Iregret it because it was wrong to mix business with pleasure and because there’s no room for anyone in my life.But, on the other hand,Idon’t regret it.Thatspectacular kiss rounded off a wonderful evening with a man who seems more wonderful by the second, whoI’djust grown much closer to.
Anyway, he picksnowto say it?Whenwe absolutely can’t talk and will be surrounded by people for hours?Jeez.
Patriciamakes two sharp claps and addresses the kids.
“Right.We’regoing to divide you up.Halfwill stay here to paint the music room withMr.Dashwood.Theother half will go withMissBellamoreto organize the new library.”
Everyhand flies into the air with a hiss of “Mr.Dashwood,Mr.Dashwood.”
Iplant my hands on my hips and stare at the kids with an exaggerated look of shock.
“AndIthought you guys had missed me!”IgiveConnora dramatic poke with my elbow. “Iget it, though.EvenIthink he’s more fun than me.Ifhe can use you all, stay with him.”Imake a pouty face. “I’lltake care of sorting out the books by myself.”
Itgets a bigahhhfrom the kids.
“Yup,Ican definitely use you all,”Connorsays. “Right, nowI’vebeen told there are coveralls for you in that pile in the corner.Goget them on, andI’llbe right over to organize the work party to brighten this place up.”
Thekids scramble to their feet and belt across the room in a race to be the first to grab their white paper outfits.
Connorlooks at me andPatriciawith a hint of concern, like he’s worried he’s overstepped the mark. “Isthat okay?”
“Ofcourse,”Patriciasays. “I’lldo the library withRose.It’llbe a good chance for us to catch up.”Shenudges me with her elbow. “ClearlyI’vemissed alot.”
JeremyandSeetajoin us, and there are more welcoming hugs.
Jeremygrabs my shoulders, mouth wide open. “Youhave aboyfriend!”
“It’samazing,”Seetasays. “Wenever thought we’d see the day.”Shebeams atConnor. “Andhe’s so nice!”
Well,I’mdelighted they find the news so shocking.
“Thanks, folks,”Itell them. “Ifall that’s supposed to be a compliment, it might have gone a bit wrong.”
GuessI’vegot myself a bit of a reputation as a loner without realizing it.
“We’llstay here and help with the painting,”Jeremysays. “Thisroom is huge, but with all hands on deck we should finish it today.”
Patricialoops her arm through mine again. “Let’sgo make a coffee on the way to the library.Thenyou can tell meeverything.”
19
ROSE
Fourhours of book organizing later, the shelves are almost full of the hundreds of donations we’ve received, andPatriciaandIsit on the floor surrounded by the final few that are the trickiest to categorize.
Shecloses the book on her lap about a space robot on a quest to locate a cheese thief in anEnglishvillage.She’sspent the last ten minutes trying to decide whether to shelve it under science fiction, action & adventure, or crime & mystery.
“So.”Sheleans back against a bookcase and raises her eyebrows with a smile. “Ihave to ask.Howdid all this happen?”
She’sclearly been dying to ask sinceIgot here.
Igive her an innocent look. “Allwhat?”
Shetosses a skinny paperback at me that could go under either poetry, folk tales, or picture books.
“Youknow whatImean.”Shepoints in the direction of the music room. “Connor.”
Ican’t bear the thought of lying to these amazing people any more thanIcan bear the thought of lying to my aunt.
