CLOSED STARTER FOR @redheadmindreader.
Jamie frequented the Echo Springs bookshop so often that she was known to every staff member. Her niche orders of books regarding her work had made her recognisable to them fairly quickly, which, in turn, had resulted in certain perks. For example, she was able to stand in the woefully small Art section with a book in her hand, quite clearly reading, and not be disturbed by any members of staff. She was, in fact, alone in this particular area of the shop, until a young man wandered over to the Music section.
Jamie kept her eyes trained her book for a few more moments, but, out of the corner of her eye, she could see that the young man was clearly looking for something. He looked exhausted -- pale and tired and distracted. And, though it was rather unusual for her to do so, he looked so pathetic and woebegone that she called over to him, “May I be of some assistance? Are you looking for something?” Her tone slightly too friendly, almost patronising, but not overtly so. She closed the book she had been reading, and smiled at him, the perfect emulation of a warm and friendly expression.