Page 17 of Cookie
Charlie
A few days passed and the bookstore was still as busy as it was the day we’d driven back from Sacramento.
Ryan made sure to speak to every customer that came in, and hopefully it stayed this way, so he knew his decision to move here was a good one.
“Hey, what are you thinking about?” Ryan asked as he walked over to me.
“Just thinking how happy I am that you’ll be moving here,” I said and felt like I’d told him that so many times already but not really caring because it was the truth.
“I’m happy too. Now, do you mind getting the ladder for me so I can get a book from the top shelf over there?
” Ryan asked as he rushed over to where he’d just pointed.
I picked up the small ladder and climbed up to get him what he needed.
He smiled and kissed me on the cheek before hurrying off to the register.
He wasn’t afraid to love me or to let anyone around us know we were more than friends, and it was so addictive to have his affection and not feel the need to hide it.
Avery’s smile told me she was more than happy with the news too. I was about to tell Ryan I’d come back later when the bell on the door jingled and a large group of people rushed in, led by my parents.
“Don’t just stand there, Charlie, helps us out,” my brother Caspian said and handed me a box that held food containers.
“Ryan, where can we set this up?” Mom asked while Ryan stood frozen with his mouth hanging open, looking between her and me.
“I’ll go get a table from the back, we can put it there,” I said and after setting down the box they’d given me on the counter, I hurried off to get the table.
We’d been back here the other day discussing what he’d do about storage, so I knew exactly where the table was, and after picking it up from where it was leaning against the wall, I hurried back out to the store.
“Over here, Charlie.” Mom directed, and I would have sworn ten more people had walked in.
A tablecloth appeared out of nowhere and the table was covered and nearly fully loaded as soon as I had it unfolded and the legs in place.
My family was nothing if not efficient. Ryan squeezed around a few customers and made his way to me.
“Charlie, what is all this?” he whispered as he slipped his arm around me.
“It’s big congratulations from everyone,” I said, and Mom winked at me.
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“Well, this is what we do when there’s a new business in Grace,” I explained.
“Or someone new moves here,” Mom said.
“Sometimes we actually eat at home,” Clarence said as he picked up a plate and started to load it up with a little of everything.
“Have you met everyone?” Mom asked Ryan, who continued to stare at her wide-eyed.
“Don’t worry, I’ll handle the introductions,” I said and patted his hand after placing it on my arm. “Give us just a minute.” I pulled Ryan to the backroom where I’d gotten the table and spun him around to face me before gripping his arms and meeting his eyes. “Ryan?”
“Charlie why are there so many people here?” he whispered with a shake of his head and a long blink.
“That’s my family, plus I think Mom wanted to make sure you knew everyone was happy that you’re moving here. They’re a little over the top for celebrations,” I explained while he still stared at me.
“That’s all your family out there?” he asked and pointed toward the front room, where the noise of conversation seemed to grow even louder.
“Not all of them. Some are friends, others are people who have been curious about the new guy that’s been cleaning up the bookstore,” I explained. “They’re all happy you’re here.”
“Charlie, I’ve never had anyone do something for me like this,” he whispered. “I was worried they wouldn’t like that Millie was selling.”
“Ryan, there is not a person out there that won’t miss Millie,” I said, and his face fell. “But they are all excited for a fresh new start to the bookstore.”
His eyes met mine, and he stared at me a long moment before he spoke. “Are you sure? I don’t want them to think I’m just moving in and taking over.”
I pulled him close and kissed the top of his head. “They’re going to love you as much as I do. Don’t worry about a thing.” I gave him a harder squeeze until he laughed and squirmed out of my arms.
“Come on, I want my boyfriend out there with me,” he said. “And don’t think I didn’t notice you said the L word.” His eyes sparkled with happiness, and I couldn’t stop myself from kissing him and hugging him one more time.
“Let me introduce you to everyone,” I said, and led him back out to the shop.
Avery was still at the register and from the crazed look in her eyes, it had been a little hectic while we’d been in the backroom. Ryan rushed over to help her, and Dad stepped closer to me.
“So, it’s official,” he said and took a sip of whatever he had in his cup.
“Yeah, he’s going to stay,” I said and couldn’t pull my eyes away from Ryan, who was doing his best to get caught up on the line that had formed at the cash register.
“He’s a good one,” Dad said, and patted my shoulder before walking over to the food table.
“Yeah, he is,” I whispered to myself. He looked up then and his eyes went right to me and that spark of excitement was still there.
I never would have thought so many people in the town of Grace would be excited about a new bookstore but looking at the locals who stood in line chatting while thumbing through the books they’d chosen, it was obvious they were.