Childhood Friend

Chapter 1

I don't think the shock factor ever really sunk in of being able to google someone who you've known for your whole life and seeing over 10 million search results pop up. Not even including the photos of him, snapshots of the big shot himself in this whole other world than what you know.

I know him as the awkward pre-teen who can quote the whole movie of Lion King, shares your love of cookie dough ice cream and Chinese food. The one who was fueled by the dream of something greater outside this small town. Sounds like a country song, how ironic.

--

"Reece I have some boxes of YA that need to be shelved in the back when you get the chance." Harper, my boss's voice shouting out over the many bookshelves somewhere in the store.

Lit Happens was a local bookstore in the heart of my hometown, it being a staple growing up with me and Charlie coming after school and camped out in the children's area for hours with me reading any book I could get my hands on. While Charlie playing the piano meant for store events but Harper let him play whenever he wanted.

Harper was like a mother figure to me at this point, a spitfire of a woman with at least 15 tattoos and enough ear piercings she would set off a metal detector. But considering the history and her being my boss, she could read me like a book. Shelving books was a sweet but serious threat, I don't trust you with money right now, go be productive elsewhere.

She wasn't the only one that accused me of having my head in the clouds these days. My roommate Chloe would agree, example me being too distracted to retain any of the most recent episode of Greys Anatomy, that I watched it 4 times.

Finding the box of new YA releases that needed to be displayed, and some stragglers that needed to be put out elsewhere.

I had made it halfway through the box when I could hear the bell chime in above our door and hear very familiar chatter between them and Harper.

Chloe must have gotten off work earlier today as there she stood there leaning on the front counter talking to Harper.

"She's looked more herself today? Good. It's like a reverse breakup, normally this would be fixed with some alcohol, retail therapy, and a good ole cry but -" Chloe jokes taking one of the lollipops behind the counter not even dawning on her that I was standing behind her.

"I'm not going through a reverse breakup whatever the fuck that means. I'm perfectly fine, now what are you doing here? Thought you got off a five today then we'd hit Tonys for dinner." Fidgeting with the sleeve of the flannel I was wearing most likely Charlies which didn't help the irony of the situation.

"Well I and Harper were talking and we both agree that we've been concerned about your mental being with Charlie off on tour and we thought you needed a weekend. Reece, I'm taking you away for the weekend. Everything is booked, bags packed in my car ready to go. Just needing my passenger."

They both look at me almost analytically waiting for some drastic reaction, "Are you sure you don't need me this weekend Harper? The puppet rock band show is tomorrow -" I asked, thinking of any reasonable excuse.

"I don't want to hear another word out of your mouth that's refuting this. Get in the car and be young, and don't worry about me Jamies covering, and besides, I have a smoking hot date with my husband this weekend and thinking of not opening Sunday. Anyways, love ya skittle." giving a shooing gesture with her hand.

Smiling at the old nickname, and paying my attention to Chloe who looked like she couldn't decide on what I thought. Pulling her into a hug and physically felt her relax in my arms.

"Okay let's hit the road."

Giving Harper one last hug before heading out towards Chloe's jeep that was clearly stuffed with our things.

"I have a hotel room booked, dinner reservations for tonight, and the rest we can decide on the way." She grinned, seemingly proud of herself.

A weekend away where I wouldn't see him and all the memories. Instead, sand and a hot tub, perfect.