Carol Anne didn’t appear to hear him. “We need an MC for the event. It’s usually been Hank Peterson, who used to be the DJ on the local radio, but he got scooped up by some news show in Raleigh, and he and his wife, Leslie, well, they just up and left. I told him we’d still love to have him, but I suppose Seacroft is too small for him. You know, some people—”
“Mom.” Penny’s eyes widened. “He doesn’t need all of that information in order to be our MC.”
Martin had no idea what was happening, but he was sure of one thing. “I’m not very good at public speaking.”
“Don’t be silly.” Carol Anne wriggled her fingers at him. “Look at that face, Penny. Isn’t he perfect?”
“Wouldn’t Mrs. Green be a better choice to MC anyway?” Martin scrambled for a way out of this. “It’s her store after all.”
Carol Anne’s eyes narrowed, and she grabbed up the papers spread over the counter. “I think we’ve been stood up. Penny, let’s go over to the florist’s. Martin,” she smiled, “it’s been a pleasure. Here’s Penny’s business card. Email her your measurements, and she’ll get you squared away for a tux rental, okay?” Without waiting for his agreement, Carol Anne exited the store.
“Tux rental?”
“Don’t worry.” Penny shook Martin’s hand. “I’ll get you through it. A suit will be fine.”
Martin’s head spun like he’d just been run through a laundry machine spin cycle. Now Penny and Carol Anne were leaving under the impression that he’d volunteered to MC a concert?
Penny must have seen the growing panic on his face, because she set down her folders and leaned across the counter.
“How long have you been in town?”
“A few months.”
“You have family here?”
“My brother, Brian Lindsey. Do you know him? He’s a firefighter.”
She shook her head. “That’s okay, though! My husband and I own the diner next door. Why don’t you come by sometime? Bring your brother!”
Some of Martin’s tension leached out. When Brian had tried to get Martin to hang out with Nick and the rest of the guys, Martin balked. He wasn’t the most sociable person at the best of times, but Penny’s kind smile and the warm light in her eyes made him believe he could trust her.
“That would be nice. Thank you.”
Penny grinned. “Give me a call and let me know when you’re coming. My husband, Tim, makes the best baked beans in the state. You’ve got my number.” She waved one last time and left the store.
As the shop fell quiet, Martin grinned. He might have just made his first friend in Seacroft. Being so excited seemed stupid. His first friend? What was this, kindergarten?
Brian would be pleased to hear about it at least. Especially if it meant a decent meal. Maybe he’d give Martin more breathing room.
And then Martin’s happy little mood burst because had he also just agreed to MC a public event? That sounded an awful lot like talking to a crowd of people, possibly even trying to be funny, or smart or—
He sank back down onto his stool and buried his face in his hands.
He’d made a friend, and now he was doomed.
* * *
Cassidy came into the bookstore late on Thursday afternoon.
“Hey!” She pulled down the blue hood of her rain coat, shaking water droplets onto the counter.
Martin put downLittle Dribbling. “Hey. I thought you weren’t working again until the weekend.”
“I’m not. I just need to get something upstairs.”
Martin stiffened as the weight of Seb’s silent presence pressed down on him. He hadn’t seen Seacroft’s artistic genius in a few days.
“Upstairs?”
