“It's amazing,” Lilian gushed, spilling into the details.She could tell her mother was just as excited as she was.When she’d first brought up the idea to her parents, she hadn’t been sure how they’d react.It meant her mother would be watching the shop on the weekends, or closing it entirely on harder days, but her mom seemed eager to do it.
“I really think this is going to be good for us,” Lilian said.“Margo said the place felt magical.And I agree.”
Her mother's gaze softened.“I know that feeling.I got the same inkling when I bought the bookstore.”
Lilian swallowed.The last year had been a whirlwind of change for their family.A potentially deadly diagnosis.A reshuffle of everything just to keep their heads above water.Her mother had been strong through all of it, but lately, she’d been quieter.This was the first time Lilian had seen real excitement flicker in her mother's eyes in a long while.
And she felt it, too.Like she was on the verge of doing somethinggood.If that was making sure their bookstore stayed afloat, then that was what she was going to do.
Pirate Queen Alex made group chat.
Pirate Queen Alex named group chatYe Olde Girl Gang.
Pirate Queen Alex
Happy opening week, everyone!
Margo
It’s too early.Let’s celebrate at a proper time.This evening with beers.
I’ve been up for two hours.I’m so excited!
Pirate Queen Alex
That’s the spirit!
Pirate Queen Alex
Let’s kick butt and make money!
KBMM!
First Week of Faire: Opening Celebrations
Aseaofcarsfilled the parking lot by the time Lilian arrived.Even though it was an hour before the gates officially opened, a line the length of a football field stretched out from the ticketing booth, filled with men and women dressed in expensive costumes that looked straight out of a historical film.There were families with their little ones dressed like pirates and princesses.There was even a dog dressed for the occasion as a furry dragon.
Lilian hurried past the gates toward her little corner of the woods.The two shops beside hers were already open.Russ’s shop had two mannequins out front in shimmering pastel gowns.Shorter dresses, she noticed, with hems well above the ground.She couldn’t help wondering if Hawk had told him his shop needed an 18+ sign.
The other neighboring shop was a stationery stall, selling beautiful wax seals, ink, and handmade candles.It smelled faintly like lavender and smoke.
Before stepping inside her own store, Lilian took a moment to stare at the exterior.The sign hung proudly above the doorway, bold against the faded yellow paint.She inhaled deeply, letting the moment sink in.The cool morning breeze, the distant sound of drums and fiddles warming up somewhere beyond the trees.Everything felt so familiar, yet new enough to make her chest buzz.
This is gonna be my home for the next ten weeks.
The thought propelled her forward as she unlocked the door and opened Bodice and Brawn.
Margo arrived shortly after, letting out a dramatic gasp as she stepped inside.“It’s as beautiful as I remember.”
Lilian laughed under her breath.“If it looks good, that’s all you and the sign.”Compared to the other shops, hers was still relatively bare bones.But it had everything it needed.Merchandise.A shopkeeper.And a damn good sign.
The excitement and nerves had been bubbling all week.If nothing happened, and today turned into a flop, she might actually combust.
Within an hour, the entire faire was open to the public.People flowed down the paths, their eyes bright with excitement as they took in all the decorations, costumes, and shops.
Lilian didn’t know what she’d expected the first day to be like, but it wasn’t to have her entire shop overflowing by noon.
It didn’t take much to fill up the Bodice; ten people made the small space feel cramped.But it also gave the impression of popularity.Men, women, and children all stopped to see her books.She sold a dragon novel to an excited child and an old paperback ofThe Fellowship of the Ringsto a man who was a collector.
