Page 35 of Meet Me Under the Mistletoe
“Which is why we sold it for such a good price.”
Nory pouted.
“I can hear you pouting!”
“How can youhearme pouting?”
“You breathe differently when you’re sulking. I recognize the post-sales brood breath.”
“Well, that’s really very rude, I may have to fire you.”
“Go right ahead. Good luck getting another manager who puts up with you.”
“Well, when you put it like that...”
“I thought as much.”
“What else did you sell? A piece of my soul, perhaps?”
“The illustrated works of Shakespeare.”
“Oh my god!”
“Would you like to hear what else we sold?”
“There’s more? Hells bells, there’ll be no books left at this rate!”
“Nory, we have walls made of books.Actualwalls made ofactualpiled-up books. If we sold fifty books a day for a year, we would still have enough left to give the Bodleian Library a run for its money. When Matilda can walk, I’ll have to attach a GPS signaling device to her nappy before letting her loose in the shop.”
“God, you’re dramatic.”
“Said the pot to the kettle.”
“Okay, tell me the rest.”
“Can you handle it?”
“Just give it to me all in one go and don’t stop even when you hear my screams of pain.”
Andrew listed seven more books sold today—two of them online. She didn’t really hate parting with her books, although she felt a little sad when a favorite left the building. In reality, she got a massive kick out of a book finding its new keeper, paying forward the book love.
Those were some good sales for a Monday. Andrew really was a remarkable bookseller, and she told him so.
“If you keep complimenting me, I shall have to ask for a raise,” said Andrew.
“On second thought, you’re nothing but a charlatan.”
“A charlatan! How very lovable rogue; I rather like it.”
Nory laughed. “What time is Seb’s mum arriving?”
“She guestimates about nine p.m. She has asked that we don’t make a fuss and just throw a few nibbles together, which is code for prepare something exquisite. Spare a thought for me when you’re scoffing down your ten-course dinner at the castle tonight.”
“I will. Text me the gossip.”
“Oh, don’t you worry, I will!”
“Love you.”
