| |
I felt my face fall and then quickly regained control.
Apparently not quickly enough, however, because his expression clearly reflected his concern. “Sorry . . . you don’t want to, do you? Don’t worry about telling me no. Believe me, I know how much you have going on at the library and the fact you’re already writing a column for them: ‘Ask Fitz’, right? Plus you’re running programs there and doing research and running away from our homeowner association president.”
I gave him a weak smile. Zelda Smith was often in pursuit of Grayson and me. She was always trying to recruit new blood to the HOA leadership.
“I’d love to do it,” I said, managing a better smile this time. And I was surprised that I meant it. Who knew—maybe it would give me more excuses for conversations with Grayson? Maybe this could be a common interest of ours. Maybe . . . it could lead to something else.
He beamed at me. “Really? That’s great. I noticed the paper needed better regular content and I think this will work out perfectly for what I was thinking.”
I asked, “What kind of content were you thinking about?”
He said, “That’s why I was hoping you’d be able to fit this in. Because all I want you to cover is what’s easiest for you to write. So that could be book recommendations for different genres, maybe a paragraph about upcoming events at the library, library services people might not know about, that kind of thing. I was hoping it wouldn’t take too much time for you to write up.”
It was honestly the kind of thing I could probably write in my sleep. All I did most of the day was to help patrons find good books, talk up events, and push library services.
“And if you had a time when you really couldn’t think of anything, you could always just post a picture of Fitz,” said Grayson with a grin.
I snorted. “That’s exactly what we do on the library’s social media accounts when we’re at a loss. The sad thing is that a picture of Fitz lying on his back gets more engagement online than the posts we put a lot of time and thought into creating.” I paused. “Since it sounds like I might be representing the library, I’m going to run this by my director, Wilson. But it’s exactly the kind of thing he loves—more exposure for the library—so I’m pretty sure he’ll want me to do it.”
“That’s great.” There was a wooden bench a few yards away and Grayson settled on it and took his daypack off. He glanced up at me and smiled a little shyly. “I put a couple of sandwiches and some snacks in here just in case you said you’d come along on the hike. Would you like one? They’re nothing fancy, just ham and cheese.”
He pulled out a little cooler bag from the daypack and I nodded, sitting down next to him. I got out my water bottle and we sat there for a few minutes, eating and watching the water. Watching a waterfall for me was almost like sitting on the beach and watching the ocean waves—super lulling and relaxing and somehow ever-changing. I could have sat there all day . . . especially with Grayson, even with our ‘just friends’ status.
After a while, Grayson brightened. “Hey, I just got another idea for a column.”
I must have winced because he chuckled. “Don’t worry, I won’t pull you into this one.” He tilted his head to one side thoughtfully. “Or will I?”
“What’s this mysterious column?” I asked.
“I was just thinking that maybe other folks don’t know a lot about the trails out here. Maybe they just moved here like me . . . maybe they just retired to the lake. Or maybe people in Whitby always choose the same hike because they know it well but they’d like the opportunity to try something different if they knew how strenuous or easy a trail was or what the views might be.” Grayson talked quickly, warming to his subject.
I nodded. “That’s probably true. I’ve been on most of them, I think, but that’s because I grew up here. Still, I tend to choose the same trails over and over again. Like today—I thought immediately about the waterfall trail.”
“So it might be fun if I choose a different trail every week and then talk about what it was like—how well the trail was marked, how difficult the walk was, how well it was maintained, how many people were hiking it that day, if there were spots for a picnic, what views were there along the way—stuff like that.” He smiled at me and my heart melted just a little again. “That’s where I thought you might want to come in. Maybe you could be my trail guide for at least some of them, since you’re more familiar with them.”
I considered this. In some ways, it sounded like I might be signing myself up for self-torture. Spending time with Grayson, but as friends. Or, really, hiking buddies.
He must have been able to read my conflicting feelings on my face because he hurriedly added, “Or maybe you could just even sit down with me and provide me with some ideas on where to start.”
“I’d be glad to do that,” I said. “When I was a teenager, my friends and I hiked just about every trail within thirty miles. I could give you a rundown of them.” I hesitated. I didn’t want to commit to going on the trails with Grayson, although I did want to spend more time with him and get to know him better. But I also didn’t want to get hurt. “And if my schedule will let me, I’d be happy to go on a few with you, too.”
