First Edition Romance

by Shannon M Harris

  “Oh, stop. You’ve had love and that’s more than a lot of people can say. I want to see that smile on your face again.”

  “Momma, I smile all the time.”

  “True, but you know what I mean.”

  “I do.” She knew arguing with her mother would be a wasted endeavor, so kept quiet as they finished their shopping.

  Back at Patricia’s house, they worked in tandem to put the groceries away. When Patricia refused her help with lunch, Lauren relaxed at the table with a cup of coffee. They would always have lunch together on their shopping days and Patricia always insisted on cooking. Today, lunch was a simple, but delicious tomato soup with some of their newly acquired purchases.

  As she sat across from her mother, Lauren intended to always make the most of their time together. One never knew when life would be cut short and it was never guaranteed that she would outlive her mother. “So, Momma, tell me about your week?”

  Far sooner than Ainslon would have liked, the time arrived to leave for dinner with Edna. She waved bye to Justin and walked the few blocks to her apartment. Once inside, she greeted Shady with plenty of cuddle time and treats.

  After Shady received adequate attention, Ainslon stared at her closet and contemplated what to wear. She knew what she wanted, but also knew Edna would throw a fit. Instead of the first choice of sweats and t-shirt, she opted for a gray sheath dress, a red belt, and a pair of black flats. She grabbed her blue cardigan out of the hall closet, patted Shady on the head, exited her apartment, then rode the elevator to the underground parking garage. Her trusty Jeep Wrangler, Belle, was a comfort and as she sat behind the wheel, she vowed to get out more often on her days off. Belle was her one big purchase when Turn the Page’s sales had taken off.

  The drive to Edna’s was quick and easy. After parking, she opened the kitchen door and the sight of not one, but two women greeted her.

  Edna and Easton stood by the stove with their backs to her when she walked in. Great. The two of them together usually equaled trouble. She let the door slam shut, and Easton jumped, but Edna kept her cool.

  “Ainslon, you know how I feel about slamming doors.”

  “Sorry, Nana.” Ainslon scowled as Easton smirked. She kissed Edna’s cheek, slapped Easton on the arm, then walked into the living room, slipped her cardigan off, and hung it up on the coat rack. After shutting the door, she turned around and almost bumped into her sister, then pressed both hands on her chest and squeaked. “Jesus, Easton.”

  “Don’t be such a baby.”

  Ainslon bypassed her. “What are you even doing here? Didn’t you have plans?” At the entranceway to the kitchen, she spun around. “And where’s your car?”

  “In the garage.”

  “And your plans?”

  “Cancelled. I’m all yours tonight.”

  “Goody.”

  “Ainslon,” Edna said. “Set the table. Easton, pour everyone a glass of wine.”

  Once they were all seated, Ainslon kept her mouth shut while waiting for one of the other two to say something first. It wasn’t unusual for them to have dinner together in the middle of the week, but something smelled off.

  The atmosphere was tense, but not as tense as the disastrous blind date from 2014. To this day, she and Edna refused to speak of it again. They had sworn on a blood oath never to tell Easton about it.

  “So, I asked you two here for a reason,” Edna said. She sipped her wine. “I worry about you both, and I’m not getting any younger.” She held up her hand to ward off their questions. “I know you two don’t like to hear that. I’m old and all I want is for you both to be happy. I know you’re both fulfilled in your jobs, but I still worry.”

  Ainslon and Easton shared a look even as Ainslon reached across the table and took Edna’s hand. “Don’t worry about us. We’re good.”

  “Ainslon’s right, Nana. Our dating lives might be shit but everything else is running smoothly.”

  “Be that as it may,” Edna said, “I know you both work better when you’re in relationships.”

  “True,” Easton said.

  Ainslon finished off her food that tasted as good as it smelled, then dabbed her lips with a napkin. “Nana, it’s not as easy as putting yourself out there. I want something more than that…and that takes time.”

  Easton eyed her, causing Ainslon to squirm. “What aren’t you telling us?”

