Page 1 of Tee the Season
Chapter one
Tabitha
The plastic tubs of Christmas decorations sitting in the children’s reading corner taunt me. Normally, I look forward to stringing up the lights and hanging ornaments to make the space picture perfect for our annual charity event all season. But this year, the old cushioned chair on the rainbow rug is calling my name instead. The one where I used to curl up as a kid when Aunt Mae ran this bookstore. All I need is five minutes to sink into its worn cushions, close my eyes, take some deep breaths, and pretend December doesn’t exist.
Okay, maybe, ten minutes.
Instead, I kneel, ready to tug off the first tub’s lid, because that’s what responsible small business owners do. Even when they’re running on three hours of sleep and four cups of coffee.
Deck the Hallsplays softly through the speakers, mocking my lack of holiday spirit. I sit back on my heels instead of getting to work, watching the afternoon light filter through the front windows, casting everything in a warm golden glow that makes the old hardwood floors gleam, when the bell above the front door chimes.
I rise and paste on a bright smile before turning to greet another customer. But it’s not a shopper who’s scurried in from the frigid afternoon. It’s Leah.
Even more reason to pretend I’m full of Christmas cheer.
“Hey!” I inject false energy into my voice, gesturing toward the plastic tubs. “Perfect timing.”
I tug off the lid of the first one and grab a string of lights, as if I’d been seconds away from diving in.
“Need some help?” She hands me a steaming gingerbread latte.
I seriously love her.
I accept the paper cup as she shrugs from her coat, with a fresh-faced smile that screams newlywed glow.
“You’re the best.” The relief in my voice is obvious, but I press on, hoping she doesn’t notice, and wave my free hand in the air. “I’m trying to makeStorytime with Santaextra magical this year.” I turn away once the familiar, pinch of her brows appears, but apparently, I'm not quick enough.
“You look…” She tilts her head, studying me with those sharp eyes that miss nothing. “Tired.”
I am tired. December is always brutal at the bookstore, but it also accounts for nearly a quarter of our annual revenue. Plus, being down my best employee since Leah left to become Mrs. Hays Granger makes everything twice as hard.
Still, I maintain the facade. “I’m fine. Just trying to get everything perfect for Saturday’s event.”
“Mmm.” She doesn’t buy my lame assurance but lets it slide. “How’s the prep going?”
I take a sip of the sugary, caffeine goodness then set down the latte to climb the rolling ladder with the string of lights. “Good. We’re at three hundred and fifty books already, so I’m hoping to hit five hundred this year.”
“The children’s hospital will be thrilled.”
She’s right. The staff and kids there are so grateful every year, but that’s not why I continue the tradition Aunt Mae started.
“I feel terrible for leaving you short-staffed right before the holidays—”
“Stop.” I cut her off before she can finish that thought. “You’re living your dream. Besides, you’re here now, helping when you could be home with your adoring husband.”
She hands me a section of garland, but the look still lingers. “I’ll have Hays come by. You know, for the heavy lifting. That’s a lot of boxes, and I bet that cupboard door in your kitchen is still hanging off its hinge, too.”
Damn, she knows me well. But before I can protest that I’ve got everything under control, she cuts me off.
“And don’t give me the whole ‘I’ve got it’ business. You know it wouldn’t kill you to accept some help sometimes.”
I heave a sigh. She’s probably right. It’s just that I’m used to being alone and handling anything and everything myself since Aunt Mae’s stroke.
“I could use some help with the boxes,” I admit, stretching to reach the corner hook for the lights.
“Consider it done. Hays would be happy to give you a hand.”
“Thanks.” I shoot her a smile as she hands me another string of lights.