He brightened. “That would be great, Ann. Thanks.”
I was grateful that the rest of our hike together was easy. Not only because we were headed back downhill, but because we had a really easy-going conversation between the two of us.
After returning home from the hike, I really did take it easy. Fitz and I camped out on the sofa and I read more of And Then There Were None before finally turning on the television and zoning out in front of something silly, mindless and fun. I ended up turning in a couple of hours earlier than I usually do with Fitz curled up with me on the bed. As soon as I turned the light off, I must have fallen right to sleep because the next thing I realized, my alarm was blaring and the morning light was peeking through the blinds.
An hour later, I helped Fitz into the cat carrier and we set off for the library. I felt myself relaxing even more as I got out of the car and walked toward the building. It was a beautiful old Carnegie library in the Greek revival style and one of my favorite places anywhere. I had wonderful memories from when I was a kid with my great-aunt here at the library. I could remember getting my first library card and feeling so important and grown-up. I spent hours curled up reading Nancy Drew books in the children’s section while my aunt copied recipes from the periodicals. It felt like home just as much as my house did.
As I walked up to the library, I slowed down. Someone had hung a poster of Fitz on the inside of the door. It was, of course, an adorable picture of Fitz looking especially welcoming. The poster had “Whitby Library” on it and “Fitz the Library Cat.” It had to be Wilson’s doing. He’d originally been a little doubtful about having a cat in the library, but had not only warmed to the idea but had practically made Fitz a member of the staff.
Wilson had beaten me in and hurried up to me as I walked in the door. I set Fitz’s carrier on the floor and let him out.
“Thank goodness you brought the cat back. All the patrons were asking where he was all weekend. It was exhausting,” said Wilson. “Maybe the next time you should just leave him at the library, instead. We could all chip in to feed him and empty his litter and whatnot.”
I grinned at him. “That’s what I was afraid of. I had the feeling I’d come back and Fitz would have gained five pounds from everyone feeding him.” I tilted my head to one side. “I saw the poster of Fitz by the door.”
Wilson looked proud. “Doesn’t it look good? I thought it evoked a very warm welcome for the library.”
“It certainly evokes a very cute one,” I said with a snort.
Fitz, clearly knowing what side his bread was buttered on, flopped down in front of Wilson and rolled over on his back, purring. Wilson gave him a perfunctory scratch under his chin, but then capitulated when Fitz rolled back over and bumped Wilson’s hand with his head.
I chuckled. “He wants you to pick him up.”
Wilson looked uncertain about this.
“I brushed him last night and he won’t shed. Your suit is very safe.”
Wilson cautiously picked Fitz up and Fitz immediately curled his head under Wilson’s chin. Wilson’s face softened as he allowed himself a snuggle with the orange and white cat.
“Actually,” said Wilson a bit gruffly, “I’m not only glad Fitz is back. It’s very good to have you and Luna back, too.” He glanced at the clock. “At least, I suppose Luna is coming back?”
Wilson was very punctual. He and I were both very much alike that way. I always felt if I wasn’t fifteen minutes early, I was running late. Luna had a slightly more laid-back take on time, which had caused Wilson some angst in the past. At this point, however, Luna was always right on time. Just not as early as Wilson and I always were.
“She’ll be here,” I said.
Wilson nodded, rubbing Fitz absently as he held him in his arms. “I had something of a brainstorm while you were both away.”
“Did you?” I asked. I really hoped his brainstorm was that we needed more library staff. We’d been at a breaking point for a while. The library was a popular place, which I was delighted over, but we were so low on staff that it always felt we were scrambling. It was the sort of staffing situation where we were all in a real bind if someone was sick or wanted to take a day off. I’d mentioned this to Wilson for ages, but he always insisted we were in good shape. That our volunteers could help us bridge any staffing issues we had.
Wilson said, “That’s right. I noticed our volunteers seemed to be running a little ragged while you two were gone. And there was frequently a line at the circulation desk, even with self-checkout. I think we’re going to need to hire more staff.”
I hid a smile. I loved the way Wilson acted as if he’d had a sudden realization, a moment of brilliance. That it was all his own idea. But however he presented it, I was vastly relieved to hear it. “I think you’re right.”
He nodded briskly, making Fitz move his head away from Wilson’s chin and give him a reproachful look. “I certainly don’t want to overtax our volunteers, and it appeared they felt overwhelmed this weekend.”
