Page 141 of Spotlight
“I remembered a few more of Mae’s favorites, so I ordered them, and they came in yesterday.”
“Wait. These are all her favorite books?” I ask.
“I don’t know romance, so I let her do the talking. Seems only right.”
I look over the books with new eyes. I should have guessed. There are lots of historical romance and popular authors from twenty years ago. He doesn’t hate romance. He just really loved her.
“I have an idea,” I say, setting the things I brought on the floor and disappearing back to the front. I grab a Sharpie, tape, and the picture of Mae he keeps at the front counter.
Walter watches with trepidation as I make a sign and then tape it over the current “Romance” sign above the shelves. Then I place her picture on the top shelf underneath it.
He nods and together we reshelve the other books.
“There,” I say when we’re done. I place both hands on my hips to admire our work.
“Mae’s Favorites,” he reads the sign and then smiles. “She’d love this. Thank you.”
“And…” I lean down to pick up the book I brought him. It’s Ruby’s last release. I set it on the shelf with the other books.
He gives me a wry look.
“Okay, fine. It can go on the front table.” I take the book back with every intent of leaving it here somewhere. It would be a real travesty for a bookstore not to carry a single Ruby Madison book.
“And this is for you.” I pick up the plant I brought him and hold it out. It’s become a thing. Every time I stop in, I bring him one. I can’t help it. Everyone should have a little greenery in their life.
“It will look great on the front table or maybe the counter,” I say.
“Thank you, Olivia,” he says. “I have something for you too.”
“You do?” I can’t hide the surprise in my voice.
He walks to the front, and I follow him. I put Ruby’s book on a front table for some lucky reader to pick up.
Walter goes around the counter, and I move to stand in front of it. He places the plant by the register and then reaches underneath and pulls out a worn paperback. He holds it in his hands for a moment, then extends it toward me.
I take it without realizing what it is, but the second my brain makes the connection I try to give it back. Even holding it feels wrong. It’s too precious. Too old. Too important.
“Walter, I can’t accept this.”
“Yes, you can.” He waves his hands to indicate he isn’t going to take it from me and steps back.
I glance down at the worn cover of my very favorite book. “It was Mae’s. You read it every year.”
“And I still can. She’d want someone that loved it as much as her to have it.”
“It’s a first edition,” I whisper. I’m not sure why. I think I’m in shock.
When he doesn’t reply, I step forward and hug him. I think I take him by surprise, but he eventually hooks one arm around me and pats me softly.
“Thank you so much. I will cherish it,” I say as I move back. I hug the book to my chest. I’ve very clearly made him uncomfortable, so I discreetly wipe my eyes before I do something embarrassing like cry in front of him.
We’re both saved by the front door opening. Flynn walks in with Greer on his shoulders.
“Hey,” I say, smiling both at the sight of them and the surprise. “How’d you find me?”
“Ruby told us you were here.” Flynn leans forward to kiss me and then pulls back and glances to Walter. He extends a hand to him. “Nice to see you. The store is looking great.”
“It is, isn’t it? Olivia has a good eye.”
