I wasn't optimistic about selling books when I left the building this morning at 9:45. Although it wasn't a heavy rain, the forecast called for possible showers throughout the day. Things got better at the old house. There was leftover shrimp in the fridge and sis said I was welcomed to it. It was a great lunch. It was very overcast as I made my way to the front of Chase at Bay Parkway and 85th. I didn't think I'd be there long. I could hear the fire and brimstone coming from the corner of 86th, where two of the preachers were railing. I spotted Jack as he was just about to enter the bank and called out to him. I had a couple of thrillers I knew he would be interested in -- if he hadn't read them. He hadn't, so I was happy that the session wouldn't be a total loss if the skies suddenly opened up. Later, while Ralph was picking out four works of non-fiction, Johnny happened along and asked if I'd yet gotten any Sherlock Holmes. I hadn't, but as luck would have it he spotted
Rising Star and had to have it. Throughout our conversation I wasn't sure if he was kidding me or trying to play me. "Was that five bucks?" he said. "Ten," I returned, although I feared he would back out of the deal, even though it came with three other books, two political works and a James Patterson co-write hardcover, all in very good condition. He was a character. Then another came along -- Bad News Billy. I hadn't seen him in a long time, as he'd worn out his welcome at Chase. He had to withdraw more than 200 bucks from the ATM to settle his bill with the gas company. As usual he insisted on giving me money and I ran to my car and brought back five VHS tapes of popular movies, which included the original
RoboCop (1987). I was tempted to leave early to beat the rain. I'm glad I didn't. Soon Carl approached, and focused on the sign hung round my neck. He removed large headphones, and I summarized each of the five remaining of my books. He chose
A Hitch in Twilight. He once worked in the web department of St. Martin's Press. Finally, an old timer, James, took a thorough look at the wares. He regretted that he no longer had the patience to read. We got to talking and he mentioned that he'd lived in the area his entire life and was a graduate of Lafayette H. S., class of '62. We reminisced about fishing along the Belt Parkway, then he wished me luck and went on his way. My thanks to these fine folks and to the others who purchased books. Some days the percentages simply turn in one's favor. It seems they're bound to if you make the effort to be out there.
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
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