“That’s because I am a teacher,” I replied.
I handed her a business card, then slid the notebook and pen toward her. “Write down your name and phone number so we can communicate about lessons.”
She set her bag on the counter, and the edge of the book inside became visible. I recognized the cover instantly, which made me pause.
“That’s a good book,” I commented. “When Thea gets Jake out of the dungeon and he jumps over the balcony to save Amarilis, that was pretty cool.”
For a moment she stared at me blankly like I had spoken in a different language. “It’s for my sister. Meri reads constantly.”
I nodded. “What’s her genre? Just fantasy?”
“Mostly, but also historical or sometimes mystery. Anything with a library in it,” she remarked.
My eyebrows rose. “A library setting is her weakness.”
“Yes,” Kitty said, and her tone warmed. “If there’s a librarian with emotional depth and a secret staircase, she’s done for.”
I laughed quietly, and I saw a small spark of satisfaction cross her face.
“And you?” I asked.
“I read normal things,” she said automatically, then stopped and corrected herself. “I mean, realistic things. Contemporary novels. No prophecies.”
“Are you holding a grudge against prophecies?” I asked, letting the humor sit there.
“They’re stressful,” she insisted. “Everyone is always destined for something. I prefer choices.”
“Fantasy is full of choices,” I said. “That’s kind of the point.”
She narrowed her eyes slightly. “You sound like Meri.”
“That’s not the insult you think it is,” I replied, and I meant it, even if I kept my tone mild.
She hesitated. “You read fantasy.”
“Yeah,” I admitted easily. “A lot of it.”
“That’s unexpected,” she said, then immediately looked like she regretted the wording.
I didn’t take offense. I shrugged. “Long stretches of travel and waiting around. It’s good for passing time.”
I didn’t say more than that. I didn’t need to. The moment someone heard the word travel, they always wanted the story that came with it, and I didn’t feel like handing her that story on a first meeting. Not when she was already looking at me with curiosity that felt sharper than simple politeness.
She studied me for a second, then said, “I might have been unfair to Meri and her books.”
“A little,” I agreed, and the way I said it made her laugh.
“I’m sure Meri will be delighted,” she said. “She’ll say she’s been telling me this for years.”
“Your sister sounds like a lot of fun,” I commented.
Kitty’s expression shifted, subtle enough that most people would miss it. I didn’t. The flicker looked like a sting that she smoothed over quickly, like she had practice.
Before I could decide what it meant, the bell chimed again as another customer entered, and I glanced toward the door. Timing had always been cruelly efficient that way.
“I have to take this,” I said, then looked back at Kitty. “But I’ll write youin. Tuesday at four?”
“Tuesday at four,” she repeated, and the steadiness in her voice sounded like a decision she wanted to keep. She gatheredher bag and stepped back from the counter, then paused as if she wanted to say something else. Instead, she offered a small smile.
