Page 38 of Seabreeze Library

“Mitch asked if I would. He told me the bookmobile is great for business, and I’m welcome anytime.” Libby gave him a timid smile. “I’ve heard that a lot. People love books, especially if they don’t have a local library. Many small communities don’t, so I feel like I’m providing a real service.”

“I admire what you’re doing,” Reed said, his gaze transfixed.

Her nephew was falling for Libby, even though there were cracks in her stories. Ivy refilled her cup and tried to sort out her issue with Libby.

“I should be going soon,” Libby said, glancing nervously at Ivy. “I’ve enjoyed my stay here. I wish I never had to leave.”

“You brought a lot of joy to our readers,” Ivy said. “I know they’ll look forward to seeing you again soon.” She meant what she said, and she liked Libby.

As for trusting her, that was another matter entirely.

13

After giving Poppy the rest of the day off, Ivy began packing items in the ballroom to keep them out of harm’s way. Shelly was spending Mitch’s day off with him and Daisy.

Bennett had joined her to pack until he received a call from his sister asking if he could pick up his young nephew as they’d been delayed in traffic, so Ivy was on her own.

Ivy was still packing when she heard the front door open. “Hello,” she called out.

“It’s me,” Libby said.

“Oh, hello again.” Ivy was surprised to see Libby returning after opening the bookmobile in the village again. “I thought you were on your way to Los Angeles.”

Libby bit her lip. “The interview was canceled.”

“How unfortunate. I’m sorry to hear that.” Something seemed off, especially when she thought of a major library system canceling an interview on a Sunday for the following day. “What are your plans now?”

The younger woman looked uncomfortable. “Would you mind if I stayed here a few more days?”

Ivy wished she could help her, but she had already made one exception. “I’m sorry, but the construction project is ramping up first thing in the morning. We can’t risk guest injuries. Along with the noise and dust, I’m afraid it won’t be pleasant. That’s why we’re closing.”

Libby looked a little lost. “Is it okay to park the bookmobile on the street for a few days?”

What a bold question, Ivy thought. “It’s not up to me to say, but I’m afraid that’s against city ordinances. However, there’s an RV campground where you can park. It’s only a few minutes away, and I can give you the address.”

Libby nodded as if that would have to do. “Do you mind if I come back to visit? Reed will probably let me. I love watching renovation shows on TV, and this is the real deal.”

“He might, but I’d rather you didn’t. It’s for your safety, and we can’t risk the liability. You might trip or touch a hot wire and sustain an injury. We must take precautions.” A live wire had already shocked Ivy, though it hadn’t been serious.

Libby nodded again, looking dejected, although she made no motion to leave.

Ivy studied the young woman. She hadn’t wanted to confront Libby, but now she left her little choice. Maybe there was another story than the one Ivy imagined.

She took a step toward Libby. “I’ve been thinking that you might not have arrived here on a whim. I have an idea you planned your arrival to coincide with the construction.”

It would have been easy to track their construction plans. Shelly and Poppy had been covering that on their social media.

A guilty look washed over Libby’s face. “I know what you think, but I’m not a treasure hunter. I didn’t come here to find or take anything from you.”

“Then what is it you want?”

Libby hesitated, her face flushing from embarrassment. “I want a chance to start over, be safe, and become part of a community.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I just want to make friends and belong somewhere.”

Ivy wasn’t sure how to respond. Libby’s reaction wasn’t what she expected. Her expression was raw and vulnerable, leaving little doubt she was telling the truth at last.

“You never had a job interview in Los Angeles, did you?”

Libby shook her head. “I wanted people to think that my skills were in demand and that another library wanted me. I’ve been unemployed so long that I’ve forgotten what it was like to be valued enough to hire.” With shame burning in her eyes, she looked down at her hands. “I’m sorry for misleading you.”

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