A cold wind blew against Jamie’s back, as she pushed her key into the door lock hurriedly and turned it, feeling the warm heat on her face when she opened the door. The store was completely dark and always seemed very large and ominous, upon her early arrival each morning. She habitually reached for the light switches, and as she flipped each one on, the light replaced the darkness quickly, and seemed to re-size the space from large and ominous to a comfortable, cozy one.
Jamie looked around, taking a general inventory with her eyes. Hundreds of books lined the many shelves, while lovely hand made rugs hugged the waxed wood of the floors. Small, ceramic figurines and bouquets of silk flowers set effortlessly on the shelves, alongside their counterparts, adding a touch of beauty and warmth, to the cool, multicolored coverings of the many books displayed. She was pleased with what she saw. This bookstore was her dream, and she had made it her reality.
After preparing the register for the day’s receipts, Jamie headed for a quick bathroom break, before customers began to arrive. Entering the bathroom, she flicked on the lights, illuminating the room, as the mirror on the wall returned the lovely image of herself to her own eyes. A slender beauty, with shoulder length auburn hair, that caressed the soft, supple skin of her face on each side, before falling loosely onto her petite shoulders. Her eyes were a clear, bright green, rivaling the green of a precious jewel. The softness of her lips was reflected in their pale pink color, and their fullness quietly murmured the sensuality that lay within them. A wide smile of appreciation spread itself across the face of its beautiful hostess, and Jamie felt proud of the woman she was.
The soft jingles of a bell ringing filtered through the quietness, and Jamie’s personal inventory ended quickly. “Hello”, a male voice called out, “are you open yet?”
Jamie rushed to greet her customer, pushing aside the call of her bladder, and exited the bathroom. As she entered the showroom, she was greeted by a spicy, semisweet, yet masculine fragrance, lightly floating in the air. She smiled a welcome to her guest, and answered “Oh yes, we are open, come on in. May I help you?”
“Yes, I hope so”, responded the customer. “ I am looking for just the right book, to give as a birthday gift, to a special friend.”