Abby squeezed Roberta’s arm and grinned down at her. The realization that Roberta appeared shorter than she had during Abby’s interview eight years ago struck Abby. While she knew people shrank with age, it still caught her off guard seeing the formidable woman showing signs of frailty.
As they walked to the front of the library, Roberta returned to the topic of Abby’s videos. Abby had hoped to avoid any further discussion.
“I’m sure you’ve been asked this a million times, but I have to ask it myself.”
Abby had had enough awkward questions over the past few weeks, but she’d humor Roberta. “I’m not sure I’ll have any answers, but by all means, ask.”
“Why don’t you ever speak in your videos?”
Ugh.Of course, it had to be the question she least liked to answer. She could give the pat answer she gave everyone else.I just love dancing, so words don’t seem all that necessary.
Instead, she answered, “Because I have nothing others will want to hear.”
CHAPTER 5
“We don’t have tohang out here all the time.” Madeline motioned to the pile of books on Abby’s desk. “We could go to the Watering Hole.”
Abby glanced at the stack and noticed the top book was askew. She straightened it before she said, “You think I’m boring, don’t you?”
“No. I didn’t say that.” Madeline grinned. “None of my other friends are social media sensations.”
Abby rolled her eyes. “I’d hardly call myself a sensation. Besides, you know I hate bars. They’re so noisy.”
“Spoken like a true introverted librarian.” Madeline dropped into the chair across from Abby’s desk.
“You don’t have to stay here with me. I’m sure Smitty would go to the bar with you.”
“She’s twelve. I’d be delinquenting a minor.”
“She’s twenty-four.”
“No way.” Madeline shook her head, and the pencil she always kept behind her ear flew to the ground. “Shit. Where did it go?”
Abby rolled back in her chair, picked up the pencil, and handed it to Madeline.
“Isn’t she still working on her degree at ISU?” Madeline said as she shoved it behind her ear.
“Yeah. So?”
“Isn’t twenty-four a little old for that?”
“She didn’t want to be burdened by debt, so she’s working here and going to school part time. Next semester is her last.”
“Smart.” Madeline nodded. “I’ll be paying off my loans until I’m eighty.” Madeline slapped her knee. “Hey, speaking of eighty, did you ever talk to Roberta’s sister?”
“Roberta’s not eighty.”
“Close enough.” Madeline shrugged. “Well, did you?”
“We’ve exchanged a few private messages. She’s given me a different perspective on this insta fame stuff.” Abby laughed at herself. “Sure, like I can call two viral videos fame.”
“The hell you can’t! Do you know how many times I’ve seen your video show up in my feeds?”
“That’s because you’ve been following me forever. I’m sure they’ll fade from everyone else’s soon.”
“They will if you don’t create new content. It’s been over a week since you’ve posted anything.”
“With everything happening, I haven’t read any books to review.”
