Page 91 of The Bourbon Bet
Hi Honey!
You seemed so down about your store last time we talked, and it broke my heart, but I have fantastic news for you! I updated your resume and sent it to a few of the schools looking for librarians. Three of them in Ann Arbor would love to interview you AND are willing to do it virtually. I’ve attached information about each of the schools. They’re waiting for your reply to set up a time. Call me when you get a chance so we can talk about the schools and maybe practice your interviews.
Love,
Mom
I slam my laptop shut. “Are you freaking kidding me?”
“What’s wrong?”
I nearly topple off my stool, my heart jumping to hide in my throat. Paige and Noah stand at my counter, each wearing concerned expressions. “I’m having the worst week ever. And it’s only Tuesday.” My voice cracks, choking on the weight of my bookstore’s future.
I’m pouring my heart and soul into my shop and programs, but for what? I’m not sure I can do what Thorne expects of me. Finding a glimmer of hope amidst the gathering darkness isn’t possible.
Paige comes around the counter and hugs me. The lump in my throat dissolves into a sob. “Let’s step into the alley. You can tell me what’s going on,” shesays.
I shake my head, looking to the ceiling so my tears won’t fall. “I can’t. My customers.”
“Noah can keep an eye on things,” Paige suggests.
“Yeah, I’ll be fine. Go ahead,” he replies quickly, shooing us away.
Despite my crappy mood, I nearly smile. Noah’s tone says he’ll do anything to create distance between himself and my breakdown.
I let Paige maneuver me to the store’s alley because a sobbing shop owner probably isn’t a good business look. The rough brick wall scrapes against my back as I slump against it. The sensation grounds me. The distant sounds of traffic and pedestrian chatter drift between the buildings, a reminder of the world carrying on despite my personal struggles.
“I take it the SBA meeting didn’t go well,” Paige says.
My head drops between my slumped shoulders. “No, it didn’t. I’m told, given their limited resources and funding, they have to prioritize and help the business with the greatest need and impact on the state.” I frown. “I guess books and reading aren’t important.”
“What about—”
“Please don’t mention the grants. Or my attempt at crowdfunding.”
Paige tilts her head. “You tried crowdfunding?”
I look at my hands. “I don’t want to talk about it.” Granted, I had no idea how to run one, but the amount I’ve made from it is too embarrassing to tell even my friend.
“Oh,” she mutters. “Okay. Well, damn.”
I’ve run out of all my other options except one.
Hurting Sebastian.
I swallow hard and look away. “Did I tell you, a few days ago, I tracked down that real estate developer who renovated the old factory buildings on River Street?”
Paige shakes her head.
“I begged him to consider letting me take a corner space with deferred payments for the first six months. He laughed and said he’s already got three corporate clients bidding on every square foot.”
I press my palms against my eyes, but it doesn’t stop the tears. “Then I went full desperate and called my two friends from Michigan last night.”
“The sisters whose family owns the Hayek Department Stores?” she asks.
“Yes, Abigail and Evelyn. They’ve always said they’d back me if I needed it. Turns out their retail division is fighting for survival right now with all the mall closures. The family is liquidating locations and pulling back all investments to shore up their core business.”
