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“That’s a great idea. I love it. What else would you do? Would you like to join the committee?” Olivia asked.

I shook my head. “I—”

Lena jumped in and spoke. “Oh, shoot. It’s getting late. I have to get back to work.” She glanced my direction and I gave her a grateful little nod. “Since this one is my ride, I’m going to have to take him away. I’m so sorry.” She shrugged and smiled apologetically, raising her eyebrows as she did.

I exhaled in a rush. “Sorry about that,” I said to Olivia, Dale, and the other committee members looking at me for guidance. “Guess we have to get going.”

“Well then, we’ll see you next time.” Olivia said it like it was a forgone conclusion. I hoped she was talking about seeing Lena again, not me.

We headed back to the car and the moment we were outside and on the sidewalk, I let out another deep exhale. “Thanks.”

Lena waved it away. “Don’t mention it. What are friends for, if not to rescue you from a situation you never wanted to be a part of in the first place? It’s my fault you were there. The least I could do was save you when you started getting grilled.”

I laughed and nodded. “Well, I still appreciate it.”

Soon, we were in the car and headed home, Lena talking about work drama and her terrible boss as I drove. I listened and nodded, laughing and smiling at all the right places, but in the back of my mind, I couldn’t stop thinking about the library.

What else would I do, if it were my project? Refresh the furniture, maybe add some family carrels where people could bring their little kids to be contained and entertained while the adult was working on a computer. Maybe I’d redo the flow so that the circulation desk was right up front. The space really did have so much potential and I hated to see it be wasted.

My stomach churned as I let the thoughts tumble through my mind. Did I want to get involved? Not really, especially because my visit to Pine Bluff was only temporary. On the other hand… I really missed having a project to work on, and I loved design.

I sighed softly as we pulled into the driveway. I had a lot to think about.

Chapter Twelve

Ellis

By the time I got home, Lena and Kieran were stationed at the kitchen table, finishing up their dinner. After an exhausting day of tattooing, I was worn out and relieved when Lena gave me a warm smile and assured me there was plenty of food left, so I didn’t have to cook.

Dinner turned out to be rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, along with green beans and little roasted potatoes. I loaded a plate and joined the two of them at the table, letting out a deep exhale as I sat.

“Long day?” Lena asked.

I nodded, shoveling food in my mouth. I had barely had time for a bathroom break, much less a meal, and I was starving. When I’d finally chewed and swallowed, I spoke. “Yeah. Back hurts. Lots of being hunched over the table today. How about you? How was your day?”

“Great. Kieran went with me to the revitalization meeting for the library.”

I frowned, brow dipping low, but kept my voice even and neutral. “Oh yeah?” It felt off, seeing him going to committee meetings and getting integrated into Pine Bluff town business. He was just going to be here for a couple of months… right? And that thought soured my stomach and tanked my mood.

Kieran shrugged and waved it off. “I was just there as driver and personal assistant. No big deal.”

I grunted and shoved food into my mouth again. When my mouth was clear, I finally looked up at Kieran. “Thanks for helping her out.”

“He might help with the project, too,” Lena said lightly, voice playful and a little teasing.

“Really?” That time, my tone wasn’t nearly as neutral as I’d hoped it would be.

He shrugged. “They asked my opinion, probably because I have a lot of experience with that sort of thing. I don’t know. Besides, I’m only here temporarily.”

I nodded once and continued eating. Exactly. Temporary. A sort of smugness came over me, followed by a wave of sadness. Temporary, I reminded myself again.

Lena chuckled and shook her head. “You can help while you’re here. It might be a good opportunity for you to clear your head about Heartland Overhaul and figure out if you want to keep doing design work. Besides, maybe you’ll find something worth staying for.”

My stomach tightened at that, though I couldn’t tell why. Instead of responding, I let out another grunt and kept eating.

After a few more minutes of filling me in on her day, Lena yawned and sighed. “I think it’s time for me to turn in.”

“I’ll take care of cleanup,” Kieran said immediately.