“Can’t disturb the dog.” Archer put down the knife and got Rarity a bottle. “You’ll be fine. Are you going to hire someone else? Or just see how Shirley does? I think she’ll surprise you.”
“She was wonderful. That’s not a surprise at all. I just don’t want to barge in on her retirement.” Rarity took a sip of the beer and set the bottle down. “And then there’s the George factor.”
“I think Shirley having something to do besides the George factor is a good thing. She needs to be around people. To be needed.” He returned to the kitchen. “We’re having a potato, cabbage, and Italian sausage hash. Any issues?”
“Not a one.” She leaned back. “I met Janey’s sister today. I think they were twins.”
“Is she nice?” Archer continued chopping the vegetables.
“I wouldn’t say nice. Classy. Put together. Not warm and friendly like Janey was. But again, I did meet her at a funeral. Maybe she was just sad.” Rarity stroked Killer’s back. “I don’t have any siblings. What about you?”
“I have a brother. He lives in New York and works on Wall Street. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up with what he’s doing since I don’t understand finance, but he’s my parents’ pride and joy.” He met her gaze. “I’m the disappointment.”
“Why? You run your own business. You almost own the building. You’re very well known in hiking circles. You’re such an amazing cook that you probably could be a chef. How on earth can you be a disappointment?”
He shrugged, going back to the chopping. “I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or banker. My folks see a profession as the important part of working. I take people on hikes. That’s a hobby, not a job. At least that’s what my dad said last year at Thanksgiving.”
“That’s horrible. You should be able to be who you want to be, not what your parents expect you to be. You’re not in jail or living on the streets. That should count for something.” She gave Killer a kiss, then stood, setting him down on the floor. She moved into the kitchen to sit at the island, where Archer was making dinner. “Next time he says something like that, you have him call me.”
“Or you could just go home with me for Thanksgiving,” Archer suggested. “I know we weren’t there relationship-wise last year, but I think we’re at that place this year.”
“I hate to leave the gang here alone.” Rarity had assumed she’d host Thanksgiving this year. “Shirley doesn’t like to leave George to go visit her kids that long.”
“If you don’t want to meet the folks, that’s fine.” Archer put a hand up on his forehead. “I’ll just say you’re too busy.”
Rarity laughed and took a piece of raw cabbage from the pile. She popped it in her mouth. “Let’s just think about it. I’ll put out some feelers to see where the others are going to be for the holidays, and if I think I can get away, I’ll let you know.”
“You’re a good friend.” He turned on the heat and started frying the potatoes, seasoning as he went.
“I want to be a good girlfriend as well, but I just don’t want to leave anyone hanging for the holidays.” Rarity came around the island and gave him a hug. “But thanks for asking me.”
“I’m asking you to be my protector in front of my family. I think I’m the one who should be thanking you for even considering the job.” He used a wooden spoon to stir the potatoes as he held her with the other arm. “Of course, Killer would be welcome as well.”
“Where I go, he goes. It’s a house rule.” Rarity looked down at the little Yorkie, who was watching them to make sure they didn’t drop anything. “Isn’t it, buddy?”
Killer barked his agreement and politely didn’t point out the fact that he’d been left home earlier that day.
Chapter 10
Saturday afternoon, the bookstore was a madhouse. Caleb was trying to wrangle the kids over to the club area so they could start the discussion of the book, but several were still in line with their parents, reading as they waited for their turn to check out.
Finally, Rarity made an announcement. “Kids who are still in line, take your book and go over to the fireplace and find a place to sit. Parents, stay here in line, and I’ll use a store copy to check you out. And you might want to pick up the next club read while you’re here.”
The kids all made a dash to the fireplace, except one girl who was still in line, clutching the book.
Rarity met her gaze. “Your folks can stand in line for you.”
The girl’s face turned red, and she mumbled, “My mom’s working. I’ve got the money for the book.”
Rarity glanced at the woman who was next in line, silently asking her for permission to move the child forward. She nodded.
“Come on up here, and we’ll get you over to the club before you miss anything.”
The girl slowly moved through the space the other parents had made for her. She put the book and a stack of ones on the counter. Rarity rang up the book and counted out the money. The girl was a dollar and forty-two cents short.
Rarity keyed in the full amount and made a note to add the rest later, when the girl wasn’t around. She shut the register and handed the girl a bag, where she’d put the book and the receipt. She met the child’s eyes. “Next week, come by when you can, and we’ll get you set up with the next book.”
She blushed. “I’m not sure I’ll be able to make enough money babysitting to buy a book a month.”
“Then we’ll figure something out. Maybe you could help me with Killer in exchange for your book costs.” She handed the girl one of her cards. “Just drop by next week, and we’ll make a plan. What’s your name?”
“Amy.” The girl took the card and stared at it. “Thank you.”
“No, thank you. I’ve been looking for some help around here. Now go get settled for the book club. I think Caleb’s about to start.” Rarity smiled as the girl hurried to sit on the floor and watch Caleb.
The woman who’d been next bought the current book and the next for her son. Then she put a third book on her stack. It was a second copy of the next club pick. “I’ll get next week’s book for Amy. That was nice what you did. I’d like to keep her reading too.”
“Thank you. I’ll pull her aside and give it to her before she leaves.” Rarity rang up the charges and put Amy’s book under the counter.
“Just don’t tell her who bought it. I’d rather stay anonymous. She’s a smart girl and works hard. Her mom works at the diner, and she’s single. I’m sure it’s tough.” She nodded toward the book club area, where Caleb had started talking about the book. “I’m so glad you opened up something for the kids. I’ve been trying to get Jake here to pick something out to read with little success. But then his best friend mentioned he was coming today, and he’s all ‘let’s go.’ It’s all about the peers at this age, right?”