like his decisions as sheriff have anything to do with me.”
So this small town wasn’t immune to people who were out to gain favor and ingratiate themselves. It was disappointing, but I supposed it was human nature.
Then Abigail winked. “Or you know. Sometimes they want his attention in a different way, and they try to go through me first.”
Oh shit. She was implying that when women wanted to date him, they started with her. My cheeks flamed until they had to be fire-engine red. Thank God she wasn’t assuming that about me.
She finished the cookie and re-tied her cellophane bag. “Thank you again. This made my day. Let me know if you need any help keeping my brother in line.”
“He’s been a great boss so far.” He was great at quite a few other things too.
“Good. I’m glad to hear it. Don’t tell him I said this, but I worry about him. He used to be so outgoing and now he hardly talks. When he came back home, I hated the idea of him being in that house all alone, so I’m really glad you’re there with him.”
Shit. She wouldn't be glad if she knew the reason I was there. And I also had a feeling her brother wouldn't appreciate me hearing any of this about him, although I was grateful for the knowledge.
“I’m glad I’m there too. You’re right that he doesn’t talk a lot.” I decided to switch gears. “Hey, I like to write as a hobby. Are there any topics that need a write up around here?”
An even bigger smile crept across her face. “Well yes. Now that you mention it. We’re going to have a festival coming up, and I’m in charge.”
“What do you need?”
“Well, we have several days of events at the end of November. There’s a chili cook off, there’s a pie contest, there’s a furniture making contest, some group events that involve quilt-making and bread making, and there’s a mini-carnival with a petting zoo and games for the kids. Usually everyone writes up a description of the event they're in charge of, but it’s a mess.”
“Do you need a newsletter? Or a flyer? Website?” I asked.
“All of the above. Anything that you think would work. And, residents are constantly asking me for book recommendations.” She tapped her pen against the desk. “Do you read a lot?”
“Constantly.”
“So this is another huge favor to ask. And I totally get you saying no. But if you read a book, I’d love a review. That way the book club could also use it as a guide.” She dropped the pen and leaned forward. “You should come to the book club. It’s once a month on Tuesday nights.”
“I’d love to.” I hoped I got to stay here long enough to attend one of their meetings.
Abigail's enthusiasm was contagious. I couldn’t do investigative reporting here, especially not while I was living in the sheriff’s house. The fact that I’d slept with him meant I wouldn’t be objective anyway. But this was a very different type of writing, but it was one I was grateful to have.
She’d given me the perfect opportunity to join in the town, and blend in. She was also very kind, and hopefully would turn out to be a good friend.
Chapter Ten
Tyler
“I met your sister,” Ava said when I got home from work. “You didn’t tell me the librarian was your sister.”
Shit. What the hell had Abigail been telling her? Had they talked about me? If I asked, I’d sound like an egotistical prick. “You didn’t ask if she was my sister.”
Ava pursed her lips. “Fine. I’ll ask. Do you have any other family members lurking around town?”
“Yes.”
“And who is that?”
“My mother. She’s a teacher.”
“Okay good. Now I won’t look like an idiot when I meet her. I like your sister. I took her some cookies.”
Then Ava pushed a container full of cookies into my hands. They smelled really good.
I tasted one. Her cookies were amazing.
Sadie trotted over then and lay beside me, but she wasn’t frantic like usual. It was obvious Ava had been giving her plenty of attention all day long.
As I sat at the kitchen table and petted my dog, Ava talked, telling me about her day and about my sister inviting her to the book club.
I half-listened. Mostly I watched Ava. I even liked watching her dainty hands as she pulled bowls from the cabinets. I should be a gentleman and offer to help her finish dinner, but I was rooted to