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If you don't know where you want to go, Then it doesn't matter which path you take.
The blonde let out a short laugh at that. "Oh believe me, some of them are." She assured, half-grin still in place. "For some of them you could replace either protagonist with pieces of cardboard and I'm sure you'd get just as much emotional investment out of their characters. Plus I could probably cover a wall if I had to make a tally for each ''love triangle' I've found." They certainly were no literary masterpieces, but that was probably one of the reasons she enjoyed them so much. It was too much fun to riff on them after.
"Some can be surprisingly good though." Expections to the rule existed. Every now and then she'd come across a hidden gem that, while still trashy in its own right, had a fairly good story within. "They even have honest-to-god plot going on occasionally. Miracles really can happen." She joked with another chuckle.
"But it's definitely not something everyone would enjoy, I'll admit. I just get a laugh out of it." With a shrug she tested her coffee again. By now it had officially gotten lukewarm, making the taste not nearly as good. She'd previously needed it to stay awake, but now? The presence of decent company was doing the job well enough. "So: why surrealism? I haven't heard that answer often."
If you don't know where you want to go, Then it doesn't matter which path you take.
Josalyn gave a little nod in response to the thanks she received. Otherwise her eyes scanned over the backs again while Natalie pondered her question. She had just pulled out a book to read over the back when there was answer.
Surrealism. Interesting. It wasn't a choice she often heard when she asked that type of question. A question that was soon being turned back on her. Fair enough. "Me? Well, I've always been interested in crime novels. Or ones with a bit of mystery." For a moment her smile changed into a smirk. "Although, if I'm being honest..." She trailed off as the book in hand was returned to its spot.
Then she turned to look back at Natalie with something of a mischievous half-grin on her face. "I also enjoy trashy romance novels. Something about them just makes me laugh. Especially when one of them gets picked for our club to dissect. The trashier the better in that case." The admission came with a low chuckle and a shake of Josalyn's head. "I suppose it's more of a guilty pleasure than anything."
If you don't know where you want to go, Then it doesn't matter which path you take.
It was a nice change of pace for the bartender to meet someone who seemed so naturally kind. She had a feeling that she would get along more than just fine with the other members of the club. A welcome member indeed.
The answer she got made her smile widened for a second. ”If that’s the case I could help you find it. Just give me one moment.” If Natalie didn’t seem adverse to the idea, Josalyn would head walk off temporarily. Considering she’d designed the layout, it wouldn’t take very long at all for her to find the right section. Especially since she’d needed to go there herself for the book. Soon enough she’d return, book in hand, to give to Natalie.
Since she didn’t seem too annoyed to answer questions, Josalyn dared to ask a few more. ”Any particular book types you enjoy? Romance, tragedy, science-fiction, so on and so forth.”
If you don't know where you want to go, Then it doesn't matter which path you take.
Looks like the club was getting a new member. Josalyn couldn’t help but be pleased, her smile growing just a bit wider. ”Always nice to see more people around here.” She replied with an amused little huff. ”We meet on Fridays at 7pm, though we usually actually get started around 7:30. If you can make it this coming Friday, I’d be happy to help introduce you to everyone.”
Speaking of introductions: she finally got a name to put with a face. Natalie. She’d planned on asking for it at some point. Would be a little hard to introduce someone to the rest of the club if Josalyn didn’t even know her name herself. Turning to fully face the other woman, she shifted the cup to another grasp before taking the proffered hand. She gave it a gentle but firm shake. ”Pleased to meet you, Natalie. I’m Josalyn, but feel free to call me Josie. The others usually do.”
With that she dropped the woman’s hand once more and took another sip of her coffee. To be honest, she was starting to forget she even had it. The coolness of it was evidence enough. But she couldn’t help but be distracted. ”So I just have to ask,” Her eyes glanced once again towards the books around them before settling back, ”What kind of book were you looking for today?” They were just talking about a book club.
If you don't know where you want to go, Then it doesn't matter which path you take.
It wasn’t too surprising that the other woman hadn’t realized the book club existed. Most news of the club was passed via word-of-mouth rather than any posters or bulletins. Maybe she ought to change that. ”It’s a fun group. Gives most of them a valid excuse to get out of the house and away from their kids, if they have them. I’m sure the kids appreciate the breather too.” She chuckled. Most, if not all the members were older in age. Plenty were even parents, or grandparents. Regardless, Josalyn always enjoyed their company for many reasons.
”For this week we actually ended up with something a little more classic. We’re reading the ‘Crooked House’ by Agatha Christie. From what I’ve read so far, it’s fairly interesting.” It was detective fiction, which proved intriguing all on its own. Perhaps in a vaguely ironic way for Josalyn personally, but it wasn’t like she’d get into that. ”There was also apparently a movie adaptation of the novel, so we’re likely to watch that in our next meeting. It’s becoming something of a tradition for us now if any novels we read have movies made after them.” She let out an amused huff. "For better or worse, I suppose.”
