Zoe frowned. “Why does that sound familiar? You searched the database?”
“Yes, she’s not listed.”
Zoe looked at the older woman waiting patiently on the other side of the counter. “Do you remember the name of one of the books? Maybe we aren’t spelling the author’s name correctly.”
“The one I read about is Phoebe Moon and the Sneeze Snatcher. It’s a middle-grade novel. There’s supposed to be a whole series of them. I’d like to get them for my granddaughter, but I haven’t been able to find them anywhere.”
“Where did you read about them?” Zoe asked.
“In one of Jamie Farrell’s novels.”
That was an author Zoe was familiar with. “Was it one of her Misfit Bride books?”
“Yes! It’s one of my favorites.”
“Ah. The Phoebe Moon books aren’t real books,” Zoe said.
“What do you mean? There are several quotes in the Misfit Bride book. Where would she get the quotes if there aren’t any books?”
“They aren’t published—Jamie Farrell made them up as part of the Misfit Bride story. The heroine in her book is the author of the Phoebe Moon books, but it’s all fiction.”
The woman opened and closed her mouth a few times. “Is she going to write any Phoebe Moon books?”
Zoe shook her head. “I really don’t know.”
“Well! I’m going to write to her and demand she write Phoebe Moon books.” She left the counter, muttering to herself about the nerve of some people.
Zoe’s shoulders shook and her eyes watered from trying not to laugh out loud.
Rebecca was having the same problem and snorted through her nose before turning away to hide her face.
“Why don’t you go get lunch while there’s a lull,” Zoe said. “Elba said you guys could have an employee discount.”
“Thank you. I’ll be back in thirty minutes.”
“When you get back, tell Seth he can go.”
Zoe regretted sending Rebecca to lunch exactly twelve minutes later when three moms came in with seven children, at least three of whom were crying.
“Welcome to the Book Haven.” She plastered a smile on her face that felt more like a grimace.
“Will, watch your sister!” one of the moms called after a few of the kids heading to the back. She turned to Zoe. “Hi. Just so you know, you’re probably going to get a lot of moms in here in the next few days. One of the local mommy bloggers posted a picture of that tree house and it’s making the rounds on social media.”
“Oh. That’s…that’s good,” Zoe said. It was good. It was. Maybe if she repeated it to herself enough times, she would believe it. That was exactly why she put the loft in—to attract parents and young readers. Although it would be nice if they didn’t all descend on her and the bookstore at the same time.
“Make sure you come back for the grand opening. Ten percent off the entire store, plus lots of book prizes.” Mrs. Wilson handed a flyer to the distracted mom.
“Thanks.” She shoved it into her already overstuffed bag without looking at it and followed the sounds of shrieks and screams.
Zoe looked at Mrs. Wilson and saw a grinning Tim approaching from the front entrance. Her day improved exponentially.
“Wow. Look at this place.” He bent down and kissed her—right in front of Mrs. Wilson. “I told you you had nothing to worry about.”
“Did she say she was worried about people not showing up?” Mrs. Wilson asked.
“Yes, and that it would fail.”
“Silly girl.” Mrs. Wilson winked at Tim, not even trying to hide it from Zoe.
