“When I was a kid, I loved books, but I always wished our library was more fun. I should be embarrassed to admit it, but I spent a lot of time daydreaming about how I’d run the library if it was mine.”
“My sisters practically lived at the library when we were young. My dad wasn’t as big on reading as an activity for boys, so I used to sneak their library books into my room and read them.”
She held up her hand. “Don’t even get me started on gender bias and reading. I could rant for hours.”
“Since you obviously went away to college, how did you end up back at the Whitford library?”
Between bites, Hailey told him about college and how getting her degree had coincided with the previous librarian’s retirement. “Not only was I finally going to be a librarian, but it was my library. Basically, it was a dream come true. Except for the paperwork.”
“They never warn you about the paperwork.”
They lingered over breakfast and coffee for so long, Hailey was surprised when Liz asked her if the library was closed. “You only have a half hour, you know.”
“That’s not enough time to go home and come back, is it?” Matt gave her a sheepish look. “I’m sorry. Do you have your keys? I can just drop you off unless you need something at home. Otherwise, I think the town will survive you being a few minutes late.”
Hailey thought about it for a moment. Her keys were in her pocket and there was no reason she couldn’t wear what she had on. Since it was only her, the dress code at the library tended to be rather casual, anyway. “I could go right to the library. And I can find somebody to give me a ride home.”
“I’ll pick you up. Five, right?”
“Yeah. You don’t have to, though. I can find a ride.”
“I want to.” He pulled cash out of his wallet to cover the bill and tip, then waved away the money she pulled from her back pocket.
When they pulled into the library parking lot, he left the truck running, but he still got out to open her door. “I’ll be back at five to get you.”
“I had a good time. It’ll be a long day, but I’m glad you asked me to go.”
“Me, too.” He kissed her goodbye, keeping it quick. “I’ll see you later.”
They gave her five minutes to get settled, and then a text message from Tori popped over a caller ID screen telling her Paige was calling. She closed the text from Tori and answered Paige’s call. “Was I even out the door before Liz called you this time?”
“I doubt it. Tell me.”
“I’m busy right now.”
“No, you’re not. Did you spend the night with him? I mean, why else would you be out having breakfast with him, right?”
“I did not spend the night with him. At four-thirty we went out in the woods to watch a moose and her twin calves at a marsh.”
Paige laughed. “Sure, I believe that.”
“It’s true. And after we left the woods, we went to breakfast and then he dropped me off at the library.”
“That’s it?” Her friend sounded deflated. “You were moose watching?”
“Well, and kissing.”
“I knew it. Good kissing?”
“Very good kissing.” Kissing she’d be thinking about all day now.
“When are you going to see him again?” Paige asked, and then she made quiet shushing sounds Hailey assumed were intended for Sarah, who she could hear starting to fuss in the background.
“Well, aside from the fact I live next door to him and will probably see him every day for the foreseeable future, he has to pick me up after work because he dropped me off.”
Sarah was working up to a full screech now. “Damn. Poor thing doesn’t feel so hot today and she won’t let me put her down. But I’m going to call you tomorrow and I want to hear everything.”
“Okay. I can have him drop me off at your house if you need a break, you know.”
“Thank you, but Rose just pulled in the driveway and Mitch will be home later tonight. You have fun, if you know what I mean.”
“Funny. Try to get some rest.”
After the phone call, she pulled up the text from Tori. I told you so.
Hailey rolled her eyes. You told me I’d have breakfast with Matt?
The door opened and a few older women walked in. They were forming a crocheting club and intended to make granny square blankets to raise money for the town’s Santa Fund. They’d asked to meet at the library, where there were no husbands or chores demanding their attention, and she’d welcomed them. One of the women had even renewed her library card, which had expired in 1976.
Her phone buzzed, but she waited until she had the ladies settled before she gave it her attention.
Smart-ass. Did you spend the night?
No. Early morning date. Breakfast.
Who has early morning dates?
It was a valid question. Game wardens, I guess. We watched moose.
There was a long pause before Tori’s reply came back. Is this a prank?
Nope.
Put a sign on the door you’re closing for lunch one day this week.