The following afternoon, a golden slant of sunlight drifted through The Love Code's stained‑glass window, illuminating dust particles like flecks of magic. Melinda busied herself at the counter, unpacking a new shipment of books. Each crate she opened released a soft hum, as if the volumes inside were whispering in anticipation. She arranged them carefully, aligning each spine with practiced precision, pausing now and then to read a title or smooth a crease in the leather binding.
A brusque voice interrupted her focus. "Excuse me, miss—"
Melinda turned to see Theo standing in the aisle, arms crossed and lips pressed into a thin line. His posture was stiff, eyes narrowed.
"Is this shelf supposed to be alphabetical?" he asked, gesturing toward a row of rose‑tinted romance novels that were clearly sorted by size instead of title.
Her eyebrows rose in mild surprise. "Sort… by size? I arrange by color scheme. It creates a more harmonious display, one that invites readers to feel before they search."
Theo's frown deepened. "Harmony or chaos? A customer looking for Hearts Unbroken should find it under 'H,' not wedged between Summer Serenades and *Moonlight Melodies,' which start with 'S' and 'M.'"
Before Melinda could reply, a warm, melodic voice drifted from the shelves. "Conflict is the spark of understanding," Laurel sang, perched within an emerald‑covered volume. The book's pages fluttered as if it had just uttered the words aloud.
Melinda inhaled slowly to steady herself. "I appreciate a neat system, Theo. But I also believe in curating an experience. A burst of color can evoke emotions more than a strict alphabet ever could. Imagine stumbling on a gradient of pinks and reds that feels like a sunrise of romance."
Theo crossed one leg over the other, leaning on a shelf. "Emotions aren't always best served in pastel palettes," he countered, tapping his chin. "Sometimes you need a clear path to what you want."
She bent to adjust a stack of paperbacks. "Clear path?" she teased, lifting Hearts Unbroken in her hand. "How would you sort this?"
He paused, meeting her eyes. "Under 'H,' with other titles about healing heartbreak. Because heartbreak is universal—ordering it by hue seems poetic, but also a bit theatrical."
Melinda set the book down but pointed to a nearby pedestal featuring Hearts Unbroken. "Or maybe it deserves its own spotlight. It's one of my favorites here." Her tone was soft, yet challenge lingered in the twinkle of her eyes.
His lips twitched into a reluctant smirk. "You're impossible."
A sudden shimmer rippled through the room as Laurel appended, "Opposites learn from each other, dear friends." Golden motes drifted from the spine of the emerald tome, dancing overhead before settling like confetti on the floor.
Their eyes met across the illuminated motes. For a heartbeat, the shop seemed to pulse with a quiet energy, as if the books themselves were leaning in to watch their banter.
Theo cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck. "Fine. I'll admit the display is visually pleasing… the color gradient flows well. But I still think customers should be able to find titles quickly, especially if they know what to look for."
Melinda straightened, crossing her arms. She stepped closer, her voice earnest. "What if I combine both? I can group by theme—heartbreak, healing, hope—and arrange each group in a rainbow of shades. That way, customers get clarity of topic and the delight of color."
He stared at her thoughtfully, considering the proposal. Then a slow, genuine smile spread across his face.
"Deal," he said, extending his hand.
She shook it firmly. In that handshake, both felt a spark—warm and hopeful—beneath the playful rivalry. The shop seemed to glow a bit brighter.
Laurel's gentle laughter trilled from a nearby audiobook collection. "And thus, the first playful disagreement ends in partnership."
Melinda rolled up her sleeves and guided Theo to the shelves. Together, they removed each title, whispering comments and questions as they worked. With every book they moved, their conversation shifted from teasing to genuine cooperation. Melinda learned Theo's favorite genres—mystical romance, ancient fables—while he discovered why she valued color over conformity: it mirrored the unpredictable journey of love itself.
After nearly an hour's diligent sorting, the new display stood complete. A soft arch of color, from deep crimson heartbreak to pale gold hope, framed neatly labeled sections. Customers who strolled by paused, drawn in by the harmony of hue and theme.
A young woman reached for a teal‑green volume under "Healing," marveling at how the pages glowed ever so slightly. Melinda caught Theo's eye and offered a proud nod. He returned it with a warm grin.
As dusk settled and lanterns cast amber pools of light, Theo slung his leather satchel over his shoulder. He turned to Melinda, eyes soft. "Thank you for teaching me a new way to look at books… and perhaps at life."
She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, flushing slightly. "And thank you for reminding me that structure can be comforting, too."
He opened the door for her, a polite gesture that made her heart flutter. "Same time tomorrow?" he asked quietly.
"With pleasure," she replied, her voice as gentle as the evening breeze.
Outside, the alley glimmered in twilight. The Love Code stood quiet and welcoming, its newly curated shelf a testament to their collaboration. In that tranquil moment, Melinda felt the tender pulse of something more: the first bud of companionship, nurtured by laughter, debate, and the shared magic of books.