Finds You Well

Four: The Grand Re-Opening

Xavier

Aspen Rouge is, by far, the most infuriating woman I have ever come across. Yet, I am intrigued by her presence. Despite my best efforts, she has modernized my humble abode. She has added in this Wi-Fi, I do not know what this is, but she says it is a necessity for our new system. She adds in another register, one that is sleek and black. It makes the same dreaded noise as the device in her hands. She has also set up what is called a "card reader" explaining to me in a patient tone that not everyone carries cash on them. The modern age is equal parts fascinating and frustrating.

"Bestie, it's almost time." Sindri sashays into the room. He holds a clipboard in his hand, running through the checklist with Aspen. They have tested the new register several times this morning to ensure things will run smoothly. I refrain from telling her that today will go swimmingly because I adhered to the agreement, I made with him.

"Are we ready Mr. Tell-Tale?" Sindri's voice makes me jump. He gives me an apologetic smile. I give him a silent nod. I refuse to tell him that I am nervous for allowing customers into my bookstore again. I can already feel its anticipation buzzing in my veins.

Aspen takes her place next to me behind the counter. She appears calm on the surface, but she has her own tell. Her fingers wrap around the necklace she wears. I have not been able to see what it is, she keeps it concealed behind her flannel. She has chosen to wear her hair down today and I can smell her shampoo. Strawberries and vanilla cream, the scent is heavily, and it takes me back to a happier time.

"I need your head in the game, Tale." She whispers, nudging me with her elbow. I stand up straighter, giving her a sideways glare.

"I am always composed, Miss Rouge." I say just to see the wildfires spark in her eyes. She absolutely despises when I call her by her last name.

"Welcome all, to the grand re-opening of The Tell-Tale Bookstore. Shop to your hearts content." Sindri gives a flourishing bow and is met with applause.

Next to me, Aspen snorts with laughter. I have learned, that Sindri is a showman. He is born for the stage, and yet he chooses to follow in the footsteps of his mother. She is a well-known doctor in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or so I have been told. A young girl runs into the store, placing her hands on her hips. She has strawberry-blonde hair and eyes like mercury. She points behind the counter directly at Aspen.

"This is my sissy's bookstore," she says firmly. "She is going to read to me and then she is going to take me out for ice cream."

"Iris Jane Rouge!" A woman in the crowd says exasperated.

"Its okay, mama." Aspen walks around the counter, hoisting the young girl onto her shoulders. She squeals, giving Sindri a high five. I can imagine that the little one had this planned with Aspen's best friend.

The crowd chuckles, there are even choruses of "Aw's" and "She's adorable, just like Penny". Aspen sets her sister down, gesturing to the shelves, and asks her in a patient tone to pick one for her to read. Iris wastes no time; she yanks her sister down the aisles taking books off the shelves and placing them in her sister's hands.

"They're pretty cute, aren't they?" Sindri's voice brings me out of my thoughts. He has taken over Aspen's position at the front of the store. There are other children in the crowd, they move to join the growing circle around Aspen.

"I suppose." I say curtly, my eyes scanning the store. I have no real need to do this. The walls have eyes and will alert me should someone attempt to steal something from the shelves. I glance up at the security cameras, I tried to assure Aspen that we did not need them. She, once again, in her patient tone explained that we needed to modernize the place.