Page 140 of Spotlight
“It’s a hat.” I laugh. “Everyone knows I’m yours.”
“Double or nothing?”
“What exactly are we betting on?” Another laugh slips out as his arms circle my waist.
His eyes sparkle with happiness. “Forever.”
35
OLIVIA
“Congratulations.” Ruby holds up the best bookstore in the city award and grins. “Do you want to take it home so you can sleep with it under your pillow?”
“Shut up.” I take it from her with a laugh.
We got the news yesterday. Out of all the bookstores in the city, The Book Nook was voted Lake City’s favorite for the first time. I’m so proud, but also… maybe realizing I never really needed the award. Or at least not for the reasons I thought. I love this store, this job, doing it with my family.
We’ve started hosting weekly events: book clubs, author signings, adult reading time, and even a collaboration with Sabrina that we called “Ballet and Books”. It was a big hit with kids.
“I think we can safely leave it on the counter,” I say.
Grinning, she sets it down next to the register, nearly hidden from view.
“Okay, well, maybe turn it out so people can read it.” I angle the award so it’s in view for the customers.
Ruby laughs again.
“Can you watch the store for a bit?” I ask. “I need to do something.”
“Sure. I have nowhere to go and nothing to do. At least until my agent gets back to me with notes.”
“The book is great. She’s going to love it and so will everyone else.”
Ruby beams. “I’m choosing to live in that bubble of hope for now.”
She finally finished her book and it’s the best thing she’s written. Of course, I always say that but this time I think her readers are going to agree with me. Flynn does. He read it to make sure she got the sporty scenes right, or at least that was his excuse. I’m pretty sure he’d have read it either way. After all, he’s read everything else she’s written.
I grab a couple of things from the office and then head outside. It’s summer and our little stretch of sidewalk is empty as people hide away from the afternoon heat.
Despite the sweat beading up on my forehead and the back of my neck, I stop in front of Plot Twist to admire the artwork then let out a small laugh. It says, “Congratulations to The Book Nook, Best Bookstore in Lake City.” And underneath is a picture of a woman that looks a lot like me with a stack of books in her hand.
Walter is full of surprises.
Plot Twist is as quiet as our store is today, but the air conditioning washes over me, and I let out a relieved breath to be inside.
“Hello. Welcome in,” Walter calls from somewhere in the store.
“It’s just me. Olivia,” I say in response.
He peeks around the side of a bookshelf with a stack of books in one hand. A smile pulls at one side of his mouth. “You’re the first person that’s come in all afternoon.”
“Everyone is hiding at home today,” I say as I approach him. “Thanks for the shout-out on the window.”
“You’re welcome.” His gaze is shifty, like maybe he’s uncomfortable with the affection, even though it was initiated by him.
So, instead of saying more, I take in the scene around him. There are stacks of books on the floor in front of the small romance section. I’m thrilled to see him revamping it, even if it is still the smallest section in the store.
“What’s happening here?” I ask as I move to stand beside him and inspect the transformation.
