Page 36 of Book and Ladder
“So, I disturb you?” His brows wag playfully.
“Oh, yes, Patrick. You disturb me.” I lace my voice with playful seduction, then trade it out for my usual quippy tone. “You’re right up there with clowns, creepy dolls and fingernails on a chalkboard.”
Winona interrupts our sparring. “Sorry to break up this edition of small town banterfest, but …” She points to the line behind Patrick.
He turns and says “Sorry, folks.” Charming as ever.
And, as usual, every female within twenty feet of him smiles and practically swoons to the point of needing smelling salts.
I shove a bag at Patrick. “I give your entrance a five out of ten.”
He walks past me to let the next patron enter, turns and asks me, “For curiosity’s sake, what would you rate my entrance the other day?”
I tap my pointer to my chin. “I’d give it a ten for zeal, but a three for accuracy, so six point five cumulative.”
He shakes his head, chuckling lightly, and walks through my shop to the back room. I hate that I watch him go, shoulders filling each doorway like he owns it. I blink hard and force myself back to the next customer, pretending my pulse isn’t betraying me.
Chapter 11
Daisy
When tempted to fight fire with fire,
remember that the fire department
usually uses water.
~ Unknown
The kids love Patrick.The moms love Patrick. Everyone, apparently, loves Patrick.
And, thankfully, Cody showed up just before we got started. Everyone loves him too. Must be a firefighter thing.
We wrap up our Q & A, and the shop buzzes with customers.
Events like this have saved payroll more than once. People mingle and peruse the bookshelves. Sales are often double the usual. Sometimes triple or more. And the following week usually shows an increase in return customers.
I’m finishing up a sale when Patrick approaches, now in his station uniform, with his turnout stashed in his car. He still manages to take up too much space.
“I’ve got a favor to ask you.” His voice seems sincere, but I’m naturally leery.
“A favor.” I cross my arms over my chest instinctively.
“I’ve been looking for a book.”
“A book.”
His mouth tips up on one side, and I’m pretty certain I’m about to be the punchline of a joke.
“I’m being serious here, Daisy. It’s an out of print book,Young Men and Fireby Norman Maclean. I can’t find it anywhere.”
“And you think I can find the book for you?”
“I thought maybe you could work a little more magic than the soulless online conglomerate. The question is whether you will.”
A customer walks up and stands behind Patrick. He notices, steps out of the way and motions for her to go in front of him.
I ring her up while he stands off to the side, silently watching the whole transaction.
