Page 10 of The Bookworm Who Stole Christmas
I spin around as the newcomer walks through the aisles. “You were only supposed to be ten minutes,” the woman chides with a smile. “I should have known I was going to have to come in and fetch you.”
Amelia’s grandmother turns to me, her brown eyes warm and friendly. “Hello, dear. I’m Samantha, Amelia’s grandmother.”
I give an awkward wave, but she hauls me in for a hug instead. “Oooh, you’re just how I imagined.”
Not for the first time today, I scratch my head and say, “Huh?”
Does this duo enjoy confusing people?
“You’re new in town, aren’t you?” she asks, drawing back.
I shift on my feet, uncomfortable under her scrutinizing gaze. “Yeah, moved here six months ago.”
“I’ve been dying to come in here, but with school, I haven’t had the time,” Amelia pipes up. “I was so excited knowing the bookstore was reopening.”
I flash her a tentative smile. “Glad I could help.”
“Where did you move from?” Samantha asks, moving to stand next to Amelia.
Not comfortable giving out any personal information to a stranger, I reply, “Here and there.”
Samantha beams, her eyes twinkling with mischief, and a bead of sweat forms above my eyebrow at what she might be up to. I find out seconds later.
“I’m organizing the Christmas food drive, and we could use some more volunteers.”
“I, uh?—”
“Excellent, I’ll add you to the list,” Samantha says before ushering Amelia to get her coat. “Well, we’d better get going.”
I feel like I’ve been railroaded into something here, and I’m not sure what. My head spins from the encounter with both grandmother and granddaughter.
“Don’t worry, she’s always like this. You’ll get used to it.” Amelia chuckles, shrugging her coat on.
“I heard that,” Samantha replies jokingly. She turns her gaze to me as she says, “How much do we owe you for the book?”
I don’t know what comes over me, but I blurt, “Erm, you know what? Take it. Just promise to come back and let me know what you think.”
Amelia’s eyes sparkle as she clutches the book to her chest. Samantha’s knowing eyes watch me, and her lips tilt, almost like she’s holding back a grin. Samantha ushers her granddaughter out the door with a wave and a promise to be back, finally leaving me in silence and a stunned expression on my face.
Shaking my head, I tidy up the store and deal with the rush of Christmas shoppers for the rest of the day.
Chapter Seven
MADDIE
“Right, is that everything?” Samantha shouts, closing the door behind her.
I blow out a breath, winded from the hundred or so trips back and forth. “I think so?”
I really need to start going to the gym.
Amelia had been into the store every day, reminding me that I’d promised to help with the food drive and suggesting we walk here together. She probably figured that if we didn’t go together, I would have bailed, and honestly, she wouldn’t have been wrong. So, I’ve been helping Samantha and the other volunteers for the better part of a day, bringing in boxes and stacking shelves.
The rec center, where the food drive is being held, is now full to the brim of various items that are ready to be packaged up for families in need. The rec center sits in the middle of town, a well-used building for various activities, including kids' clubs and chess for the elderly. Apparently, it’s held here every year—food, toys, and clothing are donated for the cause. Seeing as it’s my first Christmas in Haven’s Dale, this is all new to me and a lot to take in.
People do this for other people?
The odd person has waved or given a nod in greeting, but other than that, I’ve been left blissfully alone to carry out my work. Amelia’s been in and out, carrying as many small items as she can, while Samantha’s been barking orders. She’s quite scary when she’s not giving impromptu hugs to random people she’s just met.
