He slapped the paper on the counter. “My dad had blue eyes. That’s how come I got them.” His parents had divorced when he was a baby, and his father had taken off for greener pastures.
“Would you like to do some stickers for me today?”
“Will you give me ice cream money?”
Shelby chuckled. “You drive a hard bargain.”
“I’m not allowed to drive, Miss Shelby.”
“Good point. And yes to the ice cream money. It shouldn’t take very long.” She settled him at the far end of the counter with the books and discount stickers.
He’d completed this task enough times in the past that he needed no instruction. So she left him to check on the customers who’d come in earlier while she was assisting Theresa.
She spotted Haley tidying the bookshelves again and gritted her teeth. Shelby had spoken with her about assisting customers a few times in the month she’d worked for the store, to no avail. She only wanted to move books around and straighten displays. God forbid she’d actually have to answer the phone. She wasn’t cut out for retail, but her mother had been so desperate to find her a job. And now she was Shelby’s problem.
Shelby approached the girl who was straightening the Women’s Fiction endcap. She stood barely over five feet, her thick brown hair in a messy bun framing the birdlike bone structure of her face. “Haley, have you checked on the customers in the Nonfiction section?”
“Oh, I didn’t see them come in.”
“Can you see if they need help finding anything?”
“Okay.”
Shelby watched her approach the man and teenage boy who were perusing books in the Sports section. Haley spoke so softly her words were inaudible, but the man said they were doing fine and they went back to browsing on their own.
As Haley went off to tidy the children’s area, Shelby’s gaze drifted toward the back staircase. Gray had been down there all day, leaving only to grab lunch around one o’clock. Not that she was paying attention. Fine by her. He had plenty to do, and the less time they interacted, the better.
The phone pealed from the front desk. Shelby tossed a frown in the general direction of the children’s area and went to answer. Felicia Borden (literary fiction) wanted to order seven copies ofShelterwoodfor her book club. After Shelby disconnected the call she placed the order and was checking on Daryl when footfalls sounded on the front stairs.
Liddy appeared looking like a fall fashion model in an olive-green sweater, trendy pants, and black leather boots. Her gaze fastened on the New Arrivals table. “Ooh, the new Kristin Hannah book. I didn’t realize it was already out.”
“It’s really good. Liddy, have you met my friend Daryl? He helps out at the store sometimes. Daryl, this is my sister-in-law, Liddy.”
Liddy smiled at him. “Hi, Daryl.”
He barely glanced up from his task. “Hi there. I’m doing stickers.”
“I’m sure you’re doing a great job.”
“I am.”
Shelby and Liddy traded grins.
“Where’s Ollie?” Shelby asked.
“At your dad’s house with Caleb.” She picked up Kristin Hannah’s new release. “I had an errand and couldn’t resist stopping in.”
“You should take that home with you. You’re eligible for Gram’s family and friends discount.”
She spared Shelby a glance. “I’m not taking it for free.”
“Fine, leave it here then. I’ll bring it over after work.”
Liddy sighed but tucked the book under her arm. “That’s very kind of you. Thank you.”
“I’m bursting at the seams to discuss it with someone, so read fast.” Shelby joined her by the table and lowered her voice. “How are Dad and Caleb getting along? Sorry I haven’t been around to help run interference.”
“No need for that. They’re actually getting along very well.”
