Love That Lived In The Next Life

4

A tired sigh tumbled from Daniella's lips as she stared around an empty shop. It was early noon, and most of her bookworms did not show for another hour or so. Andrea hummed as she made her way around the shop and put different books away that were either misplaced or from inventory. Daniella tapped her fingers against the counter as her eyes trailed across the street. Cameron's shop bustled with life from the moment it opened till right before closing. Her eyes trailed back toward her shop and started to walk. There was no easy way of bringing in the life of customers that her coffee did. She strode through the shelves of books that laid waiting to be read. Story after story from hundreds of voices lined her shop. So much potential. If only she knew of an exciting way to bring it life.

The door sung as it opened. Her attention peaked as her head popped out to the front of the store. Cameron's friendly wave and treats in her hand brought Andrea out of her work first. The younger girl strode in front of Cameron and took an offered drink with glee. Daniella stepped into the aisle as the two chatted away. When she made her way over, Cameron's eyes gleamed.

"Cameron? Isn't your shop packed?" Daniella pointed toward the door as her brows furrowed in confusion. A carefree hand with a brown paper bag tight in its grip waved her off.

"Nothing that the kids can't handle," she chuckled. "They have been wanting me to take a break for the last hour, so Maya grabbed one of our newer part-timers and threatened to beat me with a broom if I didn't stop for a breath." A smirk cracked across Daniella's face. "I thought you would like a drink and maybe a snack as well?" The treats slowly levitated in front of Daniella's face.

"Well, it isn't like I have much going on," Daniella mumbled as she grabbed the offered treats. "Enjoy it with me?"

"Of course, if you don't mind sharing." Amusement bloomed on their faces as they crowded around the counter and Andrea went back to her work. Cameron pulled out two huge chocolate chunk cookies and a large white hot chocolate shared between the two. Cameron's eyes darted around the shop and hummed as Daniella broke off a piece of cookie and popped it in her mouth. Her brow quirked up dark orbs stared at Cameron's curious gaze around her shop.

"Is business usually slow around this time?" She asked thoughtfully.

"Yeah, typically. I get the early morning ladies and their book clubs, and the afternoons go to the curious high schoolers and whoever else enjoys spending hours in a book shop like me." Cameron nodded as she bit into the soft-baked cookie. She hummed in response. Daniella watched with keen interest as the wheels turned in the other's head. Cameron's brow furrowed as she took another bite.

"Wanna hear my sales pitch?" She asked after a moment.

"Go for it."

"Why don't we help each other? I can create a small stand in my store with your book of the month gimmick that stands at the front of your store." Daniella hummed as she popped another piece of cookie between her lips.

"Wouldn't hurt to try." Daniella gave a half shrug after some thought. "Are you sure you are going to want that in your store?"

"Are you kidding? Books? Coffee? The perfect combination!" Cameron bellowed excitedly as her hands went in the air. "I think that would be awesome!" Daniella's shoulders shook as she laughed quietly. "When can we do this?" Daniella's eyes lowered slightly as her mind travelled through the ideas through her head. After a moment, she glanced back up at Cameron. A recommendation glinted in her eye and Cameron was hooked on the excited look.

"There is a new series coming out next month. We can start with that one and see where it goes?"

"Sounds perfect."