Didn't notice when they fell off completely, clattering onto her shoulder and then down to hang around her neck.
She just kept playing, the amp behind her switched off, the sound acoustic and raw and filling the cottage. Old songs, butgood ones, other people’s songs, but ones she loved, ones that had always inspired her.
A comment flashed across her phone screen, bigger than the others: CAN YOU PLAY KRIMSON KHAOS???
Raven opened her eyes, saw the request, and made a split-second decision.
Why not? It was one of the band's biggest hits. The fans loved it. And maybe playing something so familiar would help shake loose whatever was blocking her from writing new material. She grinned.
"You got it," she said to the camera. "One condition though. I'm plugging in the amp for this one. You want the full experience, right?"
The comments exploded with excitement.
Raven stood, still playing, and crossed to where her amp sat against the wall. She picked up the cable, checked that her guitar was ready, and looked back at her phone one more time.
"Fair warning," she said, a hint of her old stage presence creeping into her voice. "This is going to be loud."
She plugged in the amp.
And turned it on.
Chapter Seven
The committee meeting was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at Blossom's café and bookshop.
Annabelle arrived fifteen minutes early, armed with so many plans her brain could barely contain them and about a million sheets of paper with scribbled ideas on them.
The café smelled like coffee and cinnamon rolls, and Blossom was wiping down tables when Annabelle came in.
"You're the first one here." Blossom grinned. "Tea? Coffee? I’ve got some nice iced buns in."
"Tea would be lovely, thanks." Annabelle claimed the large corner table and began arranging her papers. "I thought I'd get set up before everyone arrives. I've got quite a lot to go through."
"I can see that." Blossom eyed the pile of documents with amusement. "Are you planning to raise library funds or launch a space program?"
Annabelle laughed. "Just the library funds for now. Though if we had any rocket scientists in Bankton, I'd definitely put them on the committee."
The shop bell rang and Gloria swept in dramatically, wearing what appeared to be a vintage evening gown despite it beingthree in the afternoon. "I'm here! I've come prepared with ideas. Spectacular ideas. The village will be absolutely enchanted."
Annabelle's smile didn't waver, though she caught Blossom’s warning look. "That's wonderful, Gloria. I can't wait to hear them."
Daisy bounced through the door next, nearly colliding with Arty, who'd been holding it open for her. "Sorry! Sorry! Oh, Arty, hello! Are you on the committee too? How exciting! This is going to be brilliant!"
"Apparently I'm on the committee," Arty said, shooting Annabelle a look that was equal parts amused and resigned. "Blossom volunteered me."
"You were sitting right there when she asked," Blossom called from behind the counter. "And you said yes."
"I said I'd think about it."
"You're here, aren't you?"
Arty sighed and pulled out a chair. "Fair point."
Once everyone had settled with their drinks and Gloria had rearranged herself three times to find the most dramatic seating position, Annabelle stood up.
"Right." She clasped her hands together. "Thank you all so much for coming. I know everyone's incredibly busy, and I really appreciate you taking the time to help save our school library."
"It's a worthy cause," Blossom said warmly.
