“I’m betting our future on that conviction.” Shelby took in Janet’s sage-green wrap shirt, chic jeans, suede belt, and trendy boots. “You always look so put together. How do you keep up with the latest styles?”
“TikTok, honey. And Patsy’s Boutique. That woman has excellent taste. I’d moonlight over there just for the employee discount if I didn’t love books so much.”
“Don’t you dare leave me.”
Janet gave Shelby a sideways hug. “Oh, not to worry. Style is an interest, but books are my addiction. You should see my to-be-read pile—and still I buy more.”
“I’ll happily remain your enablerandyour dealer.”
“Can’t say no to that.”
The phone rang and Shelby glanced toward the back where Haley wandered around the store. “Haley, can you get that, please?”
“Okay.” The phone rang two more times before the girl picked it up on the back extension.
Janet offered a smile. “I’ve talked to her about answering the phones and helping customers. It just goes in one ear and out the other.”
“I don’t think she’s cut out for this.” Understatement of the century. The girl did what she was asked to do, but Shelby didn’t want to micromanage her booksellers. Then again, her mom had been so grateful when Shelby ran into her at Publix. Maybe just a bit more coaching. She’d have a little review with the girl and explain her responsibilities more explicitly.
Shelby resumed setting up the Black Friday signs Gray had designed. The big sale was only two days away. They were counting on a profitable season, and Black Friday would kick it off. All their fiction was discounted, and they’d added sideline items such as gift bags and cards to make it a one-stop shop for holiday presents.
With all the work she’d been putting into the Christmas season, it was easy to forget about Thanksgiving. She’d texted her family about her change in plans without admitting to her breakup with Logan. Shelby committed to making a pecan pie and sweet potato casserole for their family dinner.
She was relieved to escape Thanksgiving with Logan’s family. His parents were best friends with the Remingtons and hadn’t been thrilled when he began dating her. After all, she’d once dated the Briggs boy, whom their best friends detested. And they hadn’t exactly been happy about her recent partnership with Gray.
Small towns. Shelby shook her head.
“You take the good with the bad.”Gram’s voice rang in her head.
Gray was downstairs unboxing today’s shipment of books. Since that night on the boat she’d been careful to keep their relationship strictly business. And she was trying hard to vanquish the memory of being in his arms. Why was it so darn hard?
“Because you liked it, that’s why.”
Shelby aimed a scowl at the ceiling.
“What are your plans for Thanksgiving?” Janet asked.
“Dad’s having Caleb, Liddy, Ollie, and me over for dinner. He’s handling the turkey and the rest of us are pitching in. How about you?”
“Charlie’s family is coming in from Greensboro.”
“Is that a good thing?”
“Mama Lucille loves to cook, so it’s a wonderful thing. All I have to do is set the table and buy some pretty flowers.”
“Sounds like a good deal.” What was Gray doing for Thanksgiving? He hadn’t mentioned any plans. Was that because he didn’t have any? The thought put a pinch in her chest.
The shop was closed for the holiday, of course. Other than his dad, he had no family. Gray might’ve been invited to dinner by his boss or one of his coworkers. Three hours wasn’t too long a drive, but she couldn’t see Gray going all that way.
She couldn’t stand the thought of him sitting home alone, heating a can of soup or something. Maybe he could actually cook, but even so, no one should have to eat Thanksgiving dinner alone.
She’d inquire about his plans just to make sure. If he wasn’t goinganywhere, she’d invite him to join her family. That wouldn’t go over well with Dad or Caleb. But surely they wouldn’t be all right with anyone—even Gray Briggs—spending Thanksgiving alone.
Sounds in the Mystery section alerted her that Haley was off the phone and back to rearranging books. Shelby sighed. “Haley, how are you with chalk? We have a standing sidewalk easel for Black Friday, but I haven’t done the wording yet.”
The girl pushed back a strand of brown hair that had escaped her messy bun. “I’m good with lettering.”
“Perfect. The easel and chalk pens are down in the office, and Gray has the flyer with all the info. Why don’t you take it out back and work on it?”
