They both jumped.Aiden laughed and sat back.“Arlo has terrible timing.”
“The worst.”Sam stood to let Arlo out, but she was smiling.Arlo took off after a squirrel in the yard.The moment had passed, but the promise of it lingered.
The next morning, Sam was folding laundry when her phone rang.Charlotte’s name flashed on the screen.
“Hi, Charlotte.”
Charlotte’s voice was immediately apologetic.“Sam, I’m so sorry.I feel like I’m always calling to ask you to come over to the shop.”
“No worries.What’s going on?”
Charlotte said, “I hate to ask this, but I’m in a bind.My mom fell this morning.I’m on the way to Asheville to see her.Apparently, the hospital wants to keep her for observation.”
“Oh no.Is she okay?”
Charlotte said, “She’ll be fine.She did twist her ankle badly and they want to rule out a hip fracture.I left the ‘closed’ sign in the window at the shop, of course.But Sam, I have a delivery coming to the shop today.It’s an estate sale collection I already paid for with five boxes of vintage mysteries.The driver called and said he’ll be there at three and if no one’s there to receive it, he’ll take them back to the warehouse and charge me again to deliver them later.”
Sam glanced at the clock.“I can get there, no problem.”
“Would you?I know it’s a huge imposition.”
“Charlotte, it’s fine.I’m happy to help.Life happens when we least expect it, doesn’t it?How do I get in?”
Charlotte said, “The spare key is in a lockbox attached to the downspout on the left side of the building.The code is seven-two-four-one.All you need to do is to let the driver in the back entrance, make sure the boxes aren’t damaged, and lock up afterwards.Please just put the key back in the lockbox when you’re done.”
“Got it.Don’t worry about the books or the shop.Take care of your mom.”
Charlotte said, “Will do.As a small thank you, could you please pick out a book of your choice to take home with you today?It’d make me feel better about everything.”
“It’ll be my pleasure.”Sam could spend hours in the bookshop.Charlotte always carefully curated everything that was there.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Throughout the restof the morning and into the early afternoon, Sam walked Arlo, did more housework, and paid a few bills.At about 2:30, Sam grabbed her purse and headed out the door, giving Arlo an apologetic rub on the way out.She texted Aiden on the way out to the car.Hope school is going well today.Handling book delivery at Charlotte’s shop while she’s seeing her mom in Asheville.Should be over by four.Want to come over for dinner tonight?
His reply came quickly.Sounds perfect.Text me when you’re done at the bookstore.
