Page 73 of Bookworm

"Lottie, come on," Natalia said. "There's another very important matter we need to discuss."

I shot her a look. "More important than our Friends of the Library charity event, the one we hold every year to raisefunds so underprivileged schools and children in shelters can have books to read? What could possibly be more important than that?"

Casey blinked. "Are you seriously trying to guilt us?We've been working on this for months. Welove theevent as much as you do. But you and Bo—"

"I told you we can talk about it after," I cut in.

"Why?" Natalia asked. "You know we want to hearall your event ideas and hash out the details."

"Doesn't seem like it," I muttered.

"We just really,reallywant to talk about that kiss," Natalia said.

Casey nodded, but I shook my head.

"Friends of the Library first, then the kiss," I said.

"But—"

"That's the deal. Take it or leave it."

They looked to each other, communicated some silent message, and then Casey spoke.

"Fine," she said with a glint in her eye, "but you will answer every question honestly, at length and in detail."

I opened my mouth to respond, but she wasn't done.

"Particularly the ones about Bo."

"And what a good kisser he is," Natalia added.

My brows lowered. "What makes you think he's good?"

Casey grinned. "Well, we did watch the video before you got here."

"Only like 20 times," Natalia said, and my jaw dropped as she shrugged. "It would've been more, but my phone died."

I looked at the two of them; neither showed even a hint of remorse.

"Please place your hand on this copy ofPride and Prejudice," Casey said, setting the hardback on the counter.

I rolled my eyes but did as she asked.

"Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"

"I do," I said, "but just so you know, I think you went too far by draggingP & Pinto this."

"And I think it was just far enough," Casey saidwith a clap of her hands. "Back to the charity event.Hit us with your thoughts, Lottie."

"Okay," I said.

"Then we can get to the kiss-and-tell."

With a sigh, I proceeded to tell them my plans.This year's theme wasA Night Out with Austen. My idea was for us to hold a regency book ball, right here in the library,where the guests could dress up as their favoritecharacters.We'd already asked and secured local businesses who'dbe willing to provide food and decorations.To raise funds, we'd have to reach out to more sponsors.We still had a ways to go.I'd never been good at asking people for money, but I knew this was for an amazing cause. The right book could change a person's life forever.Kids needed books to remind them, even in the toughest of times, that life could still be good. Our problem, being a small public library, had always been visibility.

"If more people knew about our cause, I just know they would give," I said.

"I agree," Natalia said.

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