Both girls nodded.
Aunt Michelle came up behind Grandma Westbrook and put her arm around her shoulder. “There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you.”
“I’ve been talking to Alice.” Grandma motioned to the girls. “Did you bring the cookies?” She turned to Alice. “I made your great-grandmother’s applesauce cookies today.”
“I didn’t bring them. Sorry, Mom.” Something in the worry on Michelle’s face said there was more going on here than either lady let on. But Alice wasn’t even sure what question to ask.
“I’m going to mingle—find out if there’s anything to this movie star myth.” Stacy winked and ducked between two men, disappearing in seconds. She was a social butterfly and loved to chat up her Harvest Ranch neighbors.
Michelle gave Alice a quick hug. “I saw your clipboard on a chair near the front.”
She brightened. “Thanks!” She kissed Grandma on the cheek and then headed for the front of the room. The clipboard was on the second row, right in the middle. She picked it up and looked over the open slots. There weren’t many. She’d decided not to sign up until after everyone else had a chance, since it didn’t matter to her what she did.
Four years ago, she’d worked in the children’s section, monitoring those bobbing for apples. Not her favorite, as she’d had to fish two retainers out of the bins and replace the water. Yuck.
Three years ago, she’d helped Fay with food. Not bad, but she’d woken up the next morning with aches in places she didn’t know she had and a new respect for the business owner.
Two years ago, she’d judged the chili cook-off, and her taste buds still hadn’t grown back.
Last year, she’d been on the decorating committee and had a great time. It had also freed her up to show Russ around. They’d walked through the craft booths, and he’d bought an old typewriter to put on his bookshelf. He’d lugged it around for hours, earning strange looks and the occasional joke about needing to upgrade his laptop.
Maybe she’d sign up for the children’s events on Thursday so she could have Friday night free to dance. Dancing with Russ could be a good thing—averygood thing.
A papery hand on her forearm pulled her out of her dawdling. “What’s your name, dearie?” asked Grandma Westbrook.
Alice stared at her, wondering if she’d heard the question right. “I’m sorry?”
“You look so familiar.”
“I’m Alice,” she replied, dumbfounded.
“I always see you at library functions, and I think it’s wonderful how you help out.”
Lifting her chin, Alice replied, “Actually, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. I love the library. But you know that.”
The older woman patted Alice’s arm. “I do. At least, I feel like I should.” Her pale blue eyes moved slowly around their personal space before landing on Alice. “Hello, sweetie.” She grabbed Alice for a hug.
Alice was officially freaked out. “Grandma?”
Aunt Michelle rushed over. “I just can’t keep a hold of her.”
“What’s going on?” Alice asked around Grandma.
Michelle sighed. “She’s forgetting things. We’re going to the doctor next week.”
“But—” Alice glanced at Grandma, who scowled at Michelle.
“You don’t have to tell the whole world my business.”
Alice’s mouth dropped open. “Iam notthe whole world, Grandma.”
“I know, sweetie. I’m sorry. I’m out of sorts lately, that’s all. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.”
Alice relaxed as Grandma rubbed her arm. “I know.”
“Let’s head home.” Michelle offered her arm to Grandma, who took her elbow.
A part of Alice’s heart fell at the sight. Grandma was a force of nature in her life and in this town. She simply couldn’t forget that.
