Page 23 of The Luminosity of Loriana Harper

“With you walking on one side of the street and me on the other, we need someone to carry the cart with the extras. No way can we manage.”

“I’m sure we can find a volunteer at the start. There’s bound to be someone.”

“We can’t count on that.” Desperation tinged Marnie’s voice.

After securing the workstation, he rose. As he sauntered over to the circulation desk, he stretched. Way too many kinks meant he’d spent way too much time sitting. A job well done was worth the pain, though. Although not coming back on Monday might wind up being a hardship.Huh.He hadn’t factored that into the plan. The plan was always get in and get out as quickly as possible. Now, because of his efficiency, he didn’t have an excuse to come by on Monday. Of course, this being the library, he could come by anyway, but that wasn’t the point. At least they were all going out on Monday night.

“Everything okay?”Keep it casual.

Marnie pivoted first. “Just a little logistical issue.”

Loriana turned next. “Nothing anyone needs to worry about.”

Marnie shot a glare her way.

Ah, so there was some spirit beneath the timidity. Good to know. “I’m pretty good at logistics.” Total bullshit. “Anything I can do to help?”

“No—”

“Maybe—”

Both women stopped and looked at each other. Marnie tilted her head.

“Right.” Loriana tore her gaze away from her employee. “Our part in the parade is a three-hander. Our third called in sick with a migraine. I was telling Marnie that we’ll find someone at the parade tonight to help.” She met Marnie’s gaze before turning back to him. “Marnie thinks I should ask you for help.”

Mitch glanced at Marnie, searching for some explanation. Because he was here and handy, or because she knew she could count on him? And she could, of course. “I’d be happy to help. What do you need me to do?”

He’d hoped for excitement, or even smiles of gratitude. Instead, awkward silence. More was going on here, but he couldn’t put his finger on what it was.

Finally, at length, Marnie spoke. “Normally Johanna and Loriana walk down each side of the street handing out whatever we’re giving away. This year it’s wood wands with stars on the end. You know, make a wish upon a star. The library’s name is embossed.”

And the problem? “I assume you need someone to carry the extras?”

Another glance between the women.

“Yes, we have a cart on wheels. Normally I pull it.”

“But I think Marnie should be giving away the wands instead of some stranger.”

Ah, that was the death glare he was witnessing. Hah, he knew the women well enough that he could quickly diagnose the problem. “Well, I’m good with pulling the cart.”

Marnie glowered.

“Or I can hand out wands.”

Her brow unfurrowed, and Loriana’s snapped together.

He was enjoying himself far too much and smothered his chuckle with a cough. “If one of you ladies could check out the last workstation for me, that’d be great. What time is the parade?”

“We gather at six-thirty.” Loriana gave him a long look. “You’ll need to dress warmly. It’s supposed to be cold and snowing tonight. We should be done by eight.” She shot Marnie a glance. “I’ll come and check the computer.”

“That’d be appreciated.”

“I have some books to shelve.” Marnie didn’t smile. She didn’t pout—but she definitely didn’t smile.

Loriana rounded the circulation desk and headed to the computer Mitch’d been working on. She dropped into the seat and started typing.

“I hope I didn’t speak out of turn.”

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