Blue eyes had turned back to scan over the books before them. Perusing for any books that just might work as the next novel for their little club. Though she was always conscious of the other woman’s presence. ”You know,” she began, ”If you’re interested, you could easily join. The others are really quite friendly and welcoming to new members. They even bring snacks most of the time.” She added, looking back at Natalie with another small smile.
If you don't know where you want to go, Then it doesn't matter which path you take.
What did she recommend? It was questions like those that always drew a smirk out of the bartender. That was a decent amount of trust being given to her to pick something that might be good to the patron. For all she knew, Josalyn could pick the worst drink they had and serve it with a smile. Not that she ever would, but the possibility always amused her.
Blue eyes scanned for a moment before she tilted her head to the side, considering. ”For you? Hmm…” The other blonde didn’t strike her as someone coming in for something outrageously fancy. No, that didn’t seem right. After a few more seconds of a calculating stare, she finally decided on something.
”Planning on starting a tab?” Was all she said before Josalyn got up and went to prepare whatever drink she’d picked. Once she returned, she placed the glass on the counter in front of Emmett. It looked like some sort of beer. However, she only slid it across once she got payment in some form. Either way there was a small, vaguely mischievous smirk one her face. ”Give that a try.” She encouraged, heading over to put in the cost.
If you don't know where you want to go, Then it doesn't matter which path you take.
A morning person. It had been a while since she'd met one of those. Longer still since she'd even dreamed of being one herself. Night suited her just fine.
A pleased quirk came to the smile still on her face at the woman's response. So this was a regular. It was nice to see her little side project was actually getting some business. Though she could see that much from the actual revenue, meeting a customer was nicer than staring at numbers.
Her following question nearly made Josalyn spit out the drink she brought to her lips. Fortunately she was quick enough to catch it beforehand, masking the near-mistake with a swallow. "Oh, I try to be." She answered with a little bit of a chuckle. She couldn't help but be amused. the other woman definitely didn't know who she was talking to, but then again Josalyn had never made her ownership of the store a big deal. "But my job usually keeps me up late, so I can't always come in. And when I do, they," With a finger extending out from her cup, Josalyn gestured towards the front counter with a little fond smirk, "Usually tell me to go get some sleep. Good for my health and all that. They're sweethearts, really."
She shook her head once more before sipping on her coffee. "Though I always make sure to make the club meetings." Those she wouldn't miss for the world; exhaustion be damned. As she said it, she glanced back towards Natalie. She certainly had never seen the other woman amongst the group. That was a face that would be hard to forget. "Have you heard about the book club they have here? I know I've never seen you in one of our weekly meetings before, and I usually don't forget a face."
If you don't know where you want to go, Then it doesn't matter which path you take.
IIt was a refreshing change when eyes met and didn’t immediately dart away. In fact she even got a smile and manners as well. Refreshing indeed.
A smile easily returned to her face as she let out a little laugh. ”Ah, good morning. No, sorry. You’re not in my way.” She answered with a small shake of her head. ”I’m just not used to seeing anyone else in here this early. Usually it’s just me keeping the staff company.” Sometimes whether they liked it or not. Though she didn’t admit as much out loud, the corners of her lips twitched upwards at the passing thought.
Only now she found herself curious. Faces at the bar were something she memorized- more out of habit than anything. Yet Josalyn only knew of a very select few that actually came to the bookstore. Since the other woman had seemed friendly enough, she supposed it wouldn’t be a problem to ask. ”Do you come here often?” Josalyn went back to looking over some of the books lined on the shelves, but there was a more interesting subject to possibly find out about.
If you don't know where you want to go, Then it doesn't matter which path you take.
Lucky.
That’s what she felt like as she headed towards the little shop she could call her own. Last night hadn’t been that much of a mess that she’d felt completely drained of energy. Though the siren song her bed had sung nearly got her. Still, she’d managed to avoid it just long enough to shower, tend to her lovely cats, and grab something to eat while heading out. Sheer will and the coffee half-gone in her hands was the only thing keeping her on her feet. But hell if she wasn’t determined to check in on her store.
The front door let out a soft ring as it swung open. Immediately a small, but genuine, smile found its way onto her face. She’d spent a decent amount on this place: thankfully it showed. Hardwood floors. Dark wooden bookcases. A nice little spot for reading or holding the weekly book club’s meetings. Home. She immediately felt at ease. It was a good feeling.
A greeting from one of the older employees she’d hired drew her attention back in. The smile on her face widened considerably. ”Morning Martha. Looks like I beat the morning rush.” She joked, stepping further in. Though she could already tell from the look in the older woman’s eyes that a scolding was inbound. It was just her luck some of the staff were actually aware of her schedule, and cared.
