Ricki laughed. “We’re only twenty minutes from Abby’s library. She doesn’t need us rolling in all sullen and glowering.”
“You might be sullen and glowering, but I’m a ray of sunshine.” Blythe reached for the stereo. “Let’s listen to some sapphic renaissance to turn around your mood.”
CHAPTER 31
Madeline burst into Abby’soffice without knocking.
Abby looked up from her desk. “Come in.”
Madeline laughed. “When are they going to get here?”
“It should be soon. Blythe texted a few minutes ago that they were twenty minutes away.”
“You’re going to stay holed up in here? You need to be in the library, leading the troops.”
“The troops?” Abby raised her eyebrow. “It’s fifteen minutes from closing time on a Thursday. Is anyone even out there?”
“Smitty’s working the circulation desk, and I’m still here.”
“You clocked out an hour ago. Any patrons?”
“Susan and her kids just left, but I think Mr. Timmons is still using the computer.”
“So not many troops for me to command.”
“Fine. Then go look sexy.” Madeline took a step toward her. “Put your hair down.”
Abby put her hand on her bun. “I’m not putting it down here.”
“I thought you said Blythe likes it that way.”
“She does, but I’m at work.”
“Oh, geez, live a little. Be adventuresome. It’s not like I asked you to unbutton your shirt.”
“I’ve been plenty adventurous.” Abby stood. “I suppose it’s best to be in the library when they come, so they won’t have to search for me.”
Madeline grinned. “Were you playing hard to get or just pretending you’re not a nervous wreck that they’ll be here soon?”
Abby glared at Madeline, realizing Madeline had known all along that Abby was hiding out in her office because her insides were doing flip-flops. As excited as she was to have Blythe and Ricki visit, she’d battled her fear all week. What if they found her life in Harveston to be too small and boring?
“Come on, sexy librarian,” Madeline said. “Maybe we can pose you on the table.”
“Should I take my clothes off first?”
Madeline laughed. “You know, you’ve been getting feistier since you’ve been dating Blythe. But you better keep your clothes on, you don’t want to give poor old Mr. Timmons a heart attack.” Madeline put her hand on Abby’s back. “You can reshelve the books that came in today. That should impress them.”
Abby hadn’t been reshelving the books long when the front door opened. Was it them? It hadn’t been twenty minutes, had it?
Before Abby could nonchalantly look, Madeline yelled, “They’re here!”
So much for subtlety or keeping quiet in the library.
Abby took a deep breath before she stepped from the stacks.
Blythe and Ricki stood just inside the door where Madeline had accosted them. Abby waved from across the library. When they noticed, both broke into huge smiles.
Abby hurried across the library, not wanting Madeline to cause another commotion. Mr. Timmons was already peering over the top of his computer screen, and she didn’t need him wandering over and asking too many questions.
