Confessions of a Curious Bookseller(66)
I checked on Jane after my mother left and ended up sitting on the floor by her feet watching one of her awful shows while she hummed and patted me on the head. We didn’t talk, but despite the Jesus stuff she watches, I think we might have been friends if we had met when she was younger. When I started to cry about Butterscotch, she just kept humming and patting me. I can’t explain why, but it was probably the kindest thing that anyone has done for me in a very long time. Rainbow has been a wonderfully uplifting presence, but I think I am not yet healed from the loss of Butterscotch, as all it took was a kind gesture from Jane to bring me to tears. Grief sneaks up like a wave, and most of the time when it catches me, my back is turned.
The new cat comes tomorrow. I am determined not to get too attached.
From: Fawn Birchill
Sent: Sun, Apr 14, 2019 at 12:13 AM
To: Angela Washington
Subject: Volume
Dear Angela,
I was looking over the log from Friday, and I have a question. When you say that three customers came in that day and only one purchased a book, do you count the people that looked in the windows? Perhaps that may count for something. Did this person buy an expensive book? Furthermore, there have never been as few as three customers in my store in one day. Are you sure you counted correctly?
Fawn, Owner
From: Fawn Birchill
Sent: Sun, Apr 14, 2019 at 1:12 PM
To: Angela Washington
Subject: Betrayal
Dear Angela,
Yesterday I walked by the Grumpy Mug to see what kind of customer volume they had (surely it would be similar, as we are practically the same store), and not only did I see it packed, but I caught a glimpse of Kyle inside, helping someone find something. Did you know he worked there? Is that why you have been sneaking over? Have you given them your résumé, and should I, in anticipation, just let you go as well? Little did I know this store would not only take my customers but also my employees—I should have had you all sign a noncompete! I should have never let Kyle go over and look for Butterscotch. This, I fear, is how I began to lose him. But go ahead and work for those hippies if that is what you want to do with your life. Just give me enough notice to find your replacement.
Best,
Fawn, Owner
April 14
Dear Rainbow,
Due to Angela’s recent dismissal, I am in need of help around the store. You are the first person I thought of, out of all the people I know, who might be perfect for such a role. Please let me know as soon as you can, as I do need to fill the position soon.
Many thanks,
Fawn, Landlord
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From: Fawn Birchill
Sent: Tue, Apr 16, 2019 at 1:03 AM
To: Hank Turo
Subject: Wonderful Cat
Hank,
I wanted to write to say thank you for the lovey cat. I have named him and he is doing well in his new suuroundings. It was more than a pleasure meeting you and it was nice meeting your wife.
If you are ever in West Philadelphia, please stop by and visit us! Of course you may bring your wife but it is not necessary, as I daresay I felt less of a connection to her than I did with you. Many women threatened by other women who are strong an business savvy and so I understand where she is coming from if this is the case for her and it seems to be)!
Sincerely,
Fawn
From: Hank Turo
Sent: Tue, Apr 16, 2019 at 9:17 AM
To: Fawn Birchill
Re: Wonderful Cat
Please stop emailing me. Our transaction is over. Also, I don’t let anyone insult my wife, mostly for their safety, not for the sake of her feelings. She is a decorated marine veteran, and she doesn’t take insults lying down.
Hank
From: Fawn Birchill
Sent: Tue, Apr 16, 2019 at 10:08 AM
To: Hank Turo
Re: Wonderful Cat
Hank,
I apologize; I was inebriated when I wrote that email. You seem to be the newest victim of my late-night drunken correspondences (my mother being the oldest and most seasoned), and for that I greatly apologize. My father did a similar thing when I was growing up. He would nurse a bottle of gin and write letters to his dead relatives whom he hated and then burn them. Clearly he had some issues! I am merely mourning for a lost loved one.
I never meant to insult your wife. I am beyond impressed that she is a veteran. Truly, a strong woman indeed. How wrong I was!
That said, I will respect your wishes and stop emailing you.
Just wanted to say thank you for the new cat.