Page 18 of Mistletoe Misses
Just short of jogging to get away from any mention of my bachelorhood, I rush to the back of the bookshop and locate the stairs, taking them two at a time. At the top, a long hallway connects the bookshop to the building beside it. Two doors break up the long, white wall ahead. The one above the Bennett’s General Store has a number on it as if they use it for something. I start with the one closest to the stairwell since it’s above the bookshop. The old metal knob grinds through a turn, and I step into an open room.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.”
It’s not empty attic space, but a finished apartment with hardwood floors, plumbing, and established rooms.
I cross the room into the outdated kitchen, then down the narrow hallway, passing the bathroom and two small bedrooms. The apartment looks as if it hadn’t welcomed a tenant for decades, but with a good cleaning, some paint, new appliances, and plenty of elbow grease, it could be that revenue source Nana needs.
Setting down the toolbox, I check the bathroom for leaks first. Finding none, I move to the kitchen where watermarks decorate the cabinet floor under the sink. The pipe isn’t dripping but who knows how long ago the damage was done below.
I grab a wrench and dip under the sink.
“What are you doing?” a little voice asks behind me, and I jump, hitting my head on the old metal pipe.
Crawling out, I sit on my heels to face Sadie. We’re eye level with each other, but I’m confident she doesn’t see me as an equal with theyou’re stupidlook she’s giving me.
“Water is dripping into the bookshop, and as you know, water is not good for books.”
“No. It would be awful to ruin Nana’s collection.”
“Agreed. She doesn’t seem to be worried, but I am.”
“Me, too.”
“Glad we agree.” I flash her a grin, happy she isn’t schooling me again. “What areyoudoing up here?”
“I live next door.” At least the Bennett’s are smart enough to put their second-floor space to good use.
“Are your parents home?”
“It’s just mom and me. She’s at work.”
She rocks back on her heels and that’s when I notice she’s holding something behind her back.
“Whatcha got there? Another book?”
She shows me a stack of crumbled papers with deep frown. “It’s my lines.”
“Are you in a play?”
“Yes. Ellie got the lead role because she has brown hair, but she can’t remember all the lines like I can.”
“I bet not. What’s the play?”
“Snow White. I have to be the evil queen.” She huffs and leans on the counter opposite me, her arms folded over the papers across her little body.
“But the queen is a more difficult part to play. I’m sure the director thought you would handle it best.”
“How so?” Mirroring me, she lowers to the floor, her pretty, blue eyes holding my gaze with curiosity.
“Have you seen the movie?”
“Yeah. I studied it for the part.”
I sigh at her grown up answer, hoping she’s spent some time as a carefree child in her eight years on this planet. Those were the best years of my life, and I wish that for her. “No doubt, but did you watch it?”
Her head tilts in confusion, and I settle into a more comfortable position, anticipating a long conversation. “The queen is also the old witch, right?”
She gives me a nod.
