“Gail, where are the coloured markers?” Casey rummaged through the drawers in the cash desk. The book purchasing and work schedules she had finished yesterday morning would be easier to follow if they were in color. Then, posted permanently on the wall in the office, they would be easily accessible to everyone.
She stopped her search and smiled softly. The last few days had been incredible, full of fun, frolic and lovemaking. Her days, of course, had been crazy preparing for the big Mystery Day while Andrew took in some sightseeing or enjoyed leisurely coffee breaks with a good book in the Reading Room.
But after six p.m. was their time, and it was spent in fantastic restaurants, exciting nightclubs, or just sitting around the fireplace in sybaritic splendour atop the mountain at Hunter’s Bay.
Her smile faded. Time was slipping away much too quickly– only a week to go. It didn’t seem possible.
“They’re in the back room.” Gail sauntered up to the desk and interrupted her thoughts. “I was using them to make the posters for the Mystery day. What do you think of ‘em”? She gestured to the brightly coloured signs posted all over the store. Some advertised the upcoming gala; others gave specific instructions on how the games would work. One poster, attached prominently at the front of the mystery aisle, promoted the murder mystery game and had a sign up sheet attached.
“They look great.” Casey blinked and, turning her attention back to work, walked over to look at a particularly brightly coloured poster on the far wall that explained detailed instructions on one of the games. She spent a moment studying the exciting splash of color, contrast and information. It clearly explained the instructions, and was infused with just the right hint of whimsy to make it interesting to look at in its own right. Thankfully Gail hadn’t gone for the darker, deadlier side of mystery, as she easily could have for these posters. Instead she focused on the clues and intrigue of the genre. The longer Casey looked at her work, the more she saw. She smiled at Gail as she moved onto another poster. “I didn’t know you were such an artist. I am impressed. These are really good.”
Gail looked momentarily uncomfortable. She hid it under a veneer of nonchalance. “Nah, I took a few art courses in school, nothing serious. I just enjoy color, that’s all.” The happy smile on her face told Casey she appreciated the compliment more than her words conveyed.
“Well, keep up the good work.” She turned to walk to the storeroom, changed her mind and turned back. “Gail?” She had another one of her brainstorms.
Gail was about to climb a ladder to stock some books. She stopped and glanced at Casey inquiringly.
“Do you think you could do the paintings?” She referred to one of the contests they had borrowed from a series of mystery books.
“No way! I’m not that good.” She chewed one blue fingernail thoughtfully. “I think I might know someone who could though. He’s pretty keen to display his stuff wherever he can.”
“Great. Could you find out soon? We’ve only got two days left.”
“Sure Ms. Adams, I’ll give him a call tonight.”
“That would be fantastic. Thanks. Oh before I forget, do you think you can handle the kids’ reading today? I’ve got to finish a huge pile of paperwork before I get thrown in jail” Casey’s grin was rueful.
“No sweat.” She cracked the gum she was chewing. “I’ll be fine. I love those kids, they’re so funny.” Gail chuckled at the thought of them and their questions. “I’ll just go pick out a really good book.” She moved away from the ladder and turned toward the young readers' area.
“Just let me know what you’re going to read.” Casey reminded her and walked into the backroom.
Sitting down in her chair she picked up her favourite pen, chewed the end of it thoughtfully. She wished she could have more free time to spend with Andrew, but the store was her livelihood and would have to come before any man, even one as exciting as he was. Unfortunately that old warning about not being able to live on love was accurate. Food, shelter and heat were equally important, even if they didn’t always feel like it.
Casey sighed and turned back to the work waiting on her desk. She had to finish her schedules and start on some much neglected paperwork. Revenue Canada would be on her back if she didn’t get her sales taxes filed soon. Today was also her day to go hunt out yard sales and auctions to buy books. It was going to be a very busy day.