Everything Anise by Natalie-Nicole Bates

Author:Natalie-Nicole Bates [Bates, Natalie-Nicole]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: JMS Books LLC
Published: 2017-01-14T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 3

On Monday morning, in the light of day, with the bookshop warm and cozy while outside a light snow fell, Emigh couldn’t believe that less than forty-eight hours earlier, she’d considered selling up and leaving town.

She sat in a wing chair, a cup of chamomile tea in hand, and soaked up the atmosphere. She was wrong to believe this old building held no love for her. The place seemed to radiate loving vibes. In all her years on this earth, this place—her place—was where she felt home, where she belonged. In a few days, the deed would solidify it.

At the very least, though, thinking about selling the building had taken her mind off Anise.

She watched her lone employee, Allen, as he inventoried the new stock that arrived last week. For a college boy, he was somewhat dim, and he was oblivious to the fact that she was a lesbian. He did simple tasks, and he showed up on time; that was all she could really hope for.

A sudden, weird sixth sense sent a shiver up her back, and she whipped around in the chair, tea spilling onto her hand, followed by an intense burning sensation on her flesh. The pain subsided quickly when she saw Anise across the street.

Anise.

She guessed she was doing her post office mailing for the week. When Anise crossed the street, a wave of panic consumed Emigh. Was Anise coming to the bookshop?

She got to her feet, placed the teacup on the side table, and hurried toward the stairs.

At the last second, she stopped, her heart beating double-time beneath her breast.

“Allen, Allen!”

The fool had in earbuds and couldn’t hear her. She skidded across the slick floor, narrowly avoiding a fall, and tapped him on the shoulder.

He pulled out one earbud. “Huh?”

She couldn’t decide if his tone was sleepy, high, or just simply unintelligent. But she couldn’t dwell on it right now. “If anyone comes into the shop and asks for me, tell them I am not here. Under no circumstances are you to tell anyone I am here,” she stressed.

He looked at her with a blank expression.

She lifted a brow. “Understand?” He’d better understand, or he’d be looking for another part-time job.

He nodded. “You’re not here. I got it.”

“Good. Thank you.”

As she ascended the stairs, she stopped halfway and sat down. From her discreet vantage point, she could still see the entrance and part of the shop.

This was so stupid. Why would Anise come into the shop? Not after what happened between them. No, she was merely in town doing what she always did every week—mailing out packages at the post office.

A wave of sadness took her breath away. The truth was, she owed Anise an apology. She missed her. They’d had such a connection. Still, it was better this way. Even if Anise forgave her, she would be setting herself up for the eventual heartbreak that was sure to come. This was the inevitable truth. Better to just pick herself up and go on as she’d done in the past.

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