saw her. I just didn’t expect that day to betoday.
Carmen sidles up next to me as Pat walks around the store a bit.
