Page 10 of Tangled with the Tight End

Syd laughs, setting the tray on the counter across from the glass display cases, picking up tongs and placing two croissants in the bakery box Emberleigh already had started filling for me.

“I’m not throwing a party. It’s just me and Daisy and Effie at the bookshop today.”

“Well, you can leave the extras out near the tea and coffee for customers,” Syd says.

“Thanks, you two.”

“Our pleasure,” Emberleigh says. “Consider it our payment for the entertainment.”

“Entertainment?”

“Watching you and Declan discuss football?”

“Oh.” A light rush of heat travels up my neck to my cheeks. “I wasn’t trying to be entertaining.”

“I know,” Syd says with a kind smile. “Not everyone’s into football. I’m guessing Declan’s not used to being around people who don’t know anything about his sport, though.”

“Are you a fan?” I ask.

“I watched games with my family growing up. I know the basics. Once Declan made it onto the Thunder, I started watching the occasional game. Local boy and all.”

“Am I the only clueless person when it comes to this sport?”

Emberleigh says, “Definitely not. Though, you are probably in the minority. You do live in Tennessee. College ball is a passion for a lot of people.”

“I prefer hiking. Or books. Or hanging out with you and the rest of our friends. Watching men run around with a ball?” I shake my head and make a face.

They both laugh.

Syd says, “See? That’s what I’m talking about.”

“Well, I’m glad I made you laugh,” I say.

I take the pink box out to my car and drive the few blocks to the old craftsman home turned bookshop. I used to work full-time for Daisy when Moss and Maple was across town. But then I got the idea to pursue nursing. She’s been great about accommodating me and my changing schedule. I’m thankful. Even working just one day a week helps bring in a little extra money.

Effie comes out from the back room when I walk in. “Good morning. Oooh. What have we here? Is that a box from Baker From Another Mother?”

“It is. Their treat. I’ve got my eye on this double chocolate croissant, but everything else is up for grabs.”

Daisy comes down the stairs. “Good morning, Winona. You know you don’t have to bring treats.” She stops in front of the open box. “But I’m not telling you not to.”

“Take what you want and then we can leave the rest out for customers.”

Daisy pulls out a pastry with strawberries, some sort of jam and powdered sugar. I grab my croissant and Effie takes a buttermilk donut. Then I set the box on the table near the coffee maker and teapot.

I spend the morning unboxing the new delivery, shelving books and entering them into the system. Customers come and go. I work the register while Daisy roams the shop, helping people who have questions.

During a lull, I pull up my bank app. My final tuition payment is due. And rent. I’ve got enough, but the rest of the month will be tight. Who am I kidding? The rest of the year will be tight. But I’ll make it work.

I could ask Daisy for another regular shift at the shop. She’d gladly give it. But the thing is, I’m waiting for my next nurses’ aide assignment for my clinical hours. Once my online nursing program is completed, I’ll take my licensing exam. Then I’ll start earning a nurse’s salary. Until then, it’s probably a diet of ramen and bananas … and the occasional free pastry from my friends’ bakery.

“Winona?” Daisy’s voice rings through the shop.

“Back here!” I shout. “In the back room.”

I’m curled up in one of the oversized chairs Daisy put in this room that used to be a bedroom. Now it’s set up as a reading nook. Bookcases line the walls. Sunlight spills through the windows, casting everything in golden warmth.

Daisy comes into the room. “Taking a break?”