Confessions of a Curious Bookseller(3)
As a Luddite, I find it unpalatable to even log on to the internet, let alone find my way to phillysmallbiz.com and my listing therein. However, I want my customers to know that I go to great lengths to make them satisfied with their experience. The fact that you couldn’t find your book is a testament to how many customers we get in a given day. Yes, I agree that one of my employees made a mistake by not putting it aside, but I think that if you needed it badly enough for school and were a responsible young woman, you wouldn’t have waited until the last minute to read such a thick novel. If you’re interested, however, I do have A Tale of Two Cities, which is also by Dickens and has quite a bit of murder in it, unlike Great Expectations, wherein the only interesting thing that happens is that some old hag catches on fire and dies.
Sincerely,
Fawn, Owner, The Curious Cat Book Emporium
From: Florence Eakins
Sent: Thu, Nov 8, 2018 at 7:43 PM
To: Fawn Birchill
Re: Richard
Fawn,
To be honest, this sounds like you’re leading the poor man on. Good thing is you haven’t gotten that far with him yet, so you can always break it off. I mean, of course you can break it off at any time, but the earlier the better. I’m curious why you’re bothering with this guy in the first place if you don’t really like him?
Flo
P.S. Saw Dad yesterday. He seems okay.
From: Fawn Birchill
Sent: Thu, Nov 8, 2018 at 8:24 PM
To: Florence Eakins
Re: Richard
Dear Florence,
Thank you for your prompt reply regarding my dilemma.
You asked me quite frankly why I would bother with such a creature in the first place. Well, if you must know, my reasons are twofold: Richard isn’t a bad-looking man. In fact, part of his initial appeal were his looks and his occupation. A handsome librarian who was interested in me sounded too good to be true, and sadly, it turns out that it was. Unfortunately, it is his behavior that I find insufferable. I do not have to tell you how long it’s been since I’ve been out in the dating scene. Running a successful bookstore is extremely tiring and saps all my energy. It also makes it quite difficult to have a social life, and so it was flattering and welcome when this stranger at the library asked me out for coffee. How, as one who spends her time among shelves of books all day, could I say no to such a proposal? Please do not blame me and instead help me out of this mess.
Sincerely,
Fawn
From: Florence Eakins
Sent: Thu, Nov 8, 2018 at 9:02 PM
To: Fawn Birchill
Re: Richard
Fawn,
Sometimes the hardest thing is the right thing. Remember when Dad used to say that to us whenever we had a dilemma? He wasn’t much for giving advice, of course. It pretty much began and ended with that statement, but at least he tried. I take that advice with work a lot and most of the time it turns out paying off. I’m up for a promotion soon, so I’m doing the hard thing and taking on more work than ever. Can you believe I’ve been a marketing coordinator for going on five years now? I’m so ready to move on. A director role has opened up, and I’ve got my sights on it. So of course lately I’m staying a bit later at work, which Joseph isn’t thrilled about since he’s the one having to take care of the kids after a long day at Macy’s, but this is what I want and in the end it will be best for all of us. Maybe he could even one day quit his job and do something that he really wants to do—whatever that is.
I guess all I’m saying is that it’s going to be hard to break it off with this Richard guy, but if that is what you want to do, then you must. Honestly, he doesn’t sound so terrible if you take away the soup slurping. Everyone has their quirks. The question is, Is it the price you’re willing to pay to be with him? If not, bite the bullet, Fawn. But do it kindly.
Also, Dad asks about you every time I visit him. I’m getting tired of feeding him the same line about you being busy. Why don’t you stop by sometime?
Flo
From: Fawn Birchill
Sent: Thu, Nov 8, 2018 at 10:00 PM
To: Richard Saunders
Subject: You and I
Dear Richard,
As much as I have enjoyed our time together, I must regretfully bring it to a close. Please know that this had nothing at all to do with you and everything to do with my invalid father who needs someone to care for him in his last dying days. I will be splitting my time between Philadelphia and Norristown and will therefore be far too busy to date. Perhaps when my father finally passes, I will have time. However, for now, I must close the book on this. You are probably wondering why I would be so kind to my father after I have told you so many terrible things about him. Well, when parents age, as I’m sure you already know, the children come to a realization that they must be there for them whether they harbor ill will or not. Please do not blame yourself for this—you are merely a bystander caught up in the whirlwind that is my life. You are charming and generous and no doubt will find someone else to slurp soup with. By the way, were you able to get that vegetable broth out of your shirt? I do hope it didn’t stain. Dry cleaning bills on top of a restaurant tab would be enough to make my stomach turn.
Sincerely,
Fawn
November 8, 2018 (continued)
I just ended it with Richard. I hit “Send” five minutes ago and I’m still pacing, not because I think I have made a mistake but because as annoying as he was, I really don’t enjoy the idea of hurting his feelings. Especially this late at night. Perhaps I should have waited until the morning, but I couldn’t put this off any longer.