“Or, maybe we could take a walk …” I backpedal quickly.
She sighs, glancing away again, making a point of scanning around the space. From where we’re standing, I can see two teenagers who’d been seated at the computer stations at the rear of the building packing up their notes and textbooks.
“I’m not sure that would be a good idea,” she says softly as the girls approach us. Turning to face them, Steph puts on a smile. It’s beautiful and genuine, but I won’t count it because it’s not for me. “Can I help you ladies with anything?” she asks.
“We have a couple of books to check out,” one of the girls says, her eyes darting awkwardly toward me. It’s then I notice theother girl is staring at me as well. When she notices me watching her, she quickly looks away.
Huh.
My gaze tracks back to Steph, who’s been observing the interaction with delight.
“Come on over, and we’ll get you sorted,” she says, her voice filled with mirth.
The girls glance up at me once more, their faces flushed with heat. I bite back a chuckle. It seems I’m making all the ladies blush tonight.
“You’re Alex’s mom, right?” one of the girls asks as they follow Steph to the circulation desk to check out their books.
“That’s right,” she answers easily. “You know him?”
The girl nods. “We have a class together. Computer graphics.”
“Oh, are you Izzy? You worked on that design project with him, didn’t you?”
“Yeah.”
“That’s great. He said you were brilliant with the concept.”
The girl smiles. “Nah, he’s the one who carried that whole section.”
“Well, I’m sure you did your part,” Steph reassures her, but it’s plain to see the pride shining on her face. She’s such a good mother. I drift closer as she finishes scanning their books, the other girl continuing to eye me over her shoulder.
“Anyway, uh, tell Alex I said ‘Hi.’”
“I will. Have a good night, girls,” Steph says with a wave as they move toward the door. She pulls her phone from the pocket of her dress and checks the time. I know it’s nearing nine because I purposely timed my visit for the end of her shift.
“Goodnight,” I call after them, too, causing them both to whip their heads back at me in surprise. One of them stumbles but catches herself.
“Goodnight,” she squeaks.
“Looks like it’s not just the Mystery Mavens,” Steph muses with a smirk.
“Huh?”
“It seems you’ve got quite a few admirers in this town,” Steph elaborates, her voice again filled with amusement as we watch the girls push through the heavy front door. The sound of their high-pitched giggles reaches us from outside as they rush away from the building.
“Tell me you’re one of them,” I tease with a chuckle, and I’m pleased to see her bite her lip in an attempt to hide a smile.
I’m taking that one.Fifteen.
“Soooo,” I start, dragging out the word for emphasis. “You didn’t answer me about the walk.”
“Did too.”
“Nope.”
“Yes. I said it wouldn’t be a good idea.”
“Well, that’s not the answer I want to hear, so try again.”
