“Pardon,” I said, slipping past a pair of young women huddled around a display of classic literature. I couldn’t help overhearing them as I slid into the next aisle.
“Is this the poet who lived in Amherst?” one asked.
“I don’t know,” the other responded.
I looked over my shoulder at the book in question, then turned back to stick my nose where it didn’t belong.
“Hi,” I said, using my most pleasant tone and smile. “Sorry. I’m not trying to interfere, but I heard your question, and I think I know the answer.”
They stilled and stared.
“This poet wasn’t from Amherst,” I said, pushing ahead. “I think you’re looking for Robert Frost. He and Emily Dickinson both lived in town. This is Walt Whitman.” I pointed a finger toward the book they’d been inspecting. “Leaves of Grassis a fantastic collection, but this guy lived in New York and New Jersey.”
The girls smiled, and I breathed easier. “Thank you!” they said, returning the book to the shelf. “Do you have any Robert Frost collections here?”
“Uh.” I glanced around, nonplussed by their assumption and not wanting to accidentally step on an actual employee’s toes. “I don’t know. This is only my second time in the store. I just know a lot about poetry.”
“Oh.” The duo looked me over more carefully. “Do you write?” one asked.
I grimaced. “Not well.”
“Hello there.” Grace appeared. “I work here,” she said. “We have a number of Frost’s collections over there.” She pointed, and the young women took their leave. “If we don’t have what you’re looking for, we can order it,” she called after them. “Just let me know.”
Next, she turned her bright eyes on me. “Emma,” she said. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“I’m glad to be here,” I said, smiling as if I’d just won the lottery. In a way, I supposed I had. One of my favorite online friends stood right in front of me, and I could finally thank her in person for all the times she’d made me laugh when I wanted to scream or cry. Or all the times she’d saved me from telling a book distributor where to stick their outrageous return policies.
Her expression lit up, and wrinkles gathered on her cheeks and forehead as she pulled me into a hug. “We didn’t get to chat long enough last time. Today I’m not in any hurry.”
I nearly melted at her touch. I missed hugs, and it had only been a day since my last.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here to greet you last night,” she said. “I considered popping by this morning on my way to open the store, but I thought you might want to sleep in. Then I spoke with Davis, and he said you wanted privacy, so I was hesitant to come knocking at lunch.”
I frowned. “I’d love for you to stop by anytime.”Please, please do,I thought. Even recluses had visitors. And what made Davis think I wouldn’t want to see anyone?
“I hear it was a good thing he called on you. Trouble with the fireplace.” She smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry about that. But it was lucky timing. He’s the one you’ll need if anything goes awry.”
My cheeks heated at the recollection of my encounter with her nephew, when I’d accidentally filled their beautiful historic family home with smoke. “I loved the welcome basket,” I said instead, steering the conversation into more upbeat territory.
“I’m glad,” she said. “A few of the local shop owners and I put it together for you. If you need more of anything, I left a list of where the items originated with the stationery.”
I pressed my lips, unable to admit I’d burned all the paper. “Would you mind giving me your number, and Davis’s, again?”
“Of course!” She tipped her head toward the counter and moved in that direction. “Here’s my business card.” She plucked one from a holder near the register and scribbled their numbers on the back. “Call anytime you need anything.”
“I really appreciate it,” I said, placing the card securely into my wallet.
It was odd to hear her speak in person. She never said things likepopping byorgoing awryonline. She sounded more formal in person.
“The property and the home are exactly as the website described.” I smiled. “All we need is a hot-wing buffet on game day, and it’ll be total perfection.”
Her silver brows furrowed. “We have a number of popular places for wings in town. Have you had a chance to get out and explore?”
“A little. I met Olivia during my trip to Seeds of Love.”
“Olivia’s a dear heart,” she said. “One of my favorite humans. But don’t let me stop you from shopping. Take your time and let me know if you need anything.”
“I will, thank you.”
