“Besides, the poor guy must feel as if he’s caught in a tornado. He doesn’t see you for ten years, and then you appear as if from nowhere, fall in love all over again, only for you to spring it on him about a job that’s going to take you halfway across the country. It’s a wonder his head isn’t spinning. Give him some space. I’m sure he’ll come around.”
“And if he doesn’t?”
“Then you’ll do like you always do and land on your feet. Regardless, one day, when you have children of your own, they’ll look back on your career, whether it be here at the university or with NASA or wherever, and marvel at what you’ve done.”
CHAPTERTHIRTY-THREE
Bright Horizons
Since accepting the job with NASA, Ellie had kept the news limited to her family and close friends, but there was still one person she hadn’t told.
“Hello. Is anyone here?” Ellie asked, finding the bookstore empty.
Sam appeared from the back room, looking surprised to see her. “Ellie, my dear, how nice to see you. This must be fate.” He gave her a hug and offered her a seat. “I was just about to call you.”
Her eyes wandered around the room. “What’s with all the boxes? Are you going somewhere?”
Sam’s smile faded into a frown. “I’m afraid so. Alicia’s taken a turn for the worse, and the doctors say if we have any hope of prolonging her life, we need to move as soon as possible.”
Ellie was stricken with grief. “Oh, Sam, I’m so sorry. You and Alicia are like family to me.”
“And you to us,” he said. “Which is why if you’re still interested in the store, it’s all yours.”
Her heart stuttered, and she had the feeling of falling. “Sam, I-I’m flattered. You know how much I love this store, but I’m afraid I must decline.”
His face fell the slightest bit. “I don’t understand. Have you had a change of heart?”
She took quite a long breath before she answered. “No, but I’ve recently been offered a job in Texas, and I’ve decided to take it.”
“You’re leaving Bloomington?” He propped himself up against the counter.
Ellie nodded in response. “My flight leaves Monday morning. That’s why I’m here—to say goodbye.”
When the shock wore off, he said, “I never thought I’d see the day. What about Jack? Is he going with you?”
Ellie looked at the ground and shook her head. “No. I’m going alone.”
Sam cocked an eyebrow in surprise. “Do you mind if I ask why you’re leaving? I thought you loved it here.”
“I did. I mean I do. It’s just… I received a once-in-a-lifetime offer, one I couldn’t refuse.”
“And Jack?”
The mere mention of his name was enough to make her heart ache. “Jack loves me. I know he does. And I love him too. But his life in Tennessee means more to him than I do.”
Sam reached out and patted her on the shoulder. “Well, I’m sorry to hear that, and for what it’s worth, I liked him. From the first time I met him, I’ve always believed the two of you were made for each other.”
“You’re not the first person who’s said that to me recently.” She recalled the conversation with her mother. “So who will you sell the store to?” she asked, changing the subject.
Sam returned to packing. “Marge Nantz has expressed interest. So has Richard West. Worst case, I’ll take out an ad in the paper. Given the location, I don’t think I’ll have difficulty finding someone.”
The thought of the bookstore belonging to someone other than the Hensleys made Ellie want to cry. “What will become of all the books?”
“That will be up to the new owner, I suppose. Are you sure there’s nothing I can say or do to change your mind?”
Ellie smiled politely. “No, but thank you for asking.” Her eyes wandered. “I’m really going to miss this place.”
“Me too. This store has been in my family for over half a century. But I guess that’s life, isn’t it? One minute we’re set in our ways, and the next we’re trying something new. People are resilient like that.” He picked up a box and set it on the counter. “Oh, I almost forgot…” Sam disappeared behind the curtain and returned a minute later, holding a small, tattered book. “I was saving this for when you took over the store, but given the circumstances, I’ll give it to you now.”
