Prior to boarding the train back to Berwyn, Abby fought a bout of dizziness, which she’d attributed to the whirlwind pace of the day. Blythe still thought she looked pale, but not as chalky as she had earlier.
Once they were on the platform, Blythe put her arm around Abby’s waist. “Feeling better?”
Abby nodded. “I should have brought a snack. I’m not used to eating big meals and having nothing in between.”
“Please, tell us next time if you need something to tide you over.” Blythe pulled Abby closer. “I don’t want you passing out.”
“The heat didn’t help.” Abby fanned herself. “I can’t believe how hot it is in June. Didn’t it used to be July and August when it was sweltering in the city?”
“Climate change,” Ricki muttered over her shoulder from in front of them.
For the last half hour, she’d seemed grumpy, but Blythe couldn’t put her finger on why. They’d had a tremendous day, hitting the hot spots in Chicago. Ricki had outdone herself, capturing some amazing footage. Blythe had even complimented her multiple times on the quality, so it couldn’t be Blythe’s lack of gratitude causing the irritation. Perhaps it was the heat. Ricki hated humidity, and the city had beenmelty, as Ricki called it.
The train ride back to Berwyn had been quiet. On the ride, Abby had rested her head on Blythe’s shoulder for much of the trip, and Ricki stared out the train window, snapping pictures as the scenery whizzed past. At one point, Blythe was certain Abby had fallen asleep, but when Abby jerked awake, she’d denied it.
“A nice steak dinner should perk you up,” Blythe said.
Abby sighed and then shot a look at Blythe. Blythe pretended not to notice. “Sorry, I’d forgotten we have reservations. How much time do we have? I need a shower.”
Blythe checked her watch. “Reservations aren’t until eight. I knew we’d be late getting back.”
“That doesn’t tell me how long I have to get ready,” Abby said.
Ricki had gotten several yards ahead of them as they walked to the parking garage, so Blythe called, “Hey, how long of a drive is it to the restaurant?”
“Shouldn’t take over fifteen minutes. Twenty if there’s traffic.”
“Plenty of time for you to shower,” Blythe said to Abby.
“And time to put our feet up for a little bit?” Abby lifted her foot higher as she walked. “I should have worn better shoes.”
Blythe grinned and raised her eyebrows several times. “I’ll give you a foot massage when we get home from dinner.”
“My feet are sensitive, so nobody touches them, but as tired as they are, I might take you up on the deal.”
“The offer stands.” Blythe ran her hand along Abby’s back. “I should have told you I’d planned to show youallthe city.”
Abby nodded. “When you’d said we were going to a Cubs game, I figured we’d be sitting for several hours.”
“Are you kidding?” Ricki said, surprising Blythe since she didn’t think Ricki had been paying attention as she marched toward the parking garage. “Blythe has never stayed at a baseball game for more than five innings in the entire time we’ve been friends.”
“But it seems like a waste of money.” Abby turned to Blythe. “No offense. It’s just…you know.”
“That’s why I always get bleacher seats.” Blythe flicked her hand toward Ricki. “I wanted to get rooftop seats for your visit, but Scrooge McDuck said no.”
“I’m not paying three hundred dollars to watch three innings. That’s one hundred dollars an inning.”
“There were some for a hundred and fifty.”
“I’m also not paying fifty dollars per inning.” Ricki slowed as they approached the parking garage. “Don’t you think it’s a waste of money?” Ricki asked Abby.
Abby raised her hands and smiled. “Oh, no. I’m staying out of your disputes. If there’s one thing I learned today, it’s that.”
“Disputes?” Blythe batted her eyelashes at Abby. “What do you mean?”
“Spats. Fights. Disagreements. Skirmishes,” Abby said.
Ricki laughed. “Never challenge a librarian. They have an abundance of synonyms for every occasion.”
