Page 20 of Seabreeze Library

“This is so cool,” Mitch said. “What a paint job. Come on, Mr. Mayor. Let’s take the tour.”

Ivy and Poppy took the food from the guys so they could tour the vehicle with Libby.

“I can manage setting up the tables,” Ivy said to Poppy. “Why don’t you find Reed? He’s probably hungry.”

“He’ll appreciate this,” Poppy said, leaving to find her brother.

Ivy dusted off the tables and chairs and put the take-out bags in the center. The book club group started toward the beach with their books and wine bottles, though Darla hung back.

She paused by the table, her face drawn with worry. “I hope I didn’t upset Bennett with what I said. It’s just that a bookmobile would be a good compromise.”

Ivy touched her hand. “It’s not you, Darla. I don’t know if the city can handle additional expenses this year. The state and federal funds that would normally be available aren’t due to budget reductions. He feels bad because he knows how much residents want to replace the library.”

Darla nodded. “You’re so good at figuring things out. I thought you could persuade him.”

“It’s not a matter of that,” Ivy said. “It comes down to finances. If I had a magic wand, I’d conjure a fabulous library for Summer Beach, but I’m fresh out of spells this time.”

Darla hugged her. “Until then, we appreciate you letting us invade your space here at the inn. And we’ll keep working on that new library.”

“I love your optimism,” Ivy said, smiling at her neighbor. She went inside to the kitchen to assemble serving utensils, paper plates and napkins, and cups and beverages for dinner.

Bennett and Mitch emerged from the bookmobile as she set the table.

“Perfect timing,” Ivy said, looking up to see Poppy and Reed walking toward them.

“Thanks for the invitation,” Reed said. “I worked through lunch and hardly had time to take breaks. I can’t stay long.”

Ivy knew how committed Reed was to the job. “I’m glad you joined us. You’re family. Feel free to raid the kitchen anytime. We can’t have our contractor starving.”

“That’s nice of you to say, but Dad’s the contractor. I’m supervising.” Reed looked up at the bookmobile in awe, then dida subtle double-take as Libby emerged. Their eyes met briefly, and Libby offered a bashful smile before quickly looking away.

“Join us, Libby,” Ivy offered. “I’d also like you to meet our construction supervisor, who is also my nephew.”

“Maybe I should get some work done.” Libby hesitated, but Ivy could see the hunger in her eyes.

“At least take a plate with you. Mitch is quite the chef. Did you work out something for tomorrow?”

“Sure did,” Mitch said. “I’ve never seen anything like that bookmobile. She can park it there for a week for all I care. People will love seeing it.”

“And checking out books, I hope,” Libby added with a small smile.

Ivy didn’t want to ask Bennett what he thought of Libby’s project, but she didn’t have to. The awe in his face said it all; he was intrigued. He’d talk about it when he was ready.

Noticing Reed and Libby sneaking glances at each other, Ivy introduced them. “Reed, Libby is here with us for the weekend before she continues to Los Angeles.”

Libby gave him a shy smile. “Reed. What a great name. And do you?”

“Sorry,” he replied, slightly confused. “Do I what?”

“Read, as in books,” Libby replied. “I hope you do.”

The tips of Reed’s ears turned pink. “Sure, when I can. I mostly read about construction. I’m studying for my general contractor’s license. Does that count, or only novels?”

“Nonfiction is reading, too,” Libby said. “I also count audiobooks, even though there’s debate about that. Anytime we’re enriching our mind, it’s a good thing.”

“I liked reading Hemingway and Steinbeck in school,” Reed said, pulling a chair at the table out for her.

“I would have guessed that about you.” She suggested a couple of other authors he might like.

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