“Don’t let him upset you, although I realize you haven’t had as much practice as I have.”
But Renette started tearing up anyway. “It’s just that if the library does close down—well, I know it will be hard on you. I’ve seen how much running this library has meant to you. I’ve seen how hard you’ve worked at it, and it’s inspired me to be the very best front desk clerk Cherico’s ever had. Plus, I’ll never find a boss as good as you are if I have to get another job.”
Maura Beth quickly explained the decision to create the petitions and then moved to Renette to give her a warm hug. “That’s sweet of you to worry about me, but you may not even have to do any job hunting. But if the worst happens and you do, you’ll probably find a boss that’s even better. Now I want you to run to the ladies’ room and dry your eyes. After all, we’re still up and running, and you’re the first impression our patrons get when they walk into the lobby. We don’t want them thinking you’ve been up all night crying. Oh, and get those girlfriends of yours to come in and sign that petition in the next two weeks. And tell them to tell their friends, too.”
Renette smiled even as she sniffled. “When are you going to put it up on the bulletin board? Seems like every minute counts.”
“Connie McShay is having it printed and copied later today,” Maura Beth told her. “She’ll be dropping by to tack it up. Then the countdown begins.”
After a couple of hours had passed, Maura Beth was pulled away from her petition networking by another knock at her door. “Come in,” she announced, wondering if Renette needed further reassurance.
But it was loyal, matronly Emma Frost who appeared instead. “Excuse me, Miz Mayhew. I know I’m prob’ly intruding, but Renette called me up this morning to tell me what went on here last night. I’m sorry I couldn’t come, but my husband has a real bad cold, and I don’t want it to go into the flu. We just can’t afford to have him miss any more workdays. So I had him all bundled up last night, stuffing him with my best home remedies. I know it’s not my day to be here, but I just couldn’t let this news about the library pass without coming in to say something to you.”
“I completely understand. But have a seat for a minute.” After Emma had pulled up her chair, Maura Beth continued, “I trust Renette didn’t tell you that the library was definitely being closed.”
Emma worked her hands into a nervous tangle as she spoke. “Well, I sorta got that impression. And I know we’ve had our share of days without a soul showing up, but I need this job in the worst way to help my family make ends meet. Do you think we really will be shut down?”
Maura Beth gave her an engaging smile, realizing that this was definitely an occasion to bring out the best of both Melanie and Scarlett as she had once promised to do. “You have faith, Emma. We’ll do everything we can over the next two weeks to prevent that from happening with the petitions we’re circulating. Meanwhile, there’s something you can do to help. Tell all your family and friends to come to the library and sign that petition to keep it open. You march straight home and get things started.”
Emma thanked her for the pep talk and left, after which Maura Beth sat back in her chair with a sense of accomplishment. She and her staff must keep it together and plug away at the end game. In fact, every member of The Cherry Cola Book Club must meet that challenge without flinching.
Connie and Douglas McShay were sitting in front of their great room fire discussing their efforts on behalf of the library exactly one week before the budget approval.
“There’s got to be more we can do,” Connie was saying, frustration creeping into her voice. “We’ve got everyone we know out here covered, but that’s only half a dozen people. Maybe a dozen if the Brimleys, the Milners, and the Paxtons follow up with a few of their friends.”
Douglas gave her a little hiccup of a chuckle and wagged his brows. “Surely you’re not suggesting we go around badgering strangers at their front doors like Jehovah’s Witnesses?”
She punched his arm playfully and snickered. “No, but