Rosalyn stilled. “What do you mean?”
Harper’s eyes sparkled with a conspiratorial wink. “She had a crush on him, obviously.”
“What?” No way. “Amber didn’t likeanyone. Especially not Cade.”
“Gabby told me. Amber got drunk one night, right after starting her freshman year at Harvard. She called Gabby, all in her feels about ‘the one that got away’ and started telling stories about Cade. That’s why she was always so hard on him—she knew he’d never go for her.” Harper shrugged. “Gabby told me all that a long time ago.”
Wow. No wonder Amber was always so dead set on keeping Rosalyn and Cade apart. She shook her head. “I guess we all have our secrets, don’t we?”
“That’s for sure.” Harper winced. “Hopefully most of them got left behind in our teenaged years.”
Wouldn’t that be nice? Rosalyn tilted her head. “Speaking of dating, are you seeing anyone these days?”
“I’m sure Amber would be thrilled to know I’m not.” Harper wrinkled her nose. “Mrs. Peters too. She was fussing about one of our part-timers leaving early for an anniversary date.” She looked up at the ceiling. “I believe the words ‘irresponsible’ and ‘frivolous’ were both used.”
“Surprising. I remember Mrs. Peters being a romantic. Hanging all those valentine decorations up when we were younger.” Rosalyn smiled. “The paper hearts would rain glitter during story hour, and my mom would have a heck of a time brushing my hair later.”
“I think her snub toward romance is new.” Harper shrugged. “Or at least, that’s what my coworkers say. I haven’t worked here long.”
“There’s a story there, I’m sure.”
“Who knows? Maybe I’ll write it one day.” Harper shook back her long red hair.
“You should!” Rosalyn checked her watch. “I better get back to the office, but I’ll be sure to come see your booth next week during the festival.” She skimmed the schedule and pointed to a bullet point halfway down the list. “Preferably during the story hour when you’re dressed like a princess?” She grinned.
“I get paid very well here.” Harper laughed. “Plus, it’s all fodder for that future book, right?”
They said their goodbyes, and Rosalyn left the library, clutching the list Cade didn’t need. Should she even show it to him, or ditch it before she got back? She headed down the street toward Cade’s office, tucking the list under her arm.
She tilted her head back as she walked, eyes closed, face to the sunshine pouring over Village Lane. The scent of flowers lingered in the air, and despite the beads of sweat forming on her back in the summer humidity, it was a good day. Warmth seeped into her muscles, loosening the tension in her upper back. Her knee felt fine today too, which was good news for the festival—and bad news for her future. Her days of stalling before returning to Blaine and her performance circuit were nearing an end.
The hair on the back of Rosalyn’s neck stood on end.
She turned, but her vision was still temporarily affected by the residual brightness of the sun. She blinked, fighting the distorted shadows. But nothing was there, just an empty sidewalk covered in chalk drawings and a squirrel darting up a pine tree.
Weird. She’d definitely sensed…something.
She turned toward the other side of the street and there—Sadie was checking the mailbox in front of Second Story. The middle-aged woman, dressed in a flowing dress, waved, and Rosalyn waved back, her heart rate slowing to normal. That had to have been it.
But she should probably walk with her eyes open all the same.
Rosalyn kept on down Village Lane, which seemed oddly deserted when compared to her previous walks with Cade. Then again, it was almost noon. The Magnolia Blossom was probably hopping—which sounded good today—but she couldn’t justify yetanotherveggie burger on her limited funds. She shook her head. Weird that months ago she was on a world tour, dining on champagne and caviar, and now she was avoiding daily diner specials because they were too expensive.
But after her debt was paid, she could work long enough to rebuild her savings. And then…well, then, who knew? She’d be free—and that was all that mattered.
A shadow darted across the street.
Rosalyn jerked to a stop, pulse thudding in her ears. Was that…No. Just the sun going behind a cloud. She rolled her eyes. What did she think was going to happen? No one knew where she was that wasn’t supposed to know, and Blaine hadn’t even tried to call the past few days.
She was safe.
So why the chills prickling her neck?
Rosalyn glanced back, wondering if she could keep going to Cade’s office or backtrack to Sadie. And say…what?Don’t look now, but the Mafia might be after me?Right.
She resumed walking.
A branch cracked.
