Page 25 of Crazy in Love

“I’m fine. I didn’t want to bother you because it was nothing. I just needed a rest and a pain pill.”

“Stubborn isn’t your best quality.”

“Where were you?” he said, glancing at his watch and seeing it was after nine. “Hot date?”

“Right.” She smirked. “’Cause this town is crawling with eligible men. I went to dinner with the girls. Brought you a burger.” She handed him a Rusty Nail to-go box.

“Ooh. Thanks.” He opened it, pulled out a few fries, and popped them into his mouth.

“Maddie’s show’s season premiere is next week, and we’re gonna get together to watch it. Probably at the inn if you want to come.”

“I don’t know. My schedule’s pretty full.”

“Sarcasm, also not a good look on you.”

“Hey, I start PT on Thursday. Think you could drive me? If not, I’ll ask Mom or Dad.”

“I’ll check the schedule tomorrow. Maybe I can get away for a couple of hours.”

“Thanks.” He hated being vulnerable. Even if it was just a ride from his sister, asking for help crushed his soul. Hopefully, PT would put him on the fast track to losing the cane and being able to fend for himself.

CHAPTER NINE

It had been over a week, and no one had claimed the stray cat. But Faith had already known nobody would. She’d named him Tiger and was pretty sure he was her mom reincarnated, come back to help her run the business.

Wednesday and Thursday were Faith’s regular days off from the salon. Which was why she had the morning free to work the register at the bookstore when Brandon called in sick. Things like this made her more and more confident in her decision to stop taking hair appointments.

Today will bring big news. Potentially upsetting, but think it through before you react. Faith finished reading her horoscope and set down her phone.Great.

The front door bells jingled, announcing a customer.

“Morning, Mrs. Baker,” Faith greeted. “Anything I can help you with?”

“I need a few books,” she said. “One for my granddaughter, who’s just learning to read, and a couple for my husband, who needs something to keep his mind off his chemo.” Faith knew nothing of grandchildren but lots about chemo.

“I’m sorry Mr. Baker is going through that,” Faith said. “I know how hard it can be.”

“Of course you do, dear. We all miss her.”

Faith nodded. She’d had plenty of time to come to terms with her mother’s passing. The sickness dragged out forever, and theend came as no surprise. But it was still sometimes jarring to remember she’d never see her again.

Tiger jumped onto the counter and nudged Mrs. Baker’s arm. Almost as if mentioning her mom had summoned him, further confirming Faith’s suspicion.

“What have we here?” Mrs. Baker stroked the cat. “Who’s this?”

It’s my mom, Faith thought, but didn’t say. That was crazy, even for her. “His name’s Tiger. He’s Page Turners’ new mascot.”

Mrs. Baker roamed the shop, picked out several books, and brought them to check out.

“Thank you, dear. It’s amazing how a good book can change your outlook—lift you up when you’re down or just take you to another place when you need a break from real life. I hope you keep the store going. It meant the world to your mom, and it means a lot to many of us in the community too.”

“That’s the plan,” Faith said. “If you have any suggestions of books you’d like me to stock, I’m open to ideas.”

Mrs. Baker leaned in close. “More vampire romance,” she whispered. “The ones with discreet covers.”

Faith smiled. “You got it.”

When Irene came in after noon, Faith retreated to the office.

---