Page 168 of That Rush

Chapter 23

Aiden

Paige asked me to bring three rolls of blue painter’s tape, one box of thick markers, and Josie.

I brought all three, and added an extra box of markers, clear tape, scissors, batteries, and the good extension cord from the barn.

Hope and electrical tape hold the library’s extension cord together.

It does not count.

As we cross the lawn, Josie hurries to keep up. “Dad, you’re supposed to give me the purple bag.”

“It’s being safely transported. By me. That counts.”

“But I’m the official prize helper.”

“You’re also carrying six reading maps, a water bottle, and a stuffed horse.”

“Sprinkle is supervising.”

I look at the horse tucked beneath her arm. “She seems unqualified.”

“Paige said everyone gets a fresh chance.”

Paige stands beneath a canopy near the library entrance, directing two volunteers while a line of families forms at the registration table. The warm breeze presses her yellow dress against her legs, her hair twisted up and pinned with a pencil.

She sees us and smiles as a child knocks over a container of bookmarks. Paige catches it before the contents hit the grass.

“Excellent save,” I say when we reach her.

“I have highly specialized training.” Her gaze drops to the supplies in my arms. “What is all this?”

“Everything you asked for.”

“I asked for tape and markers.”

“You also need scissors.”

“We have scissors.”

“Where?”

She turns toward the registration table, pauses, then looks back at me. “Somewhere extremely secure.”

“I brought scissors.”

Paige takes the coffee balanced on top of the supply bin. Her fingers brush mine around the cup.

“One sugar,” I tell her. “And the lemon-blueberry muffin is in the paper bag beneath the batteries.”

The tension leaves her face. “I didn’t ask for coffee.”

“You’ve been here since seven.”

“You’re deciding what I need again.”

“You can refuse it.”