The bookstore was more crowded than usual for a Thursday evening. It appeared that most of the people had already completed their purchases and were simply milling about. Feeling a bit uncomfortable in the crowd, I quickly grabbed a book by one of my favorite writers and then found another written by a woman I had vaguely heard of, but had never read before. The title, "Intimate Passage" seemed intriguing so I grabbed it and headed up to the counter to make my purchase.
As I was checking out, the woman behind the register mentioned that the author of "Intimate Passage" was going to be signing and reading from her book in about an hour. "Ah, so that's why so many people are here tonight." The clerk nodded, handed me a bag and efficiently turned her attention to the next person in line.
I decided to wait around, listen to the reading and perhaps get an autograph, who knows, one day she might be famous. Though I didn't know much about the author, it seems she was certainly a celebrity judging by the people still milling about. Feeling claustrophobic inside the store, I quickly stepped outside and spotted an empty table at a café next to the book store.
Sitting down I ordered an iced tea from the waitress and then pulled the books out of my bag. I immediately grabbed the book by one of my favorite authors and gently worked the price tag off of it, making sure not to tear the cover or leave any residue of price tag or glue. I then did the same for the other book, noticing the woman at the table next to me watching intently.
When she noticed me noticing her she spoke out, "Do you always take such good care of your books?"
"Well, yes. It's just I love the way they feel and these tags they just... they just seem to ruin the whole impression."
"I guess I should be flattered," she replied.
"You should? Oh, you're the... I mean you're here for the reading, this is your book."
She nodded, her face flushing a bit.
"I have to admit I haven't read any of your work before. The title intrigued me."
