She felt both pleased and a little embarrassed. “Thank you.”
The older woman reached for Liz’s hand. “I’m Sally Banfield. You were in school with my daughter, Michelle. I’m a huge fan. I couldn’t believe it five years ago when Morgan told me you’d written a book. I read it and I was hooked. Your detective is one of my favorite characters ever. She’s just like the people I know, only a little smarter. But she’s real. With problems and everything. I felt so bad her boyfriend got killed in the last book. But he died trying to save her life. It was so romantic. My husband won’t even pick up his own socks, let alone die for anyone.”
Sally frowned. “I don’t think that came out right.”
“I know what you meant,” Liz offered, knowing any fan was a good fan.
“Have you moved back to Fool’s Gold?” Sally asked.
“I, ah, I’m here for a few weeks.”
“I can’t wait to tell all my friends I really met you.” Sally raced toward the door. “You’ve made my day.”
“Thank you.”
When she left, Morgan smiled again. “She means well.”
“I know. And I really do appreciate the enthusiasm.” Liz was willing to overlook the fact that Sally’s daughter Michelle had been one of Liz’s tormentors.
She pointed at the window display. “Thank you for that.”
“You write a great book and everyone wants to hear about a hometown girl doing well. You’re famous here.”
Something Liz had never considered. Her only concern when she’d found out she had to come back had been avoiding Ethan. Now she had to deal with the reality of interacting with an entire town.
“Famous being relative,” she corrected with a laugh.
“We’re having our annual book festival in a couple of months. I provide most of the books through the store. If you’re still around, we’d love you to sign.” He winked again. “Our local authors tend to be self-published, with an emphasis on crafts and legends.”
She had no intention of being anywhere near Fool’s Gold in two months, but Morgan had always been kind to her, so she didn’t want to be rude.
“You’re saying you’ll make more on my books,” she teased.
“You know me. It’s all about the bottom line,” he joked.
“My plans aren’t set, but if I’m here, I’ll sign.”
“I won’t say anything until you’re sure. Otherwise Pia O’Brian will have you leading a parade.”
“Why would Pia care?”
“She’s in charge of all the festivals in town. She coordinates the special events and picnics. The book festival is one of her major fundraisers for the town.”
Oh, goodie, she thought glumly. Because Pia was exactly the person she wanted to see.
“I appreciate your discretion.”
A mother with two teenaged daughters walked into the store. Liz ducked behind them, waved at Morgan and left. She’d barely walked down the three steps to the sidewalk when she had to shift suddenly to avoid running into two women walking together.
“Excuse me,” Liz said, her attention still on the bookstore.
“Liz?” a familiar and unwelcome voice asked. “Liz Sutton?”
Liz held in a groan as she turned and met Pia O’Brian’s surprised gaze. Pia who had taunted her daily all through high school. Pia who had mocked her clothes, her love of books, her reputation.
The woman next to Pia squealed. “Liz Sutton? I’m such a huge fan!”
Liz glanced at her, then wished she had stayed home. The squealer was one of Ethan’s sisters, although she had no idea which one. Not that it mattered. Whatever fanlike feelings his sister might have now would be squashed the second she found out about Tyler.
“Hi,” Liz said weakly, doing her best to smile when what she really wanted to do was run. She looked at Ethan’s sister. “I’m sorry, I know you’re one of Ethan’s sisters…”
“Montana.”
“I can’t believe you’re here,” Pia commented, still looking as stylish as ever. Her hair was a little shorter and she looked more twenty-something than teen-queen. Otherwise, she was as perfect as she’d been twelve years ago. “When did you get back? And aren’t you famous? What are you doing here?”
“She’s beyond famous,” Montana gushed. “I can’t believe it. I work at the library part-time. My boss is going to flip when I tell her you’re here.”
Montana was pretty and dark-haired with a sensual smile and a curvy body that made Liz feel just a little inadequate. She didn’t look anything like the stereotype of a quiet librarian.