“Does everyoneelseknow?”
“I’m calling a company meeting this week to telleveryone.”
“I hate her," I said, thinking of my mother. "She ruinseverything.”
“Michelle, you’ve been working there for a couple of weeks now. Surely even you can see that business isn’tthriving.”
“But it’s not failingeither.”
“You don’t know what it takes to keep a business profitable. Sure, people are coming in and buying stuff, but I barely break even. I’ve kept it for sentimental reasons, but I just can’t do itanymore.”
“Are you sure?” I asked, even though I knew my dad wasn’t one to make hastymoves.
In everything, he weighed the pros and cons. Even with my mom, he wanted to try to make things work instead of rushing toward adivorce.
He nodded. “This is how it hastobe.”
My dad managedto call an employee meeting sooner than I thought possible. Two days after he broke the news to me, we all met at a local coffee shop called Beans & Things early in the morning before the bookstoreopened.
The place had a secret garden feel with potted plants hanging in the windows and wrought iron tables and chairs scattered around the dining area. I used to love going there before I bumped into my ex and his new girlfriend when I was grabbing a latte this pastwinter.
Things were not friendly between us and the milk from my drink had instantly soured in my stomach after seeing the two of them. I couldn’t drink the lattes there anymore. Plus, I didn’t want to risk seeing them again. So I never wentanymore.
Until thatmorning.
I didn’t have to go to the meeting since my dad had already broken the news to me, but I wanted to show my support. Not that there were many employees at Between The Pages. Other than Jenny, Rainier, and me, there were only two other people who workedthere.
“I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m calling a store meeting when we’re so far away from the holiday season,” my dad said to the group once he’d bought drinks for everyone. “It’s with a sorrowful heart that I announce the closing of Between The Pages. This store has been one of my favorite ventures and will always hold a special place in my heart. I am thankful for every one of you, but please consider this your two-week notice. I will happily give you all stellar recommendations on any applications you may fill out for futureemployment.”
My dad hadn’t finished speaking before the whispers started. Jenny and Rainier’s heads immediately went together, and I felt like a third wheel. I didn’t want to be jealous. Jealousy had only hurt my relationships in the past. But I also hated the history the two ofthemhad.
“This is perfect,” I heard Jenny say, while I pretended not tolisten.
“How exactly is thisperfect?”
“It’s just the push Rainier and the Go-Aways needed.” Her smile was wild as she spoke thewords..
“Jenny, I need the money from work. Besides, Cooper will be rejoining thebandsoon.”
“No, hewon’t.”
“What do you mean?” Iblurted.
I hadn’t meant to say that out loud. Jenny looked at me out of the corner of her eyes. We hadn’t spoken since the run in at the show in which Rainier had taken charge and led the band. There had been comradery between the two of us before then. Now, the look in her eyes was unkind.Superior?
“I was talking to Matt and he said that Cooper probably won't come back. SamewithOwen.”
“When did you talk to Matt?” Rainier asked, bringing her attention backtohim.
“The day after yourbigshow.”
“Why were you talkingtohim?”
“I told him all aboutouridea.”
I wanted to know what she meant by that, and a quick glance at Rainier said he was thinking the samething.
“You know,” Jenny started, her voice sweet. “For me to join the band and play theviolin.”
