"You've got a good selection here. You read?" I ask, realizing it is stupid question if he owns a bookstore.
"Actually, no. My wife did though. Big lover of these books," the older man replies.
For some reason, I become intrigued with getting to know about how he acquired the store and his plans for it. When I ask, he seems almost taken back.
"Well, it'll go up for sale. I've got no family around here to pass it off to."
Poor guy doesn't have any family around, and the only social interaction he gets is with whoever comes into the store.
"Well, I'd love to know if you ever want to sell it. It's a great location," I say, picking up my bag of books and turning around to leave.
"I've been looking to sell it so I can officially retire, but no one seems to want it. You have serious interest in purchasing?" he asks, his chin dropping toward his chest. "If so, it's been on the market for about three years. Everyone that had any interest wanted to convert to a boutique or some crap, but I want someone who is going to keep it as a bookstore. There aren't many of us left."
It seems out of the blue, but owning a business isn't something I'm opposed to. "How much are you wanting?"
"All I'm asking is what I paid for it. Fifteen-thousand dollars."
"And all the books and things come with the place?"
"Yes, it's a steal deal, but with the stipulation it stays a bookstore. Most run when they hear that." He extends his hand. "Name is George, by the way.
"Aiden, sir. Good to meet you. I would like to buy it. Have your realtor draw up the contract and I'll be back on Thursday to chat," I say, taking the books and my coffee and heading back out to the square.
Is Hazel going to think I'm crazy when I tell her about purchasing the bookstore? It's an easy investment, and after some improvements, I can hire some staff and do some new things to attract more customers. If I end up getting a firefighter job, then I can still do that and help run the business on the side. Who knows, maybe I can be happy being a bookstore owner and it might prove to be easier working hours than being a firefighter. Most times, you start working overnights and on call on the weekends. I hated that when I first started at Grapevine, but didn't have a choice.
I stop and sit down at an outside table, and text Hazel.
Me: So, I think I'm buying a bookstore. Call me crazy?
She's at work, and won't see the text until later.
Hazel: Uh... details. Free for a quick lunch at that bistro down the street from my work on the corner? Twenty minutes?
A smile takes over my face, and I quickly reply as I start to walk that way. I stop by the house to drop off the books and grab my jacket and I'm still early.
City Bistro is a quaint little place on the corner with outside seating, and since the breeze has stilled down a bit, that's where I'm going to sit down and get a drink. The coffee dehydrated me, so my mouth is dry as fuck.
"So, tell me about this store. I'm so confused," Hazel says, slipping me a kiss on the cheek, before sitting across from me.
I know she is probably wondering why the hell I’m suddenly buying a bookstore, and maybe I am, too. It’s not like I don’t have the money and it’s a great way to become part of the community, without having to work crazy hours as a firefighter. My brothers will probably say I’m going through a mid-life crisis, but that’s not it. Running a business isn’t an easy task. It takes hard work, dedication, and a good mind to keep a business afloat, but George isn’t in the headspace anymore it seems like and I promise to do it justice for his wife.
“Just feel like, maybe this is my opportunity to have my own business, and learn more about the community. Who doesn’t love an old bookstore? There are so many things I could incorporate to make it better, especially for the younger generations. I mean, think about it. Instead of just being a bookstore, we can have trivia nights, family game nights, and even karaoke.”
Saying it out loud makes it more real, and sounds like a good plan, but what does she think? I study her face for a reaction, wondering if she thinks I’m nuts, but there’s a smile.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea. You know I love to read, but never have time for it anymore. You could make a wonderful addition to Cambridge.”
Hazel used to always have a book in her hand in high school, and in study hall, she would be devouring the latest pick up from the local bookstore in Grapevine. It almost feels like with becoming adults, neither of us have been doing much reading anymore. Maybe this can change that. Help us get back into our love for reading and escaping to an alternate reality even if for a couple of hours a day.
I take her hand in mine, and look into her eyes. “It’s never too late to get back into it. Today I bought ten murder mysteries and plan on reading them in the next week or two. Even if it’s a couple chapters a day, it’s enough to escape a little bit. Everyone can use something to keep their mind off the everyday stress.
The waitress finally comes and takes our order, which ends up just being two club sandwiches, and we continue talking about the bookstore. I have so many ideas already, and the next step is to work out how to execute them. I have about a hundred and fifty thousand left in the bank, and could use some of it to fix the place up, and make it more modern. Nothing against George, but it’s dark and brooding inside right now, and not inviting. I have to change that. Open the place up, give it some color, and also places for people to sit, like reading nooks throughout the store. Hazel thinks it’s a great idea, and I can’t wait to start fixing it up. Of course, I’ll have to shut down while I do the renovations and changes, but I think it will be fine. I must apply for my business license anyways.
After lunch is served, and all gone, Hazel heads back to work and me to the house to start mapping out where I want to change things and how. It’s always good to have a vision before starting a project. The bookstore has three levels, and until I maximize space, there are things that will need to be done like new bookshelves, paint the walls, redo the counter area, and possibly install a coffee machine. Who doesn't like to drink coffee while reading their new story? It's almost a given. I could get some reading chairs or like reclining arm chairs to put in a couple spots throughout the store for people to curl up and read in. I haven't been this excited about something in a while.
A part of me wants to call Damon and tell him the good news, but decide to wait until after everything is finalized. Only because if I wait, he can't talk me out of it. Thursday, I'll go back and talk to George and see what we can get done and agree on. Tomorrow is Jake's little league game. Being a dad and meeting Jake showed me how much I need to grow up, and start taking risks, because without them you are never out of your comfort zone. The best things happen when you step out and enjoy.
Take Risks. Do things you wouldn't normally. They can payoff in good ways.