Page 4 of Checked Out by the Grinch
“Ten grand in this condition.” Her tone is even softer than I expected. “I can’t afford it. I heard you haggling with a man over binoculars. Sounds like you have your prices set.”
I drag in a deep breath and let it out slowly, sounding a little kinder to the soft brunette than I did with the balding jerk who wanted to steal my uncle’s vintage binoculars as I say, “I’m trying to preserve my uncle’s memory. If he were here, he’d have wanted me to get the best possible deal for his belongings. My aunt, though, she has other motives.”
“I understand.” The woman nods, gripping the strap of her purse as she studies the shelf for other titles. “What about this one?” She holds a 1962 printed copy ofThe Hobbit.“Is this worth anything?”
“Five hundred maybe. It’s not a first edition, but it’s a collectable—”
“Holly, dear,” Aunt Vera interrupts with a high-pitched hello and nudge that lets me know I’m not performing to her standards. “What brings you up here?”
“I didn’t realize this was your sale,” the woman says, still holding a copy ofThe Hobbit.“I’m so sorry about Pat. I loved seeing you two wander into the bookstore together on Saturdays.”
“Oh, we did too, sweetheart. The Christmas display in your front window was always our favorite to see, and we just loved getting a loaf of your bread every time we stopped in. How’s your little boy doing?”
Holly tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and offers that sweet smile again. “He’s good. We’re just, ugh, ya know… working through the holidays.” Holly’s eyes flick to mine for a second like she forgot I was standing there, then back to Vera. “Honestly, it’s been harder than usual. The bookstore isn’t doing that great, and I’m a little worried Marley might be closing for good.”
“Oh, honey.” Aunt Vera leans in toward the young woman, hugging her while mouthing something I can’t understand in my direction. “I get it. I was struggling for years before I met Pat and the Grinch here.”
“Grinch?”I clear my throat. “Is that supposed to be me?”
Aunt Vera pats my arm like I’m a rescue dog. “Oh, you should have seen him when I got here. He was bouncing off the walls, screaming at the TV any time the Broncos gave up a point. Now look at him, semi-respectable. It took years to polish him up, but now he’s a little less Grinch and a little more… well adjusted.”
I shrug. “My Aunt Vera’s the head of my public relations team.”
Holly laughs the kind of laugh that makes you want to hear it again. “I think she deserves a raise.”
Without hesitation, Aunt Vera swipesA Christmas Caroloff the bookshelf and hands it toward Holly. “It’s a very old copy.You’ll need to have it authenticated, but I think it’s worth some money.”
“What?” Holly’s face lights. “No, I can’t take it. It’s yours. Sell it online to a collector. That’s what we’d be doing at the bookstore.”
“I could sell this stuff online to collectors, darling, but that’s not what I want. I want Pat’s stuff to go with people who’ll appreciate them.” She places the slim, gilded copy ofA Christmas Carolin Holly’s hands before leaning into her with a hug. “I’ve been in your shoes. I know what it’s like to lose jobs, struggle with rent, and ex-boyfriends. Take the book you were already holding too. Grayson will help get them authenticated and find you buyers. He’s good with all that.” She glances toward me. “Right, Gray?”
“Right.” I nod, a little pleased that the woman who helped raise me has turned into the best wingman ever. “I’ll help with whatever you need.”
Holly diverts her gaze down before glancing toward my aunt, who’s full of smiles. “That’s really not necessary. I don’t want to cause any more trouble.”
“It’s not trouble,” I manage, trying not to notice the way the strands of her hair tuck into her cleavage. “I’m happy to help.”
And I mean it, more than I’ve meant anything in a while.
Honestly, if I was being true to myself, this is all fucked as hell. I don’t even know this woman, I have so many more items to sell and things to do around here, and the truth is, she’s way too damn young for me… but there’s something about her. Something soft and aching. Something that feels like home to me.
Clearly, I’m fucking losing it!
I shake my head and tuck my hand into the pocket of my jeans as I stare toward the girl with the hazel eyes. She’s going to wreck my life. I don’t know how yet, but I just know it.
Chapter Three
Holly
I pull into the driveway, the porch light flickering like it’s trying to decide whether or not to give up. I feel you, porch light, more than you know.
Inside, the house looks quiet, so I sit in Evie’s car for a long moment, letting myself breathe. I forgot to thank her again for letting me borrow it this morning. I need to make a point to do something extra kind for her after everything she’s done for me lately.
I should be thinking about that. Instead, my mind is stuck in a loop of what just happened at the estate sale.
I mean, I know I’ve found what I was looking for. If appraised well, the books would give a huge influx of cash to the bookstore, maybe even help keep the doors open another month while we figure out a more permanent plan. This is good news. Really good news, and I’m really happy about it. Heck, if there’s enough money left over, I might even get a few bucks to throw on my own pile of bills, including the thousand dollars I owe the mechanic for fixing my car.
Sure, there are a few more hoops to jump through, but life is looking way more promising than it was this morning. My brain should be able to relax now.
