Delphine looked down at him. “Hello, Poe. Planning any escapes today?”
Poe blinked slowly, as if he were thinking about it.
Delphine reached out and scratched behind his ears. Poe’s eyes closed. A rumbling purr started up from somewhere deep in his chest.
Annie stared. “He’s purring.”
“Weird, right?” I asked.
“He must like Mom,” Annie said. “Which can only mean one thing.”
Annie and I shared a secret smile.
“You’re a cat, Mom,” Annie said. “Dorian and I are dogs.”
“Yes, well, I’ve been called worse,” Delphine said, laughing. “And you two have dog energy for miles. So yeah, I agree.”
“Poe doesn’t like anyone,” Dorian said. “Except you. Feel free to take him home with you.”
“Maybe I will.” Delphine gave him a few more pets. “But I should go or I’m going to be late.”
“Wait, Mom, why are you here?” Annie asked.
Delphine started. “Right. I came by to … find a new book.”
I had a distinct feeling that wasn’t true, but what other reason would she come by the shop?
“But I’m actually running late, so I should go,” Delphine said. “Honey, are you coming with me?”
“I’m going to stay and work,” Annie said, with a note of pride in her voice. “For however long Dorian needs me.”
“Great. I’ll be on my way then.” Delphine squeezed her daughter’s shoulder. “Have fun.” She turned to leave but seemed to change her mind, looking back at me. “There was one thing—the book you recommended is exquisite. I finished it last night.”
“That’s great. I’m glad you … liked it. That hardly seems right, though.”
“Right? How can one say they love a book about grief?” Delphine said. “But it was helpful. And the writing’s just so impossibly beautiful.”
I glanced at Annie, who was staring at her mother as if she couldn’t believe what she was seeing or hearing.
Delphine gestured toward the door but stayed put. “Anyway, so that’s what I wanted to tell you and to apologize for overreacting the other day. It’s been bothering me.”
“It’s okay,” I said. “I completely understand. And you already apologized.”
“Does this mean I get to finish it now?” Annie asked, smiling.
“I left it on your bed before I left,” Delphine said. “I’m off. Have a good day. Both of you.”
Before we could wish her the same, she was out the door, leaving me with Annie, who stared after her mother with a befuddled expression on her young face. She turned toward me. “My mom likes you. I know it may not seem like it, but she does.”
My heart leapt. “How can you tell?”
“First off, she hardly ever apologizes or feels bad about hurting someone’s feelings. I know that sounds like a terrible quality but it’s just that she’s so proud and guarded. So afraid to get hurt. Her mother … was difficult. Very critical. And then my dad died and she got worse. She’s soft under that hard shell she shows the world.”
I nodded, unsure what to say.
“She came by to see you, not to get a book. That’s all we need to know.” Annie narrowed her eyes. ‘Do you like her?”
“I do. But she’s scary.”
