Chapter 23
Aiden
After my morning coffee, I grab my jacket and head over to the bookstore to talk to George. I have so many ideas on how to improve the place like making it brighter, and more inviting to the customers. I ended up staying up way to0 late yesterday looking at bookshelves, a new counter, and what color I should repaint the walls. I already went on and have many books in my list to purchase for new displays. That's one thing that I would like to incorporate is new books. Sure, used books are great, but new ones are as fun. The walk over is chilly, and upon walking in, George is sitting behind the counter, drinking a cup of coffee.
"Good morning, Aiden. Was hoping you would be back today. Didn't know if you were actually being serious," he says, putting down his coffee. "The realtor has the paperwork drawn up and can be by whenever you are ready. He asked if you were going through a bank?"
"Nope, I have the cash in my account. Can write a check or money order. Whichever you prefer."
He nods, and picks up the phone to call. "He's here. Can you bring over the paperwork? Okay. See you soon."
"Are we good to go?"
"Yes, go get the payment and we can sign the papers today. Although, son, I'd like to keep the store open today and enjoy one last day if that's alright," George says.
I'm not sure if George expected me to kick him out as soon as we signed the papers, or if he thinks I'm going to be ready to run the store tomorrow, but it'll have to closed for at least a couple of days. As soon as we sign, I'll call the local company to make the new business sign, and then everything has to get done before it reopens. "You're welcome here anytime."
I leave and come back with a money order, and the realtor is there waiting on me. "Hello, sir. Thank you for being so swift on this."
He smiles, and hands over the paperwork. "I have put a sticky note in every place that needs your signature."
I nod, and hand George the order. "I promise to give this place a good chance. Hope you'll come by and check it out next week when I reopen."
We all three shake hands, and the realtor leaves.
"So, here are the keys. I'll return next week to give you my set and I'll close up tonight. When do you plan on reopening, son?"
"Monday, maybe. I'm hoping I can get someone in here to repaint the walls and stuff this weekend and then the rest of the stuff can be shipped the next day."
"Wonderful. I'll be around Monday afternoon."
The door closes behind me, and I call the place that is making the new sign. "Hello, this is Aiden Jackson. I've got the go ahead on the property. Can we do a rush order on it? Have it made and up on the building by Sunday night?"
A young man asks me to wait a minute while he checks with his supervisor, and then comes back and gives me the go ahead before hanging up.
I'm officially a business owner, and my heart is racing. What if I fuck it all up? The bookstore could bomb and be a horrible business decision. Damon and Liam will find out eventually, but right now, I want to keep the excitement and rush to Hazel and I. Not everyone will understand the impulsive decision to buy the place, and right now I need to focus on getting everything squared away.
Me: It's done. I'm officially a bookstore owner! Ah!
I stop in at the coffee shop, and start putting in all the orders for the books that I would like to put toward the register for new releases. There are many authors that readers devour like Stephen King, Nicholas Sparks, and Colleen Hoover. There were several newer releases I order multiple copies of, and then some signage as well. The one thing I haven't decided on yet is how to decorate the floors. A smart thing would be to separate the used books from the new. Maybe we could let the bottom floor be all used books since it's bigger, and then the main floor be for all new books. What about the top floor? We could make it into a kids area with books and little tables and chairs. So, I impulsively add lots of Dr. Seuss and other authors to the shipment too.
Hazel: That's amazing. Lunch in an hour?
I am wanting to save some money where I can, and painting is something I can do myself instead of hiring someone.
Me: I'll be there. =)
I can go pick up the paint, and have it done myself this weekend, and possibly get the new shelving units picked out and ready to go. Most of this can be taken care of today before the end of her shift.
Hazel: Of course. Meet me in fifteen at the bistro.
My feet hit against the pavement as I jog over to the bistro. Hazel doesn't get a very long lunch break and I don't want her waiting on me. As I get on the street, I see her waiting outside for me, and sneak up behind her.
"Hey, babe. Let's go inside," I say, putting my arm around her.
After getting seated, we take our coats off, and she's asking me about the bookstore. She seems excited about this adventure to be asking if we are going shopping later for furniture or what my plans are. I would love for her to feel included in this process. "I'm going to go pick out the paint after lunch, and then I thought I'd go shopping for furniture so that way we could pick it out and have it delivered on Saturday."
A waitress stands next to me, and waits for us to finish before she starts speaking.