  “Nothing.” Ainslon downed the rest of her wine. Edna always bought the good stuff. Good wine is like a good lover, Edna would tell them. Once you find one, don’t ever let them go. However, if they start to sour, throw them away. She and Easton had taken that advice to heart. Last Christmas they’d both chipped in and bought Edna a case of a wine she liked. The lover part, they were both struggling with that.

  “Now, don’t lie to us,” Edna said.

  Ainslon sighed. “It’s really nothing. I…” She took a deep breath. “I have a tiny crush on someone. She commissioned me to find a book for her. I’m having a bit of trouble finding it.” She frowned into her empty glass.

  “You dog,” Easton said. “Mixing business and pleasure.”

  “I’ll get back to the woman in a minute,” Edna said, “but I might have a lead on some books you can look into.”

  Ainslon turned to Edna. “Really?” Thank God for Edna and her nosiness.

  “Old Man Collins’ granddaughter, Shelly, moved into his house a few weeks ago. He left everything to her when he died. As you know, his book collection was extensive. The next time I see her, I’ll invite her to dinner and see if she’s willing to sell and ask if you can take a look.”

  “Nana, that sounds great.” Old Man Collins never let anyone see his book collection, but he used to brag about it all the time. It would almost be a miracle if he had her book, but it was the only lead she had at the moment. Hopefully, his bragging held substance.

  “Now, let’s clean up, then head into the living room with some tea and talk about this crush of yours,” Edna said.

  Once settled in the living room, Easton wasted no time grilling her. “Do I know this woman?”

  Ainslon took a sip of tea to bide her time.

  “Now, don’t be shy, dear. What’s this woman’s name?” Edna asked.

  “Lauren.” Ainslon set her teacup and the saucer on the coffee table.

  “Lauren, huh,” Easton said, narrowing her eyes. “What’s her last name?”

  “Millán,” she said quietly.

  “Wait,” Easton said. “I couldn’t have heard right because it almost sounded like you said Lauren Millán.”

  “I did.” Ainslon flopped back against the couch and lay her arm over her eyes.

  “Good grief, sis. She is one of the most eligible people in the city.” Easton whistled. “She’s a looker. That’s for sure.”

  “The name rings a bell,” Edna said.

  “She owns C and C.” Easton took out her phone and pulled something up before showing Edna.

  “She’s in the papers quite a bit, isn’t she? And if I’m not mistaken,” Edna said, “she’s a bit older than you.”

  “Only ten years.” Some intel from her recent cyber stalking. “I’m aware that the crush is pointless, but I can’t help it. She’s…she’s…”

  Edna chuckled, then patted her knee. “She must be something if she’s got you so flustered. I haven’t seen that in a while.”

  Ainslon sat up. “She is, Nana. I’ve only met her the one time, but I can’t get her out of my head.”

  “When I first met your grandpa, I was the same way. Love wants who it wants.”

  “I’ve never felt that way, but it’s something I want,” Easton said, softly.

  “Love?” Ainslon laughed. “Nana, at this point, it’s only a crush. I’m sure half the town has a crush on her.”

  “Still, I’ve never seen you act this way, even with your ex. This Lauren must be something special.”

  Ainslon picked up her teacup and took a tentative sip. “There’s something th
ere. At least I don’t think I’m imagining it.”

  Easton spoke up. “I go to her store from time to time and have spoken a few words in greeting. She’s not my type, but I know she’s yours. The business suits are nice, but I’ll take a woman in jeans and a t-shirt any day of the week. Have you ever been to her store?”

  “No. Justin goes.” Ainslon licked her lips. “The last thing I want is to make an ass out of myself. I’m giving it time to stew.”

  “Don’t let it overcook,” Edna said.

  They finished their tea in silence.

  “By the way,” Easton said. “Since you never go to C and C, you wouldn’t know but the building next to their store is for sale. I know you’re looking for a bigger building to move into.” She shrugged. “It wouldn’t be cheap, but it might not be a bad idea to check it out, and when you do it will give you an excuse to explore C and C, and maybe run into Lauren.”

  “That’s not a bad idea.” It was, in fact, an excellent idea. Being next to a chocolate store could have its perks. Besides their usual patrons, people shopping at C and C, out of curiosity, might check out their store.

