I’ll review the application, along with the others I have, and will be in touch shortly.” The overly made-up woman snapped her gum, flashed her lipstick marred teeth at Asher and left his store. He’d been searching for someone to help out in the bookshop part time for the last four weeks. No one seemed to fit right. He chuckled, fairly sure he hadn’t fit when Ike had offered him the very same job. He’d been a battered and broken teenager with no possessions other than what little cash Emma had given him and the shabby clothing he wore. Ike had seen beyond that, maybe even glimpsing the man Asher could become with a little nurturing. God, he missed the old man. His heart ached in response. Asher doubted there would ever be a time when he didn’t pine for just a few more moments with him. Even though he’d been able to tell Ike exactly what he meant to him, Asher would always want to repeat it—to tell him one final time.
