“I think you’re right,” Meg says. “And they’re coming back.”
“You’d better read the new book then,” I tell her. “So you guys can talk about it.”
The front door opens again, and I assume one of the girls forgot something, but it’s Roan. He looks handsomer than ever with his cheeks flushed from the cold outside, and his blue eyes are sparkling.
“Who were those kids?” he asks.
“My new friends,” Meg volunteers before I can say anything.
“Oh really?” he asks her.
“Taylor invited them,” she says. “She thought we could talk about books together, and we did.”
“That’s awesome,” Roan says, meeting my eyes over her head.
There’s gratitude and maybe just a little wonder in his expression.
“They’re coming back to talk aboutStarhoof,” Meg explains. “So I want to read it tonight. Can I stay here and read on the sofa, Taylor?”
“Of course you can,” I tell her. “If it’s okay with your dad.”
“I’m starting to think she’s going to owe rent on that sofa,” he teases.
“I’m not allowed to sublet,” I say, teasing him back. “It’s in the lease, and the landlord’s a real grump.”
“Right,” he says. “Well, I guess you’ve got a roommate then, Taylor.”
“Yes,” Meg says. “I can just live here and read books all day.”
“A girl after my own heart,” I tell her, nodding.
Someone knocks on the front door and we all look up.
Roan opens it, and a lady is standing there with a little boy beside her.
“We wanted to buy a Christmas tree,” she says apologetically. “And we heard the owner sometimes hangs out in here.”
“He sure does,” I tell her, smiling and nodding to Roan.
“Oh, this place looks great,” the lady says, looking around. “I don’t remember the Angel Mountain bookshop being so nice.”
“It’s under new ownership,” Roan tells her, as he heads to the door. “You should stop back for the re-opening. It’s going to be great.”
“I certainly will,” she says.
They head out together as he gives her details for the big day, and just like that I’m feeling positive about the shop.
“You have a customer,” Meg says, seeming as pleased and delighted as I am.
“It helps that we’re having an opening day celebration,” I tell her. “People are always curious about a party.”
“My dad is going to do a thank you party,” Meg says. “At the tree lot, for the customers.”
I smile at that because I suggested it to him, and it sounds like he’s decided to go for it.
I’m about to respond when my phone buzzes. I pull it out and see that someone has reposted one of my new photos. It actually has a ton of likes already.
“What is it?” Meg asks when she sees the surprised look on my face.
