“What’s wrong with something simple, like Andi’s Book Store?” I suggested.
She rolled her eyes. “Seriously? That sucks, Decker, and it’s boring. I want something catchy and memorable. The Book Shelter is original, not boring, and it doesn’t suck. This is a book shelter, like an animal shelter. All the books that people get tired of and no longer want end up here. I house them, take care of them, and eventually other people come in and buy them. See?” Actually, when she explained it like that, it was a kind of clever. “Anyway, it’s my business. I put in the application for it, it’s done, and I want The Book Shelter, so back off or I will kick you in the balls and leave you crying right here on the street.”
Wow, she was hot when she was threatening me. I could almost see myself pissing her off just to hear her reprimand me with that sexy damn voice.
“Don’t threaten the goods, Country, you seriously have no idea how important they are to my career.”
She drew her bottom lip into her mouth as she carefully considered me. I was envious of that mouth that got to nibble on those beautiful full lips.
Suddenly her eyes sprung open wide, her smile manically crazy. “Oh my god, you’re a sperm donor.”
I laughed, because honestly, she didn’t realize how close and far from the truth she was. Sure, I donated sperm, but it certainly did not get used to make babies.
“No, Country, there is not a football team of baby Deckers out there. No donations, ever.”
“Huh, I’ll figure it out sooner or later.” It was only a matter of time.
I painted the sign and screwed it to the wall above the window. Inside, things were looking much better. There was a large canvas hanging above the counter with the quote, “A room without books is like a body without a soul.” There was a sign on the opposite wall saying, “Either buy it or shelve it. This is a book store not a library”. In front of the large glass windows at the front of the store were two large couches and a coffee table. Andi had thrown a couple of cushions down and bowl of candy sat in the middle of the table.
“I’m going to put some chairs out front and sell coffee. I’ve ordered a machine; it should come tomorrow. You aren’t allowed to read unless you buy though.” She pointed to the sign reminding customers this wasn’t a library.
“I like it,” I murmured, spinning slowly, taking in the whole space. “You’ve done good, Andi. Your folks would be proud.” I don’t know why I said that, it just slipped out without thought. Andi didn’t seem bothered by it though, a small nod the only indication that she had heard me.
I had brought some clothes with me for the street party I was escorting her to. While I waited for Andi to shower and change, I found myself pulling a photo album from one of the boxes in front of her couch. I recognized teenage Andi right away. I carefully took her in, noting the similarities. She had always been cute. A little on the thin side with an unruly head of long red hair, but her small smile and hopeful eyes tugged at my heart. On the next page was a picture of Andi standing beside a tall, thin man with a receding hairline. Andi carried his eyes and smile, there was no doubting that he was her father. I wondered what Andi’s childhood had been like. She obviously spent a lot of time with Bradley and his family; she must have been lonely. On the next page was a picture of me and Bradley. We would have been no more than seventeen. Under my arm, a pretty blonde and under Bradley’s arm was Andi, looking shy and uncomfortable.
“Amanda was a bitch.” Andi’s voice from over my shoulder startled me.
My eyes jumped to hers, and I tried really hard not to let my mouth drop open. She looked stunning. Her long curls hung over her shoulders, still wet from the shower. Her shoulders were bare; a strapless yellow dress fell to her mid-thigh, those damn boots finishing off her outfit. I cleared my throat in an attempt to find composure and lifted the album.
“Sorry, I probably should have asked first.” She shrugged as she wandered around in front of me and glanced down. I watched her visibly grimace at the picture. “Who’s Amanda?” I wondered out loud. Andi arched a brow and smirked before tapping the blonde standing beside me in the picture.
“You don’t remember her?” she asked.
I shook my head. The girl was familiar, but I couldn’t really place her in my memories. I knew the picture was taken on a beach in Florida. But I still couldn’t really recall the pretty girl my arm was draped across with smug appreciation.
“Seriously? You slept with her!” she said with a chuckle.