“A debate already?” She put the back of her hand to her forehead. “It’s hard to believe it’s that time again. We never got over the last election. Or the one before that.” Grace sighed.
“I can imagine what it’s like during elections season, especially since both sides need Wisconsin in order to win.”
“Well, it’s terrible. You can’t even turn on the TV toward the end of it. But we’ll get through it. We always do. At any rate, I’m sure the owners would be happy to let you do that. They’re probably in the back. I’ll go check.”
Grace disappeared and Dot picked up a couple of titles she’d seen on BookTok and set them aside to buy with the one she already had. Buying books was one of her indulgences and she realized she could just check these out on the online library. But she loved the hard copy. And besides, she could share them with Mary and Harper. A mini book club with wine was one of her favorite weeknight events.
A few minutes later, Grace returned with an older couple who walked arm in arm. Dot guessed them to be in their late seventies. The man had a kind face with blue eyes and was mostly bald with just a little bit of gray hair sprouting above his ears and around the back of his head. His wife had a pretty shade of white hair that she wore in a medium-length pageboy cut, parted on the side. She had creamy white skin and twinkly brown eyes and wore cherry-red lipstick.
“Ted and Jeanie Jankowski, meet Dot. She’s new to town.”
“Dot, what a pleasure.” Ted used both of his warm hands to shake Dot’s. And Jeanie opened her arms and pulled her into a strong, grandma-type embrace.
“I’m a hugger—can’t help it,” she said in a British accent. Dot squeezed back—it felt good.
“Grace says you’re working on the election for the Democrats. Ted willlovehearing about that.” She leaned in and whispered, “He’s one of yours.”
“Andshe’sa Republican, so I give her a hard time,” he said, winking at his wife and putting his arm around her waist. “You must know Rose. Great gal. Went to high school with my older brother.”
Dot gushed about Rose and explained her connection through For the Win and the bus trip.
She handed Ted a flyer.
“Well, this looks interesting. Heck, I’d like to go. How about you, Jeanie?”
“Pass! I don’t want to get in trouble for muttering under my breath every time they drive me up the wall,” she said, elbowing him in the ribs. Dot picked up on their ease with each other.
“Wonderful! I’ll put you on the list, Mr. Jankowski.” Dot took the business card he offered her. “That’s a tradition we should bring back,” she thought. “To heck with QR codes.”
“Call me Ted, please. And give me some of those flyers,” Ted said. “I’ll take them to my men’s group. We’re meeting in a little bit at the Kozy Kitchen for our weekly get-together. I bet Fred would want to go.”
“You’re all so kind. I should have come in sooner,” Dot said. “I love to read, and your store is wonderful. Feels like it has some history.”
“Oh yes. We’ve been here since the seventies—that’s like ancient history to a young woman like yourself.” Jeanie looked around the store. “It’s holding together okay, but we’re getting up there.”
“And it’s tough to compete in the book trade nowadays,” Ted said. “Sometimes it feels like we’re more of a community center than a business. And we love that, don’t get me wrong. I think every community needs a bookstore to keep strong.”
“My grandmother always said the same,” Dot said. “Even in New York.”
“You two don’t need to worry about the store,” Grace said, reassuring them. “Something will work out.”
The bell rang and in walked a man of about thirty years old, six foot two and very solidly built. He had black hair and a red flush on his cheeks. He wore sunglasses on top of his head, a Carhartt coat, jeans, and workmen’s boots.
“Danny Dawson, as I live and breathe!” Jeanie opened her arms to hug him. He let her do her thing, then he kissed Grace on the cheek, and shook Ted’s hand. “Danny, this is Dot. She’s new to town.”
“Hi, Dot.” He shook her hand gently. His hand was large and rough from working outdoors. So different from the guys she knew back home.
“It’s nice to meet you,” she said, immediately reluctant to let go of his warm hand.
“And you.” He had sad but beautiful dark brown eyes. A spark ran up her spine when he smiled at her. He let go of her hand and gestured around the store.
“Jeanie, can you help me find a book for Lacey? She loves poetry but I don’t have a clue.”
Poetry? So, he was taken, Dot supposed. She couldn’t help a pang of disappointment. Then felt silly for feeling disappointed.
“I have a couple titles that might work. Let me show you.”
Jeanie led Danny to a section in the back of the store. Dot talked with Ted and Grace for a few more minutes. Then Danny checked out at the register and said goodbye to everyone, ringing the bell as he walked out the door.