“What are you doing?” Candace asked, causing me to nearly drop the books.
I set them on the floor, spun around, and glared at her. “You scared the bejesus out of me!”
She drew in her brows. “How? I said your name before I asked what you were doing.”
I frowned. “You did?”
With a roll of her eyes, she folded her arms over her chest and stared at me like I’d lost my mind. “Someone was thinking about her new man, wasn’t she?”
I playfully pushed at her shoulder and then noticed she was dressed more nicely than her usual casual-yet-sleek look. Her black hair was pulled up and styled in a tight bun on top of her head. A navy pencil skirt hugged her fit, curvy body, while a soft beige blouse showed off her ample cleavage. Her flawless brown skin seemed to have a glow to it, and navy pumps finished off the polished look.
“Wait a minute. Why are you dressed up?” I asked.
“No reason.”
My mouth dropped open as she started to walk away. “Seriously? You’re going to just walk away and not tell me why you’re all fancy?”
Candace glanced over her shoulder and smirked at me before she stopped and asked Mrs. Galvert if she needed help with anything.
“No, Candace, dear. I’m just going to take a peek at the new romance books that came in.”
Candace winked. “There’s a whole brand-new section of romance I shelved yesterday. All independent authors, just like you asked for. I have it on the endcap marked ‘Indie Authors’.”
Mrs. Galvert’s eyes went wide as she looked over at me. “You ordered some?”
Trying not to laugh at the look of anticipation on her face, I said, “I did. Candace gave me a list of authors and some book titles you suggested, and I ordered them a few weeks ago.”
Before we could even say another word, she was making a mad dash through the bookstore to the romance section. She wasn’t even using her ever-present cane.
We watched her as she disappeared around a bookshelf. Leaning in closer to me, Candace asked, “I’d bet you my life that woman is into some kinky-ass shit at home.”
I hit her on the arm and covered my snort-laugh with my hand. “Back to why you’re all dressed up.”
“I am not dressed up.”
I leaned my hip against a shelf and asked, “Did you have a hot lunch date?”
When she didn’t bother to answer—or look my way—I gasped. “Oh my God! You had a date and you didn’t tell me?”
She gave me a sheepish grin, which wasn’t like her at all. “You’ve been busy.”
I suddenly felt my chest squeeze. “Candace, I’m never too busy for you. Have I been ignoring you?”
With a sudden jerk of her head, she looked at me and then busted out laughing. “Greer, I’m not a child. I’m not seeking, nor do I need, your full attention.”
“I know that. I just meant that I’m sorry if I haven’t been around for you as a friend because I’m too wrapped up in my own world right now.”
She gave me a soft smile, reached for my hand, and squeezed it. “You’re an amazing friend, and no, you haven’t been ignoring me in any way.”
“Okay, then, tell me what’s going on.”
She sighed before flashing a wide smile. “I had a lunch date with Will…the hot firefighter.”
I brought my hand up to mouth to keep my squeal of delight suppressed. “Oh exciting! How did it go?”
The bell on the front door rang, and we both turned to see a young mother and her two kids walk in.
“Hi, welcome to Turning Pages!” I cheerfully said. “Is there anything I can help you with?”
The mother gave me a bright smile. “We’re driving through town, and I spied the bookstore. My husband is taking in the shops next door, so we thought we’d look at your children’s section.”
“Great!” I said. “Follow me, and I’ll show you where it is.”
With a quick look back at Candace, I lifted a brow to let her know our conversation wasn’t over.
The rest of the afternoon was filled with busy work while I waited to meet up with Hudson and his parents. I spent most of it upstairs, cleaning up the mess from the remodel. Candace had finally filled me in on her lunch with Will. They seemed to be hitting it off rather well.
The bell on the entrance door rang, and I peeked over the railing to see Hudson walk in. My mood instantly lifted at the sight of him. I dusted off my jeans and quickly made my way down the old antique steps that creaked when you used them.
“Hey, how’s your day been?” Hudson asked the moment he caught sight of me.
“It’s been good, but better now that I’ve seen you.”
Candace let out a fake gagging sound, but only loud enough for me and Hudson to hear her. We both ignored her. “Did your folks make it in okay?” I asked.