Page 25 of Honey Be Mine
Tansy blinked. Then again. “Okay.”
“Can I take your truck? I’ll meet you at the meeting later on?” She tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, beyond antsy.
“S-sure.” She pulled the keys from her pocket and held them out.
Rosemary took the keys, the shaking of her hands causing them to jingle.
“Are you okay?” Tansy glanced from Rosemary’s face to her hands and back again.
“Fine.” She pressed her hands against her hips. “Eager to get going.”
“Don’t let me stop you.” Tansy’s smile was brilliant. “You look gorgeous, Rosemary.”
Which was nice, but not what she was going for. “Thanks.” She swallowed. “Okay. Do I need to bring anything to the meeting?”
“Just yourself.” Tansy hugged her.
Rosemary wound up clinging and hugging her back, hard. “Will do.” She let go, forced a smile, then ran down the stairs and out the front door.
The drive into town wasn’t too long—but it felt interminable. She went through various scenarios in her head, then gave up. This didn’t need to be such a big deal. She took deep, calming breaths all the way from Tansy’s truck to the door leading into the courthouse. A quick scan of the directory sent her down the hall and to the left.
Then she was there. Standing in front of the Lewis County Offices for the County Parks and Recreation Director and the County Clerk.
Okay.
She rubbed her hands on her skirt and opened the door. Four green leather chairs sat along the wall to the right. A magazine rack sat in that corner. A water cooler in the opposite. The room was empty—except for Libby. She sat behind the desk, humming along to the music coming from her computer and filing her nails. Rosemary stepped inside, then stopped when she heard Libby talking.
“No, no, she’s not pregnant. She’s only saying she’s pregnant to keep him.” Libby snorted then. “I mean, how often does that work?”
Rosemary paused, her dread returning. Who was Libby talking about?
“I know.” Libby laughed. “It’s too predictable. Some people never learn.” She turned, her eyes widening when she saw Rosemary. “I’ll have to call you back.” And she hit the button on the phone.
They stared at each other for a moment.
Rosemary was trying not to dissolve into a puddle of sweat and anxiety. She had no idea what was going through Libby’s head. Only that one minute, the woman’s face was completely blank, and the next, Libby was wearing a brilliant smile.
“Rosemary.” Libby stood and came around the desk. “You’re here. And look at you.” She stopped, leaning against her desk and crossing her arms over her chest. “You don’t look a thing like the little girl you were in high school. My goodness.” That smile was doing nothing to relieve the tension clamping down on Rosemary’s intestines.
“Hi, Libby,” she managed, her tongue oddly heavy. “How are you?” She drew in a slow, deep breath and resisted the urge to wipe her hands on her skirt again.
“I’m wonderful.” Her blue eyes blinked. “Really.”
Rosemary glanced at Everett’s office.
“Oh, Everett’s not here—if that’s why you’re here.” Her smile warmed. “Poor thing. He’s running all over the place dealing with this whole paintball nightmare.”
Rosemary swallowed. “I can imagine.” There was something familiar about Libby’s gaze. Something predatory.No.It was only her insecurities playing with her.
“Everett’s just the best. I’ve never known anyone like him. He’s just...” Libby leaned against her desk and sighed. “Well, youknowEverett. Always caring too much and helping other people.”
The way Libby said it, caring too much sounded like a character flaw.
“He’s so busy trying to fix everything, he’s not sleeping well at all...” She broke off, her eyes going wide. “I mean...”
What did she mean?Rosemary waited, the silence growing strained.
“I’ve never met anyone who does so much for everyone else. He’s...amazing. A real inspiration.” Her eyes fluttered. “I’m trying not to worry about him but—” She pressed her hand to her chest—resting it over her heart. “That’s what you do when you...care about someone, isn’t it?” She sighed.
