Tabitha Lockwood was used to the dripping of the faulty tap in the back, she was used to the layer of dust that coated the books and shelves in her shop…people after all rarely had time to read, even in a small town like Storybrooke. People rarely graced the shop with their presence but she was used to her own company, preferred it in fact. An eyelid was barely batted as the bell over the door chimed; she just carried on chewing the top of her pen as she took stock,
"That's bad for your teeth you know dearie." Mr Gold smiled as he limped towards the counter and the girl who was at present, unnaturally focused on the book in front of her.
"I've never taken you as one to care," The blue eyed bookkeeper met his gaze, assessing in a few seconds his stance, "Nor did I ever count dentistry among your many…talents."
She felt her lips twitch into a slight smile. Not many in this people understood Gold, let alone welcomed him. She liked to keep up the pretence.
"Now whatever could a business man like yourself want with little ol' me?" she asked
"I have a proposition for you Miss Lockwood."
Tabitha or Tabby as she was known by most of the town was a petite little thing and about as far from the mousy bookkeeper persona that she put across as someone could get. There was something off about her and he'd be damned if he didn't discover it eventually, after all, there was very little in this town he didn't know.
"Oh but I've heard all about your deals Mr Gold. What would I have to gain by entering into this arrangement? More to lose I assume, and my assumptions are nearly always correct." She reeled off with a grin that would put the Cheshire cat to shame.
Mr Gold raised an eyebrow, faking offence at her statement.
"Now now, my dear. You don't even know what I'm about to suggest."
"Charm will get you nowhere oh landlord of mine." Tabby lied as she scrutinised the older gentlemen, she squared her shoulders and folded her arms. She wasn't scared of him. "What do you want?"
"All sweetness and light, aren't we?" he chimed in, "I have in my possession a curious object, a book. Of course-"
"Obviously if you've come to me." Tabby muttered under her breath.
"And since all books were made to be read, not made to collect dust on my selves, I thought you may be interested…as you are the towns resident bookworm." He took out a heavy volume and set it down on the counter. Tabby let her fingers dance over the heavy leather cover.
"Once upon a time?"
"What? Is it unbelievable that a man of my age likes to sit down to a nice cup of tea and enjoy the tales of Miss Alice in Wonderland?" he quipped.
Wonderland…
The word echoed in Tabby's mind and for that spilt second her eyes glazed over.
Wonderland, The mad hatter, the Cheshire cat, the red queen….
The memories hit within a split second and then it was over, she remembered.
"Miss Lockwood?"
"Er, sorry R-Gold….drifted off for a second there." She shook her head in an attempt to clear it, for a second she was back in wonderland. "What's the catch? And don't bs me Gold, there is always catch with you."
He paused in thought for a moment, running his fingers longingly over the novel,
"No catch, you take the book. Finding it a home is all I want. That's not too hard now is it?"
Tabby stuck her hand out, "Fine"
"I believe the deal is struck, Miss Lockwood."