Page 17 of Highland Hearts Holiday Bookshop

“Aye. There is.” The woman stepped forward until she stood at the table and then dug a hand in her coat pocket. Pulling out a twenty-pound note, she slid it across the table to me. “I’d like to order the Highland Hearts Special.”

“I’m sorry, the what?” It felt like I was in a state of constant confusion today, and people just kept throwing me curveballs.

The woman looked around the shop and lowered her voice, even though nobody else was there.

“The Highland Hearts Special.”

“Is that a…book?” Had the shop published its own book that I didn’t know about?

“It’s…it’s…” The woman’s hands fluttered in front of her as she tried to come up with an explanation. When a sheen of tears hit her eyes, I stepped forward and put a hand on her arm.

“Hey, hey, it’s just fine. Everything’s just fine. I’m sorry that I don’t know what that is, but truly, I will figure it out. I’ll find what you need. If you can just give me your contact information? I’m sorry that I don’t know off the top of my head what this is, but I have a lot to learn. And look”—I gestured to the stack of leather-bound notebooks on the table—“I have loads of information andinstructions to read through. I’m sure once I get through it, I’ll be able to help.”

“You’re certain?” The woman swallowed.

“Of course. Absolutely.” I had no idea what I was promising, but I wasn’t going to let this poor woman go out into the rain in tears. Should I offer her tea? That seemed like a polite thing to do.

“Can I put a tea on for you? Maybe I can find what you’re looking for while you have a cup?”

“Och, I couldn’t possibly stay. It’s already taken so much to come here. Lovely shop, though. I’m glad you’re opening it back up. I, well, honestly, it’s just been right difficult to get myself here and, well. Right. I should just go.” The woman turned.

“Wait, please. Let me get your information first.” I grabbed the first notebook I could find and a pen and opened it.

“Right, it’s um, Edina. And I’m meant to tell you my favorite book isThe Housemaid. By Frieda McFadden. I’m told you’ll need that information.”

“I do? Is that the book you’re looking for?” I peered around the shop. While it was much cleaner than it had been this morning, the books were still not grouped by genre.

“No. I want the Highland Hearts Special.” Edina gave me a long look, as though she was telling me something else entirely, and then gave a brisk nod before scurrying from the shop. Her twenty-pound note was still on the table. Picking it up, I ran it throughmy fingers.

I couldn’t quite count this as my first sale when I wasn’t even sure what I’d sold. Or what that exchange had been all about. Tapping the bill against my finger, I paced back and forth in front of the table. What was I missing here? What didThe Housemaidhave to do with Highland Hearts aside from we were a bookshop? Pressing my lips together, I dug in a small chest of drawers behind the table and found a paperclip. Clipping the money to the page of the notebook with Edina’s information on it, I sat down and tapped the pen against my lips.

That had been odd.

My phone rang and I answered, grinning at Jessica’s face.

“You’re looking better today. See the hottie again?”

“Nope, I haven’t even left the shop yet.” I mimicked shuddering. “It’s scary out there.”

“If you don’t get out and track that hottie down, I’m going to fly over and drag his ass to your shop and force him to read you Armentrout by candlelight.”

I fanned my face. “You’re getting me all hot and bothered.”

“I’ll give you a pass since it’s your first day, but I expect you to be dating by Christmas.”

“This is the worst time of year to start dating someone.” I stood up and walked around the shop, admiring a small glass-blown statue of a fairy that was perched on the corner of one shelf. That was one thing I liked about this shop.Every time I looked somewhere I discovered something new. And I hadn’t even gotten to cataloging the book selection yet.

“What? Are you insane? This is the most romantic time of the year,” Jessica gushed as she walked down the street, cars honking behind her. “Hot cocoa while the snow falls outside, kisses under mistletoe, cozying up in the cold. I mean, how could it not be romantic?”

“Meeting new people around family holiday time puts a ridiculous amount of pressure on a new relationship, not to mention having to buy a gift for someone you’ve just met. No, it’s way too intense,” I argued.

If I was honest, I wanted to stand on my own two feet and…reinvent myself. I didn’t want bland anymore. This was such a huge opportunity to let go of past unhelpful habits, seeking out the “safe” man to avoid deep connections. And I didn’t need a man to fulfill any fantasies.Books did that already.So, dating was out. Because new Rosie was in.

“Please, dating is not for the weak, Rosie. You need to gird your loins and whatnot. Jump right into the fray. Kiss men left and right. Break hearts. Sample the local flavor. Have at it. Nobody knows you there, so it’s the perfect chance to play as much as you want.”

“That sounds terrifying.” I gulped. “You are out of your damn mind if you think I’m going to ride a train of men through this tiny town. I don’t even know anyone yet. The last thing I want to do is step on any toes.”

“You wouldn’t be stepping on toes, you’d be sitting on poles.”

---