"Rare and antique books" est. 1987

I had barely slept and had to drag my ass to work. What I really wanted was to stay home and read the diary, the writings were small and hard to make out, so I had to take my time reading it. “Wonder if there are any letters or similar left from Henry?” I talked to myself on the way up the hill from Dean Village. I wanted something to compare the writing with. I felt the book in my backpack, heavier in my conscience than on my back.

It was cold but pleasant out, you could see the sun to some degree. Reaching the top, I stood to catch my breath, no need for extra work-out, these hills kept me in shape. From here it was mostly flat till I reached Grassmarket. Uncle had opened the store today, that meant I had the late shift, from 13.00 till 18.00. I hoped he would leave when I came, so I could do some research in peace.

Our store, no name to it, just “Rare and antique books” was situated in an old kirk the Church had abandoned in the late seventies. My dad and his brother bought it in 1987, did some redecorating and had managed to keep the business alive since then. Since my mother died in childbirth it was just dad and me, I had countless days here from I was born. There wasn’t a spot in this place I didn’t know, even the old cellar with the empty tombs were common ground for me. When dad died a year ago and uncle wanted to buy me out, I refused. It was as much mine as his, I would never give up dad`s legacy. That, and the apartment in Dean Village was what I had left of my parents. The apartment was small and old, but it was paid off and made it possible to me to keep my part of the store. We made a living, but that was pretty much it. Once in a while we stumbled across a gem so we could make good money, but it was rare. My stomach turned by the thought of the diary and we had come full circle. What to do?

I pushed open the heavy, wooden door, and closed it fast. It wasn’t easy to keep the heat under the high ceiling, especially at winter. We had discussed building a second floor, to make it easier, but hadn’t decided on it yet.

I saw Uncle Callum in his office with a customer. I dropped off my backpack and made me a coffee, I needed my brain to work. There was one other person roaming the shelves, I nodded and smiled to her.

“Let me know if you want some help.”

Statistically speaking, most said no to me but yes to my uncle, assuming I didn’t know anything. To my surprise she smiled back.

“Oh yes, please. I am looking for something Shakespeare.” Hmm, that was vague. “Anything in particular? We have several of his plays and books.”

The lady blushed and looked down. “Well, to be honest I haven’t got a clue about Shakespeare myself, beside what we learned in school. You see… I`ve been seeing a man, and he is very fond of him, so I wanted to give him something special to our one-year anniversary.”

My heart melted, she looked so in love. I hoped I got to experience something similar someday. “What kind of price-range do you have in mind? We have everything from 10-3000 pounds.” Her eyes popped at the prices, “Oh no, not that much.” She giggled, “maybe after thirty years.” She thought about it. “!00 pounds?”

“I think I have just the thing.” I beckoned her to follow me to our English literature department where I found two books for her. “This is “The Plays of William Shakespeare in Eight Volumes.” As you can see it`s only two books in this case. Meaning you can buy more if he treats you right.” I winked and the woman laughed. “The books were published in 1765, and I myself think they have the perfect patina. I hate when books are either too pristine or too worn to be looked in.”

She took the one book from my hand with reverence.

“Can I open it?”

I gave her permission, and she opened the book in the middle somewhere, and read out loud.

“Ah balmy breath, that dost almost persuade. Justice to break her sword! One more, one more. Be thus when thou art dead and I will kill thee. And love thee after.”

She stumbled with the old words, but I could see the magic happen. I loved when that happened.

“How much?”

“I`ll let you have them for 100, if you promise to come back here to buy the others.” She laughed and gave me her hand to shake.

“Deal”.

I chitchatted with her as I wrapped up the books and wished her happy anniversary. Just as she was leaving, the door opened and Cian stepped in. I had forgotten how good looking he was, and completely lost my track in what I was saying to the customer. He shook his hair, apparently it was raining outside, and I swear he did in slow motion. When he smiled and said hello in his Irish accent, I felt dizzy.

“Right. Maybe I`ll meet you at your one-year anniversary this time next time.” The words from the customer woke me, and she just laughed when I blushed. “He`s just a customer,” I mumbled. “Mhm,” she answered with disbelief in her voice. “Well, thank you for excellent service.”

Cian held the door for her, a gentleman as well. I walked over to greet him, hoping my blush had vanished and that he hadn’t heard what the lady said.

“Phew, it`s raining cats and dogs out there.” I reached out to signal that I would take his wet jacket but instead he wrapped his arms around me. I stood still, not knowing what to do. He smelled so nice. He gave me a short hug, and a big smile. “Good to see you again, Jamie.”

I had to laugh, “I was just getting your wet jacket to hang it to dry, but it`s always nice with a hug.” I saw his face fell and regretted mentioning it. “Jeezez, so awkward.” He slapped his forehead. I started giggling and it escalated into full laughter. Thankfully, Cian joined me, and we laughed until tears came out. I heard uncle cough in his office, and I simmered down. I wiped my eyes as I reached out one more time, “Can I take your coat, sir?” Cian slid it off and handed me it while laughing still.

“Come, Uncle has your books.”

I walked with him over to the office and gave a short knock before we entered.

“Uncle Callum, this is Cian…” I hesitated, I didn’t know his last name. “He is the one that delivered the books.” “Ah, yes.” Uncle stood from his chair and shook hands with the potential client. I hadn’t had the time to see if my estimates were approved by Uncle, but I knew he hated it when I lingered in his office, so I smiled at them and went out to the store again.

I tidied some while I kept one eye on them through the office window. The mood seemed good, so I relaxed, turning my attention to the couple that had come in. Probably tourists that wanted a way out of the rain, but you never knew. I walked over to them with my usual greeting.

They left with an old version of “Heimskringla”, not thinking they would find something like that here in Scotland. “Oh, we`re cousins, aren’t we?” The man gave an agreeing smile, “I guess so, probably lots of scots with Norse ancestors.”

I helped them with the door and saw that the rain had stopped. Bidding them farewell, I recommended a place for them to get lunch and they left with a smile. When I got back to the counter, I saw Cian shake Uncle`s hand and leave the office.

“I was told you would be the one to give me money.” I smiled, happy that he`d made a sale. “No problem, how much did you agree on?”

He gave me the paper with the documentation on, Uncle had appraised the books to the exact same amount I had. A victory for me, since I wanted to make him see that I was capable of managing the store. “I`ll be right on it, do you want it in cash, or should I transfer the money?” “Cash, please.” He took a seat by the desk while I counted up the money.

“So, how long are you in town for? Are you moving into the apartment your aunt left you?” I was fishing for some insight to his persona. He grabbed a pen and started fiddling with it. “Nah, I don’t think so, I might keep it and rent it out. I`m just here to get it emptied and cleaned before I head back to Ireland.” He looked up at me; “Why, looking for an apartment?” I shook my head. “I got one, but thanks. Just wondering if you needed someone to show you the city, if you planned on moving here.” I double-checked the amount and handed him the stack. “Here you go.” I smirked; “You can check the amount if you like.”

His blue eyes glimmered, “I trust you. And yeah. Although I`m not moving here, it would be nice to have someone local to show me where the best beers are in town?” ‘

My smile felt fake, but I managed to keep a steady voice. “Meet me after work tonight then? I close up at six.” I thought for sure he would call me out, that he would see I was up to something, but he smiled and said he would wait outside a quarter after six and left with his money.

My hands were sweaty, I hadn’t planned for this today. I hadn’t even decided what I should do. I groaned when I heard dad`s voice in my head, “Child, never say no to an adventure, but always take your heart and brain with you.” Damn dad that had read too many fairy tales.