Page 18 of Cookie

Ryan

A fter deciding to buy the bookstore, it seemed my feet had barely touched the ground and time raced by. Every day was filled with decisions about changing or not changing different parts of the store and ordering books or finding new ways to sell them.

“What do you think of having a reading night for Halloween? We could pass out candy, but we could also offer a little spooky story while they’re here,” I said to Charlie as he helped me decorate.

I didn’t want to forget any of the holidays, and I thought Halloween could be a lot of fun, not just scary.

“That’s a great idea. Why don’t you do it before it gets dark so they can come here and not worry about missing trick or treat?” he suggested.

“I love that idea.”

“We could also dress up. I mean, the kids would love it.” He lit the light on one of the plastic Jack-o’-lanterns we’d placed around the store and stood back enough to admire it.

“I love that idea too. Are you sure you don’t mind helping?” Charlie was always willing to help and I loved it and appreciated it, but I didn’t want him to feel like he had to, and I didn’t want to expect it.

“I wouldn’t offer if I minded,” he said and kissed my cheek as he took a box to the backroom.

“What do you think of making the place look a little scarier? We could dim the lights and put more fake candles around. Sort of set the mood, but not too scary for the kids,” Avery said.

“I like that idea. Maybe we could theme the decorations to the book we choose to read?”

Charlie walked out of the backroom and over to me. “Which book do you want to read?” Charlie asked.

“I’m not sure. But a picture book would definitely be more fun for the little ones.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll get on it and find something cute and new,” Avery said, and walked behind the counter to check online.

Charlie walked over and slung his arm around me. “So, what do you want to dress like?” he asked.

“Let’s see which book she chooses, and we’ll dress like characters or something from the book,” I said, and got even more excited.

“Choose wisely, Avery,” Charlie said over my shoulder to her.

“You got it, Charlie,” she said, not really paying attention at all.

“You should probably make some flyers so you can pass them out with customers that come in, and a sign in the window wouldn’t hurt either,” Charlie said.

“Do you think so? I guess it would be nice to make sure a few of them show up,” I said, and tried not to think of us dressing up and having no one show up.

“I’ll tell Mom about it. She can tell my brother to bring his kids.”

“Oh, that’s right. I forgot he has a few.”

“More than a few, but anyway, I’ll spread the word. Don’t worry about anything. You figure out what you want to do, and I’ll make sure some kids show up,” Charlie said.

Avery decided we’d use a book about a little witch and her black cat.

There was also a scarecrow in the story, so we decided Avery would play the witch, I’d be the black cat, and Charlie would be the scarecrow.

Business had been great, and the copies we ordered to sell of the book we’d read on Halloween were selling really well.

It had become routine for Charlie to spend his break in the backroom with me rather than out on our bench.

The weather was getting cold and wet and while we wanted to spend time together, we didn’t want to be miserable.

“I ordered some special cookies for Halloween. I thought it might be fun to give one to everyone who goes to the reading, and we can pass out candy to everyone else,” I said as I nibbled on my favorite pink cookie.

“That sounds nice. They’ll get so much candy that day they won’t mind something different, and those cookies are really good.”

“Thank you, Charlie. None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for you,” I said.

“Well, that’s not true. You were doing just fine before I came along,” he said with a grin.

“Maybe, but it’s a lot more fun having you along for the ride,” I said and leaned close enough to kiss him.

“Mmmm,” he groaned. “I really do love those cookies.”

“Have I ever told you how cute I thought you were to sit on that other bench for so long without speaking to me?” We’d talked about this a few times, but I loved the way we met, and I never wanted him to think I’d forgotten.

“Maybe, but I don’t mind you telling me again,” he said.

“I tried so hard to ignore you, but you made it very difficult. Every time you walked over to the bench in your work clothes looking all ruggedly handsome and doing your best to ignore me, it made me want to get your attention even more. Did you know I could see your reflection in the window across the street?” I asked.

“No, I wondered why you never looked at me,” Charlie said, his eyes bright. “I can’t believe you did that, and I really wish I would have thought of it.”

“See, I still have a few surprises up my sleeve,” I said, and he smiled that sweet smile I loved. My heart played a tune that was just for Charlie, and I wasn’t sure it would ever want another. Because from where I sat, he was the most perfect person for me, and I really hoped he felt the same way.

“I like your surprises, Ryan.” He kissed me again, making me want more.