‘You off out?’
‘Yes. But stay and finish your coffee. Go check out your old room. You can stay there until Jen and Sam vacate the bigger room.’
He got up and stretched. ‘Yeah, maybe I will.’ Until the library closed and he’d be walking past. ‘Anyway, where are you off to?’
She glanced at him over her shoulder. ‘Role reversal? Are you checking on me now?’
‘Just curious what you get up to now you’re retired.’
‘I need to be at the school library in an hour for my stint there. But before that I thought I’d check up on something about the house with Augi.’
His ears pricked up immediately. ‘Augi?’
‘Yes, she’ll be at the library now. I want to ask her to do some more digging. I think it’s time to progress things around the house.’
Dan opened his eyes wide. ‘Really?’
Kate nodded emphatically. ‘Yes, really.’
‘That’s great.’ More than great; it was an opportunity. ‘Hey, why don’t I come with you? I’ve probably got more time on my hands than Augi, and could help you both with the research.’
Kate narrowed her eyes suspiciously. ‘Is that all?’
He shrugged, unwilling to say that hell would have to freeze over before he lost interest in Augi. He modified his response. ‘You know I like her. And I like her enough to assure you that I will not hurt her. There will be no more flirting?—’
‘You’ve flirted with her?’
He shrugged. That little fact had slipped out. ‘I’ll be on my best behaviour. And I can help you both. What do you say?’
‘I say, Daniel MacLeod, that you’re far too charming for your own good, and that I think we’d both welcome your help. Because, as much as Augi has said she’s happy to help me, I can’t impose on her too much and she is busy. So if you could help, too, that would be great.’
‘My pleasure.’
And he thought it probably would be.
‘So, yes, you might as well come with me.’
Dan didn’t have to think twice. It seemed it was his lucky day after all.
Chapter Six
Dan was surprised to see the library so busy. People of all ages browsed the books, chatted to others, and read to children. A couple of dogs waited outside, one barking intermittently at a cat perched on the fence separating the bowling green from the library and tennis courts. The library doors were wide open and the decking outside was dotted with colourful beanbags already occupied by teenagers reading under the brightly coloured awning.
He remembered how, when he was a kid, his mother had had to drag him to the library and it had always seemed empty, quiet, and incredibly boring. He’d always escaped as soon as he could to run down to the beach or into the bush, getting into trouble, collecting grazes, bruises, and insects in equal measure, and generally having a wonderful time. But that wonderful time had rarely included reading in the library. What a difference a few years made. Now he wanted nothing more than to stay and soak up the peaceful atmosphere and the sight of Augi listening to a local writer talk about his latest work in progress.
Kate just waved to Augi, telling her she’d catch up with her later, but Dan had stayed, much to his mother’s surprise. She tried to beckon him to come with her, but he shooed her away with what he hoped was a discreet wave of the hand and pretended to browse the non-fiction section.
He did this happily for five minutes without turning a page before he sensed someone walk up behind him. Before he could turn, he felt a whack on his back.
‘Hey there, Dan,’ said Lucy as she plopped down onto the sunny window seat. ‘Fancy seeing you here!’ She raised her eyebrows and shot him a knowing grin.
He pulled a face, knowing he’d been busted, and held the cookery book close to him, determined to hide the cover. He didn’t need to give his sister any more reason to tease him. He glanced at Augi who was still listening to the writer before facing Lucy. ‘Don’t start.’
Lucy tilted her head, clearly enjoying his discomfort. ‘Here to expand your literary horizons? Or just hoping someone will talk to you in a soothing Greek accent?’
He hoped his skin wasn’t as red as it felt. ‘What do you want, Lucy?’
‘Oliver. Information about,’ she added. She glanced at Augi who’d briefly met her glance before turning back to the library patron who was in full flow. ‘Come outside.’