“If we don’t have our volunteers to help shelve and check out patrons, we really will be in trouble. We definitely don’t want to run them off.” I paused. “What do you think about us hosting a volunteer appreciation day? Do you think we have funds in the budget for a small lunch? Something casual, maybe?”
Wilson brightened. “That’s a marvelous idea. I could speak with our Friends of the Library and see if that’s something their funds could cover. Otherwise, I’m sure there’s likely a bit of excess money in our budget to handle it. I’ll leave you in charge of the details, Ann.”
I nodded, trying not to sigh. Naturally. This was usually where my bright ideas landed me . . . with more work.
Wilson’s face suddenly flushed and he carefully put Fitz back down, brushing off non-existent cat fur from his suit jacket. I turned to see Luna coming into the library with her mother, Mona, in tow. Mona was carrying a tote bag.
The library phone rang and Wilson seemed to view it as being saved by the bell. “I’d better answer that.” He hurried off in the direction of his office.
Luna rolled her eyes at me and Mona gave a frustrated sigh. “That man,” she murmured.
“But you’ve made plenty of progress, Mom,” said Luna.
“That’s true.” She brightened. “And I’m determined not to be pushy. I’m trying to be very subtle. You do think he likes me, though?”
“How could he help himself?” I asked with a smile. Mona was definitely an attractive woman. Smart, too. And she wasn’t pushy. Wilson was just rather introverted and unsure about how to handle the situation. But I could tell he was warming to it all.
Mona reached into her tote bag and pulled out a plate carefully covered with plastic wrap. “A little bird told me Wilson was particularly fond of Rice Krispy treats, so I’ve made some.”
“Do you want me to put them in his office?” I asked.
Mona shook her head vigorously. “Oh, no. Subtle, remember. But if you could put them in your breakroom, that would be wonderful. I’ve put a little note on there to indicate they’re for everyone.”
Luna said, “Maybe that will sweeten him up. Which he could definitely use.”
Mona said, “I’m going to head off to the periodical section and work on my needlepoint for a while. Ann, if I lose track of time this afternoon, would you let me know when film club is about to start?”
I nodded. It still amazed me how Mona had become such great member of film club, which was a motley assortment of mainly male members of varying ages and interests. She always brought a unique perspective to the group and really helped facilitate discussion.
Plus, she sometimes brought snacks.
Mona patted her tote bag and said, “I made extra treats for the film club, since I already had all the ingredients out.”
I chuckled. “You’ve already won them over, you know. Now they’re going to be addicted to special treats. I always just make popcorn. Now they’ll be spoiled and want something more elaborate.”
“Which would be fine with me! I just need something to do. If it’s baking, that’s fine, too. I’ve just gotten tired of hanging around the house and not seeing people.”
Luna gave her a hug. “You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that.” Mona, for a long time after a series of health problems, hadn’t wanted to leave her house at all. But after Luna, who’d wanted to keep a closer eye on her mom, had started bringing her to the library during the day, she’d slowly come out of her shell.
Mona walked in the direction of the periodicals section, which was near a large gas fireplace. Fitz started bounding after her.
“Looks like you have company, Mona,” I said.
She looked behind her and smiled. “Is it all right if I turn on the fire? It’s a little nippy this morning and Fitz really enjoys it.”
“Go ahead,” I said. Soon there were going to be plenty of patrons here and they’d all want the fire on since it was such a chilly morning.
“I’d better go see what kind of shape the children’s section is in,” said Luna, wincing. “I have the feeling it might be a disaster since I’ve been gone a couple of days.”
I said, “From what Wilson said, it was a madhouse here all weekend. Lots of patrons and the staff and volunteers couldn’t keep up.”
“So definitely a disaster.” Luna blew out a sigh.
“For sure. But the good news is that Wilson said he’s going to hire some more staff.”
Luna lit up. “You mean he finally saw the light?”
“Apparently so. I guess it took both of us being gone on a busy weekend for him to make the connection that yes, we really do need an extra set of hands.”
“So a full-time position.”
I said, “I’m guessing so. That’s what it sounded like.” I glanced up. “He’s heading back over here.”
“Which is my cue to scurry out to clean up the picture books.”
Luna started hurrying away, but Wilson raised a hand to stop her.
“I wanted to have a quick word with you both,” he said.