Casey leaned her head back against the headrest of the armchair, closed her eyes and stretched her arms out in front of her. Every muscle ached, her head pounded like a jackhammer against solid concrete. But, strangely enough, she had never felt quite so alive. She threw the pen she had been using to check off the days sales receipts onto the coffee table in front of her, her feet followed it to rest on top of a never-ending pile of reports and files.
In the background Ella and Louis crooned over the bookstore’s loudspeakers.
“Well Michael,” Casey turned her head to look at her assistant, fully reclined on the loveseat nearby. His long legs were stretched out over the armrest, his feet nearly to the floor on the other side.
“Congratulations.” She picked up her cooling cup of Earl Grey and toasted him. “You have single handedly managed the busiest afternoon in the history of The Reading Room bookstore.” She smiled tiredly. “Sales are double any other day, with the exception of our grand opening. You did a fantastic job. I am so sorry I wasn’t here to help you with most of it.”
Michael stirred; he raised his head and viewed Casey out of heavy lidded eyes. “Hey, all in a days work.” He dropped his head again, obviously exhausted. “I’ll expect my bonus check in the mail.” Closing his eyes, he rubbed the bridge of his nose with two fingers.
Casey sat up straighter and put her feet back on the floor. She leaned over to pick up the scattered papers and started re-filing them in their proper folders. A thought hit her. “What happened to Annie?” She turned once again to inquire of Michael. “Weren’t you going to call her if it got too busy?” Her brow was wrinkled in concentration, she was sure they had discussed that on her way out this morning.
“Yeah,” Michael swung his legs around and sat up. “I called her but there was no answer. Casey, we’ve really got to do something about getting more help in here.” He sounded weary but determined. “Someone reliable.” His voice was now scornful. “We can barely handle the volume between the two of us and if we ever actually wanted to have a day off once in a while…it’s just getting way too much for one person to handle.” He stood up and walked to the coffee bar.
Pouring himself a mug of leftover coffee he stooped down to change the CD playing in the stereo system. “Any suggestions?” He asked over his shoulder, indicating their meager CD collection with his one free hand. “I’ve listened to ‘moonlight in Paris’ six times so far today and quite frankly and getting kinda sick of Ella Fitzgerald.” He stopped the CD that was playing and repackaged it in its case.
“I have no preference,” Casey yawned. “Just nothing too headbangy ok? I’m developing a major headache.” She took another sip of her now stone cold tea and pushed her hair out of her eyes. “While you’re up would you mind getting me some more hot water?”
The sounds of Alannis Morissette’s ‘Jagged Little Pill’ blared out of the ceiling speakers. Michael rose and turned to Casey inquiringly.
“Hot water.” She repeated indicating her teapot. Casey rubbed her temples; Alannis was not doing great things for her headache. It really wasn’t the type of music she’d had in mind. My own fault, I suppose, for not being clearer, she closed her eyes momentarily and leaned back, resting her aching neck muscles.
Michael returned with his coffee and her hot water. He placed the teapot in front of Casey and sat down in a recliner across from her. He crossed his legs. “So what do you think of my idea?” He returned to their earlier conversation.
It took Casey a few moments to figure out what he was talking about. “Oh,” She finally remembered. “I think it’s something that seriously needs to be looked at.” She took a sip of her warmed tea and looked across at Michael seriously. “Do you have anyone in mind? Otherwise I guess we’ll just have to advertise somewhere.” Her brain kicked slowly into gear as she considered what they would have to do to find someone to help out. She reached for her note pad to jot down some ideas.
“As a matter of fact I do.” He looked pleased with himself as he took a sip of his coffee.
Casey stopped what she was doing and sat back to look at him more directly. “You do? When did this happen?”
“Actually a girl came in early today to apply.” He smiled. “She’s cute too. Unfortunately it was before the rush started or I might have given her a trial run.” His tone was rueful.
“I hope she had more to recommend her than just that she’s cute.” Casey’s voice was just a little sharp. The music was really starting to bother her head.
Did they really play this CD during the day? She was surprised more customers didn’t complain. It wasn’t exactly full of happy songs. Rising from her chair, she walked over to turn down the volume.
“Of course not,” Michael sounded hurt, and maybe a bit defensive. “She dropped off her C.V. It looks pretty good.” He reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. He held it out to Casey. “Here, read it over for yourself. If you think she’s got what it takes we can schedule an interview for tomorrow.”
Casey walked over and took the paper. Unfolding it she smoothed it against the table and placed it in one of her file folders. “I’ll look at it at home tonight.” She rubbed her hand across her eyes. “I’m beat.” She reached out a hand to help Michael off the chair. “Come on, old man, let’s close this place up and go home.”
Michael looked at his watch then, placing his hand in Casey’s, he allowed himself to be pulled up. “I guess you’re right.” He agreed. He removed the elastic band holding his ponytail then running his hands back over his hair he expertly pulled all the loose strands together and re-bound them. “It’s nearly six already. We’re going to have another long day tomorrow.” He walked off in the direction of the cash desk. “I’ll clean up the cash desk if you want to clean up the coffee area.” He called over his shoulder.
Casey stuck her tongue out at his back. He knew how much she hated that part of the close up ritual, although as he’d done it for the last two nights in a row, she really shouldn’t complain. She shrugged her tired shoulders and started washing mugs.