Unexpected Love

1.

The sun was shining bright over Gravity Falls, but inside the Mystery Shack, Grunkle Stan was in a grumpy mood. Business had been slow, and the thought of spending another day peddling cheap souvenirs and dubious trinkets left him even more irritated.

"Grunkle Stan, you okay?" Dipper asked, noticing his uncle's usual grouchiness was cranked up a notch.

"Yeah, you've been extra grumpy today," Mabel chimed in, tossing glitter into the air for no apparent reason.

Stan sighed, rubbing his temples. "It's this dump. No customers, no money. I need to get out of here before I lose my mind."

Mabel's eyes lit up with excitement. "Why don't we go to the mall? A change of scenery might be nice!"

Stan perked up at the suggestion. A trip to the mall meant an opportunity to scam a few unsuspecting shoppers, or at the very least, catch a break from the Shack. "Alright, kids, let's hit the road."

________

The Gravity Falls Mall was buzzing with activity. Families strolled between stores, teenagers loitered near the food court, and the air was filled with the scent of cinnamon pretzels and freshly popped popcorn. Stan, Dipper, and Mabel made their way inside, taking in the sights and sounds.

"So, what should we do first?" Dipper asked, looking around.

"Shop for clothes!" Mabel declared. "I need more sweaters!"

"Of course, you do," Stan muttered, rolling his eyes. "You two go do whatever. I'm gonna look around and see what kind of deals I can find."

Dipper and Mabel wandered off, leaving Stan to his own devices. As he meandered through the mall, he found himself wandering into a small bookstore, more out of boredom than anything else. While flipping through a magazine on fishing, he heard a soft laugh from across the store.

Stan looked up, and his heart skipped a beat. Near the romance novels was a plus-size woman, around 28 years old, with wavy brown hair that framed her round face, and sparkling eyes that showed a kindness and warmth he hadn't seen in a long time. She was dressed in a blue blouse and jeans, and was chatting with the clerk about a book she was buying.

"Uh... hi," Stan blurted out, walking over to her without really thinking.

The woman turned to him and smiled warmly. "Hello there. Can I help you?"

Stan fumbled for words, feeling like a schoolboy with a crush for the first time in decades. "I, uh... was just wondering what book you're buying."

"Oh, this?" She held up a novel with a whimsical cover. "It's a romance, a bit cheesy, but I like it. Are you a reader?"

"Me? Uh, yeah! I love books," Stan lied, eyeing the title as if it were an alien artifact. "I just finished reading, uh... 'How to Make Money Quick'! Great read, very educational."

The woman laughed, and Stan felt his chest tighten. "You're funny," she said. "I'm Olivia, by the way. My friends call me Liv."

"Stanley Pines. You can call me Stan," he said, extending his hand. Liv shook it, her grip firm but gentle.

"So, what brings you to the bookstore?" Liv asked.

"Oh, just... killing time," Stan replied, trying to sound casual. "What about you?"

"I come here whenever I need a break from work. It's my little escape."

Stan nodded, trying to think of something charming to say. "You know, I've always said a good book is like a getaway... without the hotel fees."

Liv chuckled, and Stan felt a swell of pride. He hadn't felt this way in years—like a nervous teenager trying to impress a girl. "You're quite the charmer, Stan."

Stan's face turned a shade of red. "Well, I try."

They spent the next few minutes talking, and Stan found himself captivated by Bea's easygoing nature and bright personality. He couldn't remember the last time he felt this comfortable around someone. It was as if all his worries about the Mystery Shack and his schemes melted away in her presence.

"Well, I should get going," Liv finally said, holding up her book. "It was really nice talking to you, Stan."

"You too, Liv," Stan said, trying not to let his disappointment show. "Maybe I'll see you around here again?"

"Maybe," she said with a wink before heading toward the register.

Stan watched her leave, feeling an unexpected lightness in his chest. As he left the bookstore, he spotted Dipper and Mabel heading his way, their arms full of shopping bags.

"Grunkle Stan! You missed out on all the sweater sales!" Mabel called out.

Stan smiled to himself, his thoughts still on Liv. "That's okay, kid. I think I found something better."

Dipper gave him a curious look, but Stan just shook his head. For the first time in a long time, he felt like maybe, he'd found something worth more than money.