Mr. Berkshire (Book 1 in the For Better Or Worst Trilogy)

Chapter 7

     Day by day, I become more and more comfortable at Berkshire Publishing. I finally got through that ridiculous pile of stories. Who knew so many stories contained werewolves versus vampires? You would think people would tire of the overused cliche. But, I would totally choose that cliche over a story of a prince and his talking horse who are in search for the horse's true love. Some stories really do not need to meet the light of day. Anyways, point is, if this job actually paid, it would be the best thing I've ever had. Who am I kidding? It's still the best thing I've ever had. 

     Still, I find myself at A Likely Story, selling books to the people of Seattle. This job is nowhere near to being described as a horrible job. Actually, if I could never work at a publishing company, my second option would to work at a cute bookstore. However, if it was up to me, I would spend all my time at Berkshire Publishing. But, the bills needed to be paid and an unpaid internship wouldn't be helping me with that little problem. 

     I stand in the middle of two bookcases, reorganizing a few of the new arrivals when I hear the bell signalling someone has entered. Peaking around the corner, I see Noah, but instead of that chirpy smile I've become used to, his lips are formed in a permanent frown and his hair is disheveled. 

     "Hey." I say softly, walking around the bookcase to meet him behind the counter. In return, he gives me a quick nod and goes over shipment paperwork. I bite my lip and lean against the counter with my arms crossed. "Is everything okay? You seem...upset." Noah and I are friendly with each other, but we're not exactly have slumber parties talking about our relationships and everyday lives. 

     "Nah, i'm great." He forces a quick, uncomfortable smile on his lips while attempting to distract himself with the paperwork. 

     "Noah." My voice is low as I take a hold of his arm. "You can talk to me. I know we don't know each other well, but i'm here if you wanna talk." Sighing, he leans back on the counter and finally meets my worrying gaze. 

     "My girlfriend cheated on me." He shrugs as if this doesn't bother him, but his furrowed brow and dark eyes full of deep sadness give away his true feelings. "It's whatever. Not a big deal. Shit happens, y'know?" Even though he speaks with nonchalance, the glistening from the corner of his eyes tells me he is anything, but nonchalant. 

     "Stuff like that doesn't just happen. You don't deserve to be treated that way." In no way am I a professional in the art of relationships. But, I have seen the way a woman deserves to be  treated. My papa treats my mama like she's the queen of his universe. Never in a thousand years would he cheat on her. And it angers me to believe that this girl would cheat on such an amazing guy as Noah. "She clearly doesn't know how lucky she is to have you. And you know what? I feel bad for her. Because you'll find a girl who actually deserves you, while she'll search her entire life for a man who loves her only half as much as you did." My hand runs up and down his back in a comforting motion. Suddenly, he turns and pulls me into a tight hug. The action makes my entire body stiff for a few short seconds before I return the hug. One of my many skills is I'm quite the hugger. I've heard wonders about the healing my hugs can do. I squeeze in hopes I can squeeze away the pain his ex girlfriend has inflicted on him.

     "Thank you." He mumbles in my ear, giving me a squeeze of his own. Again, the bell rings, interrupting our bonding moment. Noah immediately retreats and returns to his lanky full six foot height. I didn't realize how much he had to hunch over to hug me properly. 

     My eyes wander to the door where I assume I will find a customer, but instead find the one and only Mr. Berkshire holding a bouquet of pink peonies. The smile that grows on my lips with all the happiness of a sunflower cannot be contained. I'm not sure if it's from the sight of my favorite flowers or my boss, but I decide not to question it. Though, I have to admit, seeing my two worlds collide is a bit strange. Suddenly, my book store doesn't look so good. Compared to the world Mr. Berkshire lives in, I can only imagine what he thinks of this place.