“Hey, Ollie,” a familiar voice interrupted his spiraling thoughts. Maya stood at the counter, a small stack of books in her arms. “Could you recommend something for my book club? They want a contemporary romance this month, preferably something with emotional depth.”
Ollie’s hand automatically moved toward the Rhett Wilder display before he caught himself, his fingers freezing mid-reach. Heat crept up his neck as he realized what he’d almost done—recommended Finn’s books without even thinking. His cheeks flushed as he realized just how often he did that. It was a wonder Finn hadn’t run the other way the moment he realized Ollie was basically obsessed with his alter-ego.
“What have you read recently?” he managed, his voice rougher than intended.
Maya launched into a description of their last few selections, but Ollie found himself nodding at intervals while his mind wandered. The familiar spine ofHearts in Hidingcaught his eye from the display, and he remembered Mrs. Abelman buying three copies last month. Had he been that enthusiastic about it? He probably had been—he always got animated when talking about books that moved him.
The realization that he’d been unknowingly championing Finn’s work felt surreal, like discovering he’d been speaking a foreign language fluently without knowing it.
“—so something with small-town charm would be perfect,” Maya finished, looking at him expectantly.
“Right,” Ollie said, blinking back to the present. He grabbed the first book that came to hand, not really seeing the cover. “This one’s great. Very…charming.”
Maya glanced at the book—a historical romance set in Victorian London—and gave him a concerned look. “Are you okay, Ollie? You’re beyond distracted today.”
“Fine,” he said automatically, then forced a smile. “Sorry, just thinking about the romance showcase. It feels like things are changing every time I blink.”
“I’m so excited for it! Meghan Jackson is one of my favorites.” Maya’s face lit up. “I already have my ticket. Will there be other authors too?”
Ollie’s stomach clenched. He needed to tell her about Meghan, but Maya’s genuine enthusiasm made the words stick in his throat. She was one of his closest friends, and keeping everything bottled up was making him feel like he might explode.
“Actually,” he said, leaning against the counter, “Meghan had to cancel.”
Maya’s face fell instantly. “Oh no. Really? I was so looking forward to meeting her.”
“I know, I’m sorry. She had a family emergency that she’s not expecting to be cleared up by next week.” Ollie watched the disappointment flicker across her features and felt terrible for being the bearer of bad news. “But we do have a replacement lined up. A really good one. One I never would have dreamed we’d be able to get. It’s a bit surreal.”
Maya’s eyebrows rose with interest. “Surreal how? Author drama? Publishing politics?”
“More like personal drama,” Ollie admitted, running a hand through his hair. “The author who agreed to step in—let’s just say I know them better than I realized. And finding that out today has left me feeling a little scrambled.”
“Good scrambled or bad scrambled?”
Ollie considered this, his fingers drumming against the counter. “Both, I guess. The event will be incredible—this author has a massive following, and it will be their first public appearance ever. From a business standpoint, it’s exactly what we need.” He paused, watching Maya’s face. “But there are complications on the personal side.”
Maya tilted her head, studying him with the kind of attention that came from years of friendship. “Does this have something to do with Finn?”
It wasn’t a question, and Ollie felt his shoulders tense automatically. “What makes you say that?”
“Because you’ve been walking around like someone who’s had the rug pulled out from under them, and the only thing that’s changed in your life recently is him.” Maya’s voice was gentle but matter-of-fact. “Also, you mentioned knowing this mystery author personally, and Finn’s pretty much the only person who’s entered your orbit lately who could send you into this kind of tailspin.”
The accuracy of her observation made Ollie’s chest tighten. He nodded before he could think better of it. “It’s…yeah. It involves Finn. But it’s not what you’re probably thinking.”
“Want to talk about it?”
The simple offer made something in Ollie’s throat catch. Maya had always been good at reading the room, at knowing when to push and when to simply offer space. “Not yet,” he said, meaning it. “I’m still trying to figure out what I think about everything. But the event will be fine. Better than fine, actually.”
“Okay, well, if you change your mind, you know where to find me,” Maya offered. “Now that you’ve got that off your chest,how about we actually work on finding a contemporary romance that’s not too steamy or dark for the club read.”
Ollie nodded and led her to the romance section.
After Maya left, Ollie stood in front of the romance section again, staring at the neat row of Rhett Wilder novels. He’d arranged them just last week, making sure the newest release was prominently displayed.
Shelter From the Storm.The title mocked him now.
“Dad’s bringing me Chinese for dinner.” Brooklyn’s voice made him jump. She stood in the doorway, backpack slung over one shoulder, studying him with that too-perceptive gaze she’d inherited from Finn. He hadn’t even realized she’d come in while he was talking to Maya, but she was behind the counter finishing the order entry he’d abandoned. “He wanted me to ask if you want anything.”
The casual invitation, delivered as if nothing had changed, made Ollie’s throat tight. “Thanks, but I’m not sure I can eat right now.”
