Abby’s face lit up, and Blythe knew she’d said the right thing.
CHAPTER 14
Abby sat back onher heels and laughed at the pile she’d stacked around herself. Blythe had left over an hour ago, and Abby had been browsing Ricki’s bookshelves since.
“You’d think I’d never seen a book before,” Abby said.
Ricki put her hand against her chest and pretended to swoon. “I’m taking it as a huge compliment that a professional finds my collection appealing.”
“I’d hardly call myself a professional.” Abby’s cheeks heated. “I’m a librarian, not a literary scholar.”
“Now you’re just flattering me.” Ricki grinned. “I doubt many of my books would interest a literary scholar.”
“Are you kidding?” Abby picked up a copy ofOdysseyby Homer. “You have all the classics.”
“Cheap paperbacks.”
Abby opened the book and flipped through the pages. “With notes all over the margins.” She picked upPride and Prejudiceand paged through it. “Is your degree in literature?”
Ricki shook her head. “Something just as useless. History. That’s why I’m working in a job I hate.”
“I’m sorry.” Abby put her hand on Ricki’s arm. “Blythe said you’ve been unhappy for years.”
Color rose in Ricki’s cheeks, and Abby wondered if she’d revealed too much.
“I shouldn’t pry.” Abby waved her hand. “Just ignore me.”
“No, no. Not at all. I’m being overly sensitive, and my boss has been extra lately, so I’m jumpy.” Ricki picked up a book from the stack. “It’s the curse of loving history, literature, and photography. Not much of a career calling.” Ricki met Abby’s gaze. “But I’m glad you found a career you love.”
Abby glanced at the book in Ricki’s hand, not wanting to meet her gaze. She didn’t want to brag when Ricki was struggling, but it was true; Abby had been fortunate. “You’re still young. There’s plenty of time to explore your options.”
“I suppose.” Ricki didn’t look up. Instead, she paged through the book in her hand. “Maybe someday. Who knows?”
“I do,” Abby said, surprising herself. She wavedPride and Prejudice.“I read some of your notes.”
Ricki groaned. “I was afraid that’s what you were doing. Ramblings of an amateur.”
“I wouldn’t say that.” Abby met Ricki’s gaze and held it. There was something about Ricki’s soft, intelligent eyes that put Abby at ease, making her bolder. “I’d say ramblings of someone with a lot of heart.”
“Ramblings just the same.” Ricki grinned.
“Stop.” Abby reached over and smacked Ricki on the arm. “Stop being so self-deprecating.” Abby shook her head. “My best friend Madeline would pass out if she heard me telling you that. She calls me the queen of self-deprecation.”
Ricki smiled. “Perhaps we can inspire each other.”
“I’d like that.” Abby grabbedThe Color Purplefrom the stack and hugged it against her chest. “Can I borrow this one?”
“You’ve never readThe Color Purple?”
“Not with your notes in it.”
“Take it. If you like to read drivel.”
“I’d hardly callThe Color Purpledrivel.” Abby bit her tongue, trying not to laugh when she saw the look of horror on Ricki’s face.
“No! That’s not what I meant.” Ricki shook her head hard. “It’s one of my favorites.”
Abby burst out laughing. “I was teasing. I knew what you meant.”