  “I’m proud of you both.”

  Easton jumped up and joined them on the couch. “We love you too, Nana.”

  Ainslon held back the emotions that swirled around her. “I love you too, Nana.”

  Edna kissed them both on the cheek. “Now, since I am old, would one of you go into the kitchen and plate us some rhubarb crumble and ice cream?”

  “Of course.” Ainslon laughed.

  “And don’t forget before you two leave to take a bunch of leftovers for yourself. That’s why I made extra.” Before heading to the kitchen, Ainslon leaned down and kissed Edna on the cheek. “You’ve always been a good girl. Go, now.”

  As she cut them each a slice, it hit her how old Edna was and that she wouldn’t be around forever. She hadn’t talked to her parents in close to twenty years and they never tried to get in contact with her. It took a lot of years to come to terms with what they did, and she hoped to never see them again.

  Edna chuckled when Ainslon handed her the plate with the largest piece of crumble topped with ice cream. “If it’s okay with you, it’s late and Shady’s already been fed, can I stay here?”

  “Your room is always ready for you. You know that, dear. You don’t have to ask.”

  “Thanks,” she said around a mouthful of ice cream.

  “After I eat this, I need to get going, but Ainslon, call me if you need anything. You as well, Nana,” Easton said.

  “Don’t I always,” Ainslon mumbled.

  “You’re a good girl too, Easton,” Nana said. “And since you’re staying the night, Ainslon, you can make us both breakfast. I like to eat by seven.” She had a twinkle in her eye that Ainslon would never get tired of seeing.

  “Seven it is.”

  Thursday morning, Ainslon adjusted her backpack as she walked down the sidewalk. The cool breeze refreshed her more than her morning shower. As long as rain wasn’t in the forecast, she preferred to walk to work. Getting in a bit of exercise never hurt anyone. She greeted familiar people along her route and fifteen minutes later, opened the door to Turn the Page. Justin waved at her from behind the counter.

  “Good morning.” She bounded over to him.

  “Morning.” He slid a cup of coffee toward her.

  As she walked around the counter, she slipped her backpack off, then took a sip of her coffee. Two sugars and a good amount of milk, the way she liked it. She eyed the papers laid out on top of the table. “What’s all this?”

  He clapped his hands together. “This is our plan for the next several story nights. I want to try and expand on what we already have. I’ve been researching children’s book authors and illustrators as well as comic book authors and artists and was thinking about some ways we could get them here to do a reading. Sign some books, interact with the kids. Maybe once every three months or so. I’ve been looking into the costs.”

  He’d clearly done his research as she leafed through the papers. “That would be great and may attract people that wouldn’t normally come to the store. At the festival we can put out a survey and see what kind of feedback we can get.”

  “That’s good. We could hire someone to hand out flyers or offer them a voucher for the store.”

  “I like it.” Ainslon tapped her thumb on the counter. “I mentioned to Easton and Nana last night about moving to a bigger location. Easton said the store beside C and C is for sale.”

  He relaxed back against the counter. “I heard the owner is being an…” he looked around the room, then whispered, “ass.”

  “That’s what Easton said.” She crinkled her brow. “It’s out of our price range.”

  “Definitely.” He crossed his arms and smiled at a customer that entered. “But sales have been fantastic the last two quarters. Game nights are growing, and I’ve had, as has Sarah, a lot of people tell us they come from the next town over to buy comics and things from us because of the atmosphere we have. Besides, if not now, when? The place would be perfect for us and it won’t hurt to look into it and get the numbers.”

  “I know. It’s a big step. We’ve only been here a little under three years and I’m afraid we would be pushing it.”

  He shrugged. “Maybe, maybe not. This is our dream and if we have the chance to expand now rather than later, we should at least look into it. That building would be enough space for us for years to come. And the traffic that area receives is ten times what we see here.”

  She waved at one of their regulars, then turned back to Justin. “You’re right. We should at least look at the numbers.”

  “That’s the spirit. I’ll look into the building if you want?”

  “No,” she all but shouted. “I can check it out.”

