Chapter 42

Does anybody have scissors?” shouted Edwin, as Elizabeth wiped the lint from the back of his sharp looking black tuxedo.

“I’ll find some, sir,” said a member of the staff inside the fabulous Grevelton Bookvilla. With the Grand Opening only minutes away, Edwin would need something to cut the red ribbon with.

Ariel and Russell’s tuxedos looked just as sharp, and they helped Finns organize the refreshment table. Russell glared out the window, wondering what was keeping Treen and Samantha; his question was answered when the people waiting outside suddenly began to clap. Samantha had parked her car near the curb and Treen stepped out.

 “Oh man,” said Russell, gazing at Treen’s sleek lavender dress and of course, the matching headband.

“She looks great,” added Regina who’d walked up beside Ariel and took his hand.

Treen smiled all the way inside, but frowned when she noticed someone missing from the family and friends who gathered near the entryway.

“Where is Sheridon?” she asked, still searching the place. “He hasn’t shown up,” said Edwin, “But we’ll have to get on with the opening.” With the crowd practically begging to come in, she knew her father was right — but she didn’t know that he had a Sheridon surprise for her!

All three levels of the elegant store were packed, especially the third floor café, where the vibrant atmosphere was more like the opening of an amusement park.

Treen sat at a table in the café sipping vanilla coffee with all her friends from Mallyview including Mrs. Wellbay, who’d just arrived and surprised Russell. Treen had also mentioned why she arrived late: she’d gone with Gail Blue to meet her mother upon her release from the mental hospital.

“Good Afternoon everyone!” Edwin shouted. “Welcome to Bookvilla and the Bookvilla Café! Before we continue, I’d like to introduce you to the new manager. If you live in Grevelton, you probably already know him. Here he is, Sheridon Coswell!”

Everyone stood and cheered as big Sheridon strolled in. He looked uncomfortable in his tuxedo, but his smile was relaxed as ever. Treen, unaware of Sheridon’s hiring, smiled at her parents, then walked over to congratulate one of the best friends she’d ever had.

After Sheridon’s thank you speech, it was time to party. Russell surprised everyone when he grabbed a microphone and ran up to the stage. Luckily, he didn’t sing. Instead, he stepped in front of the instruments to announce the band that he’d somehow arranged to play. “Get ready everybody, here’s Helmet!”

When Page Hamilton picked up his guitar and blazed the first chords of a song called Unwound, the younger crowd sprang from their chairs. The older crowd? Well, they just stared at one another.

Treen stood gracefully from her chair. She managed to glide through the moshers and over to Russell, who flailed in every direction. Calmly, she reached out and took his hands. Then, in perfect rhythm, they began to waltz and the older crowd sprang from their seats to join in.

THE END