“Sure. Minnie?”
A deep frown. Today, the girl was dressed in a dirty sweater and worn jeans. “Mindy.”
“Ah, sorry. Who is this book for?”
“Um, um, my mother. But sign it just with your name.”
“Okay.” Noreen scrolled her signature. “There you go.”
The girl raised her brows. “We still friends, Noreen?”
“Of course.” When she still didn’t move, Noreen nudged her. “If you’ll excuse me. I know the people next in line.”
Frowning, Mindy walked to the cookie table. She hoped her mother wouldn’t strike up a conversation with the girl. Her…hovering made Noreen nervous.
The next couple approached.
Noreen smiled broadly. “How sweet to see you here, Caleb. Gemma.” They looked cute in jeans and matching cable knit sweaters.
Gemma said, “It’s so exciting to see an author I know signing her books.”
“It’s exciting tobean author here and I appreciate the support.”
“We both read the first in the series,” Caleb put in. “I was on the edge of my seat.”
“Thank you. I hope you’re not disappointed in this one.”
“Nah, no chance. Now, here.” He handed her two books. “We want two so we can read it together.”
“Like the lovebirds you are.”
“Nope.” He angled his head to the line behind him. “The lovebirds are right behind us.”
She glanced over their shoulders and saw Jackson and Maisy Kane approaching next. They were holding hands. “Hello, you two.”
“Hello, Noreen. We came to support you. And because Maisy stays up way too late reading your work.”
On cue, Maisy yawned. “Sorry. I finished the first one. It was gripping. Sign the next one to me, please.”
“For the record, shehoggedthe first.” Jackson looked at her lovingly then, he turned back to Noreen. “I want my own copy. I loved how intricate the plot was inDo No Harm.”
“You’ll find another intricate plot inLet the Children Come.”
“Great.” Jackson gave her a huge smile. “You’re so talented.”
Noreen didn’t realize how much fun it would be to have acquaintances come to a book signing. They chatted a bit then left to join their others.
A second couple approached her. “Hello, Will. Good to see you.”
“This is my wife, Katie.” He put a hand lovingly on her stomach. “And these two are Butch and Buck.”
“Like hell,” Katie said. “Alyssa and Alexandra.”
Noreen grinned even though she was jealous of the two of them.
Will asked Noreen, “Did you get the invitation to our Christmas party?”
“Ah, yes. I’m going to try to make it.”