  He squinted at her, then snapped his fingers. “You’ve never been to Ms. Millán’s store, have you? Which is sacrilege.” He shook his head. “All right. You check out this new building, then check out her store. And that’s not a request. Go into her store.”

  “I’ll think about going into C and C. I haven’t seen the other building but know what those buildings on that street could offer us. We could house the comics and competitions on the top floor and expand our children’s sections.”

  “It would be awesome. I’ll look up the listing later, so you can at least get a look at it, but it will give you a better feel seeing it in person.”

  “All right.” She knocked three times on the countertop. “If you need any help with figuring out the authors, let me know.”

  “Will do, Chief.” He saluted her.

  At twelve-thirty, Ainslon walked out of the store with Justin and Sarah’s lunch orders in hand. She enjoyed the crisp air and in no time stood in line for her food order.

  Less than thirty minutes later, with her food bag in hand, she turned to head back when she caught sight of Lauren walking down the sidewalk in her direction. Her eyes traced every curve of Lauren’s body. Beautiful didn’t even begin to describe how good Lauren looked.

  “Ainslon, hi,” a small voice said from behind her.

  Ainslon turned and took in Kat and Emma, Kat’s girlfriend’s daughter, both regulars to her store.

  “Hi, guys. Don’t you look pretty today, Emma. I love that dress.”

  “Thanks.” Emma twirled. “Kat bought it for me.”

  “Well.” Ainslon winked at Kat. “She has good taste.” She turned her attention to Kat. In her mind, Kat’s muscles, while impressive, didn’t hold a candle to Lauren’s slim frame. “What you ordered came in.”

  “That’s great.” Kat put her hands on Emma’s shoulders and drew her back against her legs. “We’ll swing by after lunch and pick them up.”

  “Sure thing.” Ainslon knew a few months back that Kat and her girlfriend, Dylan, looked into buying one of the buildings on the same block as Turn the Page, but the deal fell through. Dylan, and Kat’s sister-in-law, Leah, wanted to open a florist shop a
nd Kat wanted an office in downtown Garriety for her tiny house business.

  She didn’t want to get Kat’s hopes up, but she figured getting a feeler out wouldn’t hurt. “Listen, Kat, I know your deal fell through with getting the building for a florist shop and office, but I might have a place for you in mind.”

  Kat perked up. “Really? Briley and I’ve looked everywhere for the size of building Dylan and Leah want and, so far, nothing.”

  “It’s a big might, but…” She motioned for Kat and Emma to follow her to a more secluded spot on the sidewalk. “It’s not a done deal and I don’t know when things will work out, but Justin and I are looking at bigger buildings for our store and if that happens, we won’t be able to keep our current store.”

  Kat ran her fingers through her hair. “Seriously?’

  “Yep, but we’re only in the talking stage and I wanted to give you a heads up. If you’re interested—”

  “Are you kidding? We’re interested. If everything pans out for you, I would definitely be interested.”

  “It’s a long shot for Justin and me, but fingers crossed our plan works out.”

  “We’ll have all of our fingers crossed as well. The size of the building would be exactly what Dylan and Leah are looking for.”

  “When I know, you’ll know.”

  “Sounds good. We’ll see you after lunch for our books.”

  “You ladies have a good lunch.”

  “You too,” Emma called out as they walked away.

  When Ainslon turned back around, Lauren was gone. Oh, well. Maybe next time. Ainslon took a deep breath, then pivoted and headed back to her store with a spring in her step.

  After grabbing lunch from the food truck, Lauren made her way back to C and C. The quick glance she got of Ainslon brightened her morning. She entered the store, then deposited Carrie’s lunch on the counter. “Have Mark take over while you eat lunch.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Carrie saluted her.

  Lauren looked at the semi-crowded room, then headed up the stairs to her office. After dropping her food on her desk, she walked to the interior window that overlooked the store’s main floor. She’d been terrified when she first opened the store, but her family had a legacy and she wanted to be able to carry on the family business name. It ranked as one of the scariest endeavors in her life, but she’d pushed on with the support of family and friends and created something she was proud of. It didn’t hurt that it was also lucrative.