Page 88 of The Tattered Gloves
“You two have been busy,” she remarked as we entered.
Piles of books were stacked by the checkout counter, leaving obvious holes in the usually full shelves around the store. Also, there was the mess in the front corner.
“How long have you been here?” I asked Sam the moment his head popped up from a stack of books.
“Six, maybe seven? I don’t remember really. I couldn’t sleep.”
“Six in the morning?”
He nodded before noticing Addy. “Oh, good, you came!”
“I did.” She smiled as she pulled her gloves off and stuffed them in the pockets of her coat.
“I have a bit of news,” he said, standing upright.
I watched as he stretched, arching his back, as if he’d been hunched over for longer than he should have been.
“It’s good news,” he amended after seeing my face blanch. “I’m sure you’ve noticed, but the place next door has been vacant for a while. My father’s been looking for the right kind of tenant, someone who will serve the downtown area well. And, after meeting with him last night, I think we came to a conclusion.”
Addy’s eyes met mine before we both turned to Sam.
“You finally have your storefront, Addy,” he said happily.
“What?” she said, her voice filled with sudden shock.
“Don’t sound so surprised,” he said. “You’ve earned it after all.”
Tears filled her eyes. “Are you sure?”
He nodded as she took a few steps forward, embracing him like a son.
“Yes, I’m sure. He’s sending the paperwork today.”
“Thank you, Samuel. Thank you.”
He didn’t say anything, but I could see the contentment radiating from his face as she held him. His eyes briefly met mine.
I found myself mouthing the same words as my aunt,Thank you.
He gave a small nod before offering to give us a tour of the space.
As she grabbed his hand, utterly thrilled and filled with joy, I couldn’t help but wonder what exactly I was missing. If I knew anything, it was that Mr. Shepherd didn’t give up anything without a price.
WE LEFT ADDY in her new storefront, happy and content with her tape measure, as she plotted out her plan for the next month. Ever since Sam had announced the place was hers, she hadn’t stopped talking. From design to business plans and how to balance it all… she was already in deep.
And it had only been an hour.
“She’s going to be fun to live with.” Sam smiled as we made the short trip back to the store.
I waited as he unlocked the door and then took down the temporary sign that advised customers we’d return in a few minutes.
“Yeah, thanks for that,” I replied.
“Glad to help.”
As I pulled my coat off, setting it on the counter, I watched him do the same. He pushed back his hair, the dark tendrils falling back in place, as if they had a mind of their own.
“What do you have to give him?” I finally asked, knowing he wouldn’t give up the information willingly.
