Page 58 of The Bourbon Bet
Is there actually something real between us, or is it attraction mixed with all my lies? But if I go through with my agreement with Thorne, it won’t matter; Sebastian will never forgive me.
“I like him too,” I admit. My pulse quickens. The admission complicates everything.
However, there is a solution. I could forget about the deal with his brother and leave Whiskey Row. I’ll do my best to secure a new place and save my programs. Then I can date Sebastian without my deception hanging over us. This will allow me to truly see where things go and discover if he’s as kind as he seems. And if he turns out to be like the other men in his family who take whatever they want, I’d still have my self-respect.
If SBA and grants don’t pan out, I could find a job as a librarian in Kentucky or in Michigan. I love Novel Idea, but at least I’d still be surrounded by books and have my integrity.
Yes, I’ll tell Thorne to forget about the deal. I’ll call him tomorrow. The decision frees me, and the invisible knot around me loosens.
And to make the possibility of this chapter in my life ending more real, I say, “Another reason he and I might not work out is because there’s a chance I’ll be returning to Michigan.”
Anna blinks rapidly. “Why?”
“Complications with my bookstore.”
“I don’t understand. Your place is always packed. Do you not like being a shop owner?”
Tears sting the backs of my eyes, nodding. “I love it, but…” I can’t tell her all the lease issues or the deal I’ve made.
“And you are loved. Your place is more than a shop to buy books. It’s a second home for many of us. We’ve found amazing stories because of your recommendations, friends because of your clubs and events, and a place to belong because of you. Novel Idea is a gem. Priceless to many of us.”
I press a hand to my overflowing heart. She’s speaking of my true dream for my store. Yes, I’d envisioned a cute and cozy local shop in an old building with character, but even more than the window dressings, is how my place offers other book lovers a second home.
“No one in my family reads, and not many of my friends do either,” Anna continues. “When I saw the flyer for the romance book club, I was over-the-moon excited. Finally, I’d have people to discuss my favorite authors and stories with.I’m sure Jim and Kurt feel the same, considering an even smaller number of men read romance. Plus, finding a group of people who applaud them for reading is a blessing.” Anna winks. “In fact, the single ladies in the group are very interested in getting to know them better and learning what they’ve gleaned from the stories they’ve read.”
I laugh. “Smart women.”
“Then there’s Tammy…”
Anna’s serious tone has my smile falling. Tammy is one of my favorite customers, another found family friend, and a cold weight settles in my chest. “She was my first book club member. Before all the other clubs I’ve started, there was only the romance one. That was mainly because they’re my favorite to read, but also because too many bookstores overlook the genre. During that first meeting, she was the only one who showed up. We had a blast discussing the story. And she hasn’t missed a single one.”
“No surprise. Novel Idea has been a shelter for her during a very bad storm in her life.” Anna looks toward the dark garden. “At book club, she and I have become close. Tammy told me how much your store means to her, and I don’t think she’d mind me sharing her story with you. Six months before Novel Idea opened, her twin brother OD’d. He’d become addicted to an opioid after a car accident. Her parents shut down, her friends didn’t know how to act around her, and she didn’t know how to be around them. She’d originally gone to your store looking for a book on grief. She found one, but you’d also recommend the romance for the first book club. She read both, finding hope and healing in one and escape in the other. She also found a place that helps curb the ache and loneliness. And I’m sure she isn’t the only person. We bookworms always feel at peace surrounded by books, but your cozy shop takes that comfort to a whole new level. I thought you should know.”
“Thank you for telling me.” A tear rolls down my cheek and I quickly wipe it away. I can’t give up on my store. Not if it means so much to others. “I feel terrible.”
Anna grabs her purse from the table. Opening it, she removes a small tissue packet and hands one to me. “Shit. My intent wasn’t to upset you. I wanted you to know your place means a lot to many people.” She offers a crooked grin. “And for my own selfish reasons. I don’t want you or your store to leave me.”
I dab my eyes. “I’ll do my best to keep the doors open.”
“If you need anything, please let me know. I’m a digital marketing specialist, and I’d happily help.”
“Anna, you’re amazing. Thank you.” I squeeze her hand, but my stomach drops like I’ve missed a step in the dark.
She beams at me. “Good. Because we need you to stay.”
My throat closes. Minutes ago, I decided to call Thorne tomorrow, end the deal, choose Sebastian, and my integrity. But Tammy’s grief, Anna’s joy, all those people who’ve found sanctuary in my store... How can I rip that away from them?
“Where are those drinks. I need my liquid courage to manage the rest of the night,” I joke weakly.
Anna laughs. “This event is a lot. But also fun. Especially when you get to watch your friend fall for a gorgeous billionaire.”
“Anna..."
“I’m just saying the way he looks at you, that’s not casual interest, Rosalia. That’s a man who’s already halfway gone.”
My pulse stutters. Every time I think I’ve found my path, something shifts beneath my feet. Save the store, betray Sebastian. Choose him, abandon everyone else. I’m standing at a crossroads where every direction leads to someone getting hurt.
ChapterTwenty-Four
