Page 46 of Taken By Sin

Sin: Good luck on your first day, Bella.

Magnolia: Thank you :)

After blacking out the dates, I walk upstairs, knowing exactly how I want to decorate the empty table beside Victoria’s.

I begin by cataloging the books on the shelves, happy to see it’s mostly restocked after my shopping spree. A few new copies of Romeo and Juliet sit in the box. The spine is encased in gold foil, pages black. I place them on the shelf, leaving behind a copy to look through.

“Give me my Romeo, and, when he shall die, take him and cut him out in little stars.”

One of my favorite quotes.

I think I’ll be taking this one home.

I set it aside and continue going through the inventory. Victoria did an amazing job categorizing everything nicely in the folder, making my part easy. I’ll ask her if she needs any help with this. That is one thing the orphanage taught me: how to be extremely helpful. Sin would probably say overhelpful.

The shop door chimes, alerting to the first customers of the day. I peek down the stairs, listening in as a group orders from her. I want to tidy up, and luckily, I’m done with the new inventory.

Now, it’s just my table to do.

The small wooden door creaks open, revealing an array of boxes labeled with themes. Halloween, Spring, Christmas.

Although it’s still technically summer, New York is already on the cusp of fall. I don’t want to put out Halloween décor, but darker academia vibes would be perfect.

As books have always been my escape, I want to create a fantasy table.

I line the table with a black cloth and place an array of fantasy books. I slip a string of twinkling lights with a battery pack between the stacks. Faux red roses with silk petals add a romantic aura to the table. I step back to admire my work, feeling like something is missing.

I grab my copy of Romeo and Juliet and head downstairs, seeing Victoria's behind the counter wiping it down. The earlier guests have left. I slip behind the bar and put my book in the cubby to check out later. “Me getting a job here is probably pointless because I’m just going to spend my paycheck here.” I laugh.

“Well, you do get a thirty percent discount if that makes it any easier.” She points to a shelf below mine, and I note a stack of her own books. “We’re going to read anyways. It’s basic girl math.”

I go onto the floor, collecting used mugs off the tables. I love that there aren't plastic and paper cups for when you’re sitting inside. There’s just something special about going to a coffee shop and holding a beautiful ceramic mug that keeps your drink warm in your hands. It feels like home. “You can bring those over here. Washing calms my nerves.”

“I’ll dry,” I offer.

“How is it up there?”

“I finished, and it was really fun. I loved decorating! I hope I didn’t take too long.”

“Please do it anytime. The owner hates how I decorate because it’s complete maximalism.” She laughs. “And you didn’t take long at all. We don’t get busy until about eight thirty.”

As I’m putting away the ceramic mugs, a customer walks in attempting to maneuver through the door with a large black trunk. Victoria rushes over, helping him set it on a table. “I saw your listings needing first editions?” he questions quietly, eyes panning around the space.

“Yes!” She sighs. “I’m so glad you saw it, I was wondering if anyone was going to come in. We’ve been needing some badly.”

I saw the locked glass case upstairs, with only a few copies in it. “I’m Victoria,” she beams, rushing behind the bar. “What do you want? On the house.”

“Black coffee is great, thanks.” He slides his palms along the front of his jeans.

His nervous gaze lands on me. “I’m Magnolia,” I tell him.

He walks over, extending a hand. “Cameron, but everyone calls me Cam.”

“Okay, Cam.” Victoria squeals, handing his mug over. He’s tall, kind-looking, with soft eyes and dark hair. “What do you have for us?”

With a smirk, he opens the lid of the trunk revealing rare, priceless first editions of various novels.

Victoria’s mouth is wide open. “This… oh myGod.”

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