bookseller v. bookseller?

So, since I'm kind of smart and also have, on my OWN TIME (to quote mad guy from earlier), researched the new movies and tv shows that might have a book tie-in, I ordered a bunch of copies of "The Devil Wears Prada" for the store. We have a nice little step-ladder that displays these titles and I like to keep it full. I actually find pleasure in researching the upcoming movies or other media tie-ins that I can display. (Which is maybe why I should realize my true calling as a research librarian. Love the research. Don't love the writing.)

Today we sold the last copy of "TDWP." So, when a customer called requesting we hold it, I explained that we had sold out, but I may be able to order a copy. No such luck--our warehouses are out, maybe because a new version is being printed with a movie tie-in? She understood and said she would try elsewhere.

Because it was a quiet day and I'm a curious person, I decided to call an affiliated store that's within walking distance to see what their availability was. I figured that it would save me a phone call later in the day if I could say, "Well, our other stores are also out" blah blah blah. Or, hopefully, say, "Our store at this location has 5000 copies, so you can easily go there."

I called the affiliated location, stated that I'm from my store, and said that I'm curious as to how many copies of "TDWP" they have in stock. The woman began to look it up, then stopped and said, VERY shortly, "Where did you say you were from?" I re-stated, and she kind of grunted. "And why do you want to know this?" Her voice was hard. Like, the tone you'd take when dealing with a particularly difficult customer.
"Well, we're out, and it seems as though the warehouse is back-ordered, so I wanted to check with you because people have been asking..."
and I thought, as a fellow bookseller, she would realize that, if a customer says, "Okay, well I'll try [other location]," I'd like to be able to tell them if the other location is also out. I don't want my customers trekking all over the city for a book that's back-ordered.
"Um, yeah, we have PLENTY."


Did I just cross some unwritten bookseller line? I'm a little confused as to why she was so unwilling to inform me. Did she think I was going to send someone over to buy all their copies? I mean, I'm not from a rival bookstore! We're supposed to be friends! It's the same company!

I'm still confused about her abruptness. Maybe she was really busy and I interrupted her. But even if I'm really busy, I always make time to accomodate other booksellers calling to check on an ISBN for a customer. These are my people. They deal with all the shit I do. The LAST thing I would do is to be rude to them.

So, lady-at-other-store:

I know your job can suck. I really REALLY do. But don't be mean to me. I was saving you from answering a few phone calls. I wanted our company to look informed. I am your friend in this crazy book world.

And I just stood for 9 hours straight as well.

(and I'm really the last person to take it out on.)

kea.