”Don’t worry: I’ll be heading home to get some sleep soon.” She promised with a small chuckle. ”Just wanted to check in. Last night wasn’t too bad.” With her excuse given- accepted or not -Josalyn continued throughout the store. They’d gotten a new shipment in to update and refill the selection, and she wanted to see it. As she went through, she threw one last tease behind her. ”Besides, if worst comes to worst I could just sleep in the nook, right?”
It was as she glanced back to no doubt receive another look from the older woman that she spotted someone else actually in the store. The sight was enough to pause her step. Someone else was actually here this early? Interesting. She didn’t even realize curiosity was making her glance a stare.
If you don't know where you want to go, Then it doesn't matter which path you take.
It was fairly quiet today. Days early in the week tended to be. Though no one would catch her complaining. Quiet nights meant there was a higher chance she’d have the energy left to stop in at the bookstore. Though that meant she wouldn’t get to see as many customers. Yet it was a welcome trade-off.
Josalyn was leaning against the back wall behind the counter, eyes aimed up towards one of the televisions hanging from the walls. What patrons there were had already gotten their drinks and settled for now. It was a welcome respite while she had it. Though there wasn’t any big game that night, the sports channel was on again. Funny how she didn’t even care that much about them to begin with. Only now she found herself absentmindedly following a ball on a tiny screen, remembering rules and regulations that she’d heard many patrons shout about when playoffs came around.
However, movement from the corner of her vision drew the gaze towards it. What she saw was beginning to be somewhat of a familiar face. She’d only been there for a handful of months now, but her memory for faces hadn’t dwindled. With a small smile naturally sliding into place, she pushed off her resting spot and walked over.
”Hey there.” Josalyn greeted, hand resting on the counter top as she leaned. ”What can I do for you? Beer? Cider?” With a small jerk of her head she indicated a fixture up on the wall behind her. ”Or the shot wheel?”
Yeah, I’ve got a history. Not that you’d find out much. I made sure of that. Now it’s just the fine print in the story about a girl from Chicago.
I started out the same as anyone else. A tiny little thing that was a royal pain to take care of. Although I’ve been told I was sneaky to boot. Baby’s first lie at only 3 years old. Something like that. I’d like to think I got better with time. Would explain some of the things I got away with once I got older.
My parents thought I was just a saint. I was their only child, so I guess it was only natural they’d think that. Plus I tried my hardest not to get caught or cause them trouble. What hell I raised, I took care of. Half the stuff never even passed their general vicinity, and what did I was extra careful with. It was college, ironically, that helped mellow me out. Or by that point I’d gotten so bored of pulling my little stunts that I didn’t even bother.
It was after college that my life took a wild turn.
You could say I fell in with the wrong crowd. The sort that you didn’t want to run into in an alleyway. Definitely not the kind you’d want to piss off. But I didn’t know that: I was just a bartender. Yeah for all that schooling, I was just mixing drinks and keeping tabs. My parents weren’t too happy, but I was content. Got to see plenty of things behind the counter. And of course it was the whole reason I got involved in the first place.
Apparently I had made an impression. A good one thankfully. Suddenly I was getting an offer to work somewhere a little more "high-class." Or at least somewhere the pay was a lot better. It was a really nice casino to put it lightly. Didn’t make it any less depressing to see how many were addicted to the games inside, but at least the scenery around them was decent. Even Limbo could be pretty.
Working there was good though. I learned a thing or two while there. Even got to work some of the tables on occasion. Almost anything involving cards was my specialty. I had a knack for it- still do. But tending the bar was my main job. It, among a few other things, was why I’d been brought in.
I worked there for years. Like I said, it paid well. The people were some of the best I’ve ever met. Maybe not by society’s standards, but they felt a lot like family to me. So I wasn’t really adverse to doing a few odd jobs here and there to help them out. Just small things that didn’t matter that much in the grand scheme of things. Always came with good rewards.
Eventually, though, things changed. I’m not going to go into it, because frankly I don’t want to. And I couldn’t even if I did. But let’s just say we had a bit of a scare, and I wanted out. Only thing was, that sort of thing didn’t really happen with the people I knew. That “family” I liked? We enjoyed keeping things tight between us.
I was eventually given a pass. Or more like a long leash with a strong hand. The moment I get a little too rowdy, it’ll get a tug. Except I don’t plan on it. Family’s still family, and for all my faults I’m loyal. So right now I’m just happy with my little bookstore, my cats, and my peace in Sunny-side, Oregon. I've only been here for a little while now, but it's nice. Though I still work a bar. Old habits die hard, I guess.
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USERNAME: Gorgon AGE GROUP: 22 EXPERIENCE: 5 years WHERE DID YOU FIND US? Proboards Directory in the most wonderful accidental click ever
