Page 4 of A Change Of Heart
The doorbell chimed, and she shifted toward the front entrance."Good morning," she greeted the customer with a welcoming smile.
A man entered, all bundled up in a navy ski jacket with a blue scarf wrapped around his neck.He glanced her way, nodded, and began browsing the rows of books.He was middle-aged and had a swooping comb-over, attempting to hide his bald spot.
"Is there anything in particular you're looking for?"She asked politely, stepping forward.
"No, just checking to see what you have.”He adjusted his scarf.“My wife likes to read a lot."
"Well, we have plenty to choose from.Romance is in the back, bestsellers in the front, cozy mysteries along the third row.Mainstream books by author names are in rows four and five, and children’s books in one and two."
“Thanks.”
Stephanie could see the man was on a quest and let him be.
On her own once more, Stephanie took a seat next to the window.There were four laminated tables grouped with straight-back chairs.Cozy and inviting with free coffee on the side counter, and energy bars or chips for purchase.
Stephanie stirred her coffee and stared out at the snow-covered street.A misadventure had brought her here, but the minute her feet hit the sidewalk, she’d known this was where she belonged.Her disappointment about losing a job offer slid off like raindrops, replaced with new hope.
"Er, miss?"
Startled, she jumped from her seat and hurried over to the front counter."Did you find what you were looking for?
"A few books for my wife.She reads mostly suspense.You know, Stephen King kind of stuff.Not for me, that's for sure.I like a good Dan Brown or that fellow who writes about this homeless guy, who only hitchhikes everywhere he goes and travels with a toothbrush.Not even a suitcase.I like that.Talk about freedom, right?"
"That's a little too much for me, although I'm looking forward to do some traveling, see the world, you know?"In a few months she'd be thirty, and had never been out of the country.Pathetic.
Stephanie pointed to the new books displayed under the front counter."Here they are.The author you're talking about is Lee Child.If you want to browse his other books, he's in row four."
"Thank you."He read the titles and picked one out."I'll take this and some of those horror books.Which row?"
She escorted him to the shelves of stacked hard covers and the latest releases in paperback."Let me know if you need anything else."
"Will do."
Stephanie put his Lee Child book on the counter and perched on the edge of a stool as she waited for him to finish shopping.In a matter of minutes, he was back with an armful, and a grin on his face.
"I see you found your books; that's great."
He nodded."Yup.We're all big readers in my family.Think I've got them covered."She rang up his purchases and charged his credit card.As he was leaving, another customer entered.
Bright light shone through the door to frame him, and her breath caught.The tilt of his head, the width of his shoulders, the golden-brown waves, reminded her of a man she once knew.The only man she'd ever loved.The only man to break her heart.
Her fingers gripped the counter so hard they turned white.She would know him anywhere.Her body and soul recognized him.How dare he show up now, after all of these years?She was finally happy!
No, No, No!She wished she could grab the broom and sweep him away.
As he stepped forward her stomach churned, and she swallowed hard.Shaking inside, she did not hide from him but peered directly into his face.Jason Monroe—heartthrob, charmer and cad.His fair hair was a shade darker; a few lines around his mouth and deep blue eyes gave him a look of maturity, enhancing his handsome features.
Dressed in a classic navy coat, a wool scarf draped elegantly around his neck, Jason was obviously quite successful.Life had favored him, while she’d had to fight and claw her way out of the dark.
