Libby was waiting, her cotton dress fluttering in the breeze. The younger woman waved when she spotted Ivy approaching.
Libby greeted her and opened the door to the coffee shop. “Now I understand why you were concerned about me staying longer. Reed’s crew is so intense. I threw everything into my vehicle and shot out of there.”
“Breakfast is on me for that.” Ivy queued up in the line of people waiting for Mitch’s coffee and breakfast specialties.
Everything smelled delicious. With beach reggae music playing in the background, Mitch managed the coffee bar while his employees took orders and ran the kitchen. When he saw Ivy, he nodded to her. “Shelly is on her way here with Daisy.”
Ivy was glad to hear that. “It was too loud to work at the inn.”
Just then, her phone dinged with a message from Bennett. As she read it, she smiled. He’d kept his promise.
While they waited for their turn, Ivy turned to Libby. “How did your meeting with Imani go?”
Libby’s shoulders relaxed. “Very well. She’s so smart. She came up with a plan, and she alerted Chief Clarkson. As long as my ex is out of my life, I’ll be happy.”
“That’s good.” Ivy had been worried about that. Especially since Reed seemed to have fallen for Libby. She didn’t want him to be in danger.
They ordered mocha coffees and breakfast croissants for the table and found a place to sit. The doors were open to the beach, and sunshine streamed in, chasing the morning chill.
While their steaming coffee cooled, Ivy focused her thoughts. “Now that Imani is going to help you, there’s an idea you might be interested in.”
Libby leaned forward, her expression alert.
Ivy gestured toward her phone. “Bennett just confirmed that the city has some funds it could dedicate to your bookmobile service for residents. You could still visit surroundingcommunities every other week if you wanted, and there is a budget to buy new books, too. Would that interest you?”
Libby blinked a few times. “For real? I’d love that.”
“As a contractor to the city, you’d need to fill out an application.” Ivy paused. “I hope that’s not a problem for you.”
“I was only hiding from my ex. I have a resume, references, and can order my university transcripts.”
“That’s perfect,” Ivy said. “You’ll have to make a presentation to the city council, and Bennett says they’re eager to meet you. Are you up for that?”
“This is my dream come true,” Libby replied, pressing a hand to her heart.
Ivy smiled at her response. “I hope you’re ready for a bigger dream. Summer Beach needs a library, and I’d like to make that happen. We plan to host an annual book festival and fundraiser to build the library Amelia Erickson envisioned.”
Libby’s face lit with excitement. “I’d love to volunteer.”
“I think you could do more. We’d like you to help organize it.” Ivy held up a hand before Libby could interrupt. “The community would pay you for your time, of course. It could be part of your contractor agreement with the city.”
A smile spread across Libby’s face. “When I worked at my last library, I participated in literary events and festivals. I was also the liaison for the friends of the library fundraising group, so I have a lot of ideas I can share.”
Ivy was glad to hear that. From the first step into Libby’s bookmobile, Ivy could tell she was a skilled librarian. She’d observed her knowledge and love of books and saw how well she connected with the public. Her experience in events and fundraising was a bonus.
“Thank you for this opportunity,” Libby said, her eyes shining with gratitude. “I won’t let you down.”
Ivy picked up her mug and tapped Libby’s. “You’re on your way to being part of Summer Beach. I think the community will be lucky to have you.”
“Do you think I might have a shot at being part of the library when it’s built?”
Ivy appreciated the younger woman’s ambition for service. “I think you’ll have plenty of time to prove yourself.”
Grinning, Libby sipped her coffee. “This means I’ll be able to stay at the campground for a while. Chief Clarkson says it’s gated and has security, so I’ll feel much safer there. Maybe I can get a small place soon.”
“Did you meet our Chief of Police?”
“Imani introduced us. Chief Clarkson saw Imani in the village. He said they’ll keep an extra eye on me with regular patrols.”
