Page 26 of Booked for the Holidays
The question is predictable and I can’t hold back the eye roll. “You’d think an internationally published magazine could ask something more original. What about what charities we donate to? What unique skills do our employees have? Do they honestly care to hear about trust funds and shopping sprees?”
“Look,” Bridget says, “I know you’re not super jazzed about this, but sometimes as business owners we have to do things we don’t enjoy. Sometimes that includes answering questions youknoware stupid. But a hundred thousand dollars is a shit ton of money, so you’re going to keep your complaining to a minimum and we’re going to knock this out. Got it?”
“For clarification purposes, is a shit ton more or less than a crap ton? I’m unfamiliar with the measuring unit. If we’re going to be working together, I should learn your terms.”
“More, but less than a fuck ton. Does that help? Should I spell it out on a Lite-Brite so your boomer ass can comprehend it better?”
I blink at her once, twice, a third time. I throw in a fourth for good measure.
Then, I grin.
That wasfunny.
“Thank you for that insightful description, Boylston. Wouldn’t have gotten there without you.”
“Glad to be of service. Time to put the attitude away for five minutes so we can both go home.”
“I’d spend the money on construction to make the avenue more accessible for people with disabilities. After splitting the prize evenly with my employees, I’d take home five thousand dollars. That’s barely enough to put a dent in the plans I’d like to propose, but it’s a damn good start.”
“Okay.” Her fingers dance across the keyboard, a waltz of clicks and a tango of letters. “Could you elaborate a bit? Accessible how?”
“I’d like to provide individual ramps to each business so people who rely on wheelchairs or other mobility devices like canes and walkers can get into their store without risking a fall. I want to add more handicap parking spaces. Do you know there are only seven on this mile-long stretch of road? I’d level out the curb in areas besides major intersections. At crosswalks, I’d like to see the timing between light cycles extended.”
That’s the abridged list I’m rushing through so I don’t bore her to death. I could ramble for hours about the pages of measurements and drawings I have tucked away in my desk, sketched with a pencil late in the night as the wheels in my brain turn too rapidly for me to sleep. I keep the city codes and blueprint designs for a slight street expansion to accommodate my proposed changes in my back pocket in case anyone ever asks. I don’t want to overwhelm her with the knowledge that I look at the renderings at least three times a day, so I keep it short. Sweet. Just enough information so she doesn’t ask for more.
“You’ve thought about this extensively,” Bridget whispers.
I nod. “Yeah. I have. You’re also the first person I’ve ever told, so thanks for not shutting it down.”
“Shut it down? Theo, I think it’s brilliant. I have a ramp in our storage closet and bring it out when someone needs it.”
“You do?”
“Yeah. If it creates a comfortable environment, why wouldn’t I provide it for them?”
Jesus Christ.
Is this woman some Christmas angel sent from above? How does she always know the right things to say? And why do I suddenly care? I’ve never given a fuck about what people think of me. I don’t seek their approval or need their validation to get through life. Hearing Bridget call my planbrilliantflips a switch in my masculine brain. I want to beat my chest. Grin like a smug bastard. Light a cigar and smoke it, because her compliments mean more than I ever thought they could.
A fuck ton, apparently.
“Well.” My hand runs over the counter, wiping a patch of rogue crumbs away. “That’s admirable of you.”
“Doing the bare minimum shouldn’t be considered admirable.”
“What would you spend the money on?”
“Literary resources to people in lower-income areas. Have you heard of Little Free Libraries?”
“No, I haven’t.”
“They’re boxes where people can leave books they’ve finished reading and take a new one home with them. I’d love to get a dozen set up in neighborhoods where physical libraries aren’t as accessible. I’d also like to create a Book Bus and drive around to locations and do pop-up events. I try to host some here, but it’s difficult for kids to attend when their parents work late.”
Why?
Why couldn’t she give me some bullshit answer about vibes, aesthetics, or other words I’m unfamiliar with? Why couldn’t she talk about catering to the individuals who will keep her store profitable?
Nope.
