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Synopsis
Sedona, Arizona’s Next Chapter bookstore is a haven for Rarity Cole, who’s survived cancer and started an exciting second act in her life. With a film festival about to open in town, she has two big author events lined up—but after a live appearance, one of them winds up very unalive . . .
Business is booming as an Olympic cyclist and a famous filmmaker come to town for a film festival and schedule signings at Rarity’s bookshop. Luckily, her former employee Darby is back from Scotland and ready to help out. But just as the filmmaker's cult classic starts to roll, Rarity finds him dead . . .
Rarity is naturally an introvert who prefers escaping into a good book with her affectionate Yorkie by her side. But her bout with serious illness has taught her that life is precious. With help from her friends, her coworkers, and her sweetheart, Archer, she’s determined to untangle the web of secrets and lies surrounding the director’s death, and find out who wanted him out of the picture . . .
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Print pages: 224
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Sleuthing with the Stars
Lynn Cahoon
Praise for Lynn Cahoon and Her Irresistible Cozy Mysteries
AN AMATEUR SLEUTH’S GUIDE TO MURDER
“The prolific Lynn Cahoon starts another winning cozy series!”
—Criminal Element
“Cahoon launches a promising new series with endearing characters and a charming locale.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Plan a cozy day by the fire with a cup of tea, snuggle in, and enjoy. The day will be over before you know it. And there may even be time to make Lynn’s Yummy Murderous Mac and Cheese for dinner.”
—Nancy Coco, author of the Candy-Coated Mysteries
“If you love cozy mysteries, you will love An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder—a delightful mixture of a practical guidebook and a clever fictional mystery.”
—Valerie Burns, author of the Mystery Bookshop Mysteries
FIVE FURRY FAMILIARS
“A fun read for those who enjoy tales of witches and magic.”
—Kirkus Reviews
THREE TAINTED TEAS
“A kitchen witch reluctantly takes over as planner for a cursed wedding… This witchy tale is a hoot.”
—Kirkus Reviews
ONE POISON PIE
“One Poison Pie deliciously blends charm and magic with a dash of mystery and a sprinkle of romance. Mia Malone is a zesty protagonist who relies on her wits to solve the crime, and the enchanting cast of characters that populate Magic Springs are a delight.”
—Daryl Wood Gerber, Agatha winner and nationally best-selling author of the Cookbook Nook Mysteries and Fairy Garden Mysteries
“A witchy cooking cozy for fans of the supernatural and good eating.”
—Kirkus Reviews
A FIELD GUIDE TO HOMICIDE
“The best entry in this character-driven series mixes a well-plotted mystery with a romance that rings true to life.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Informative as well as entertaining, A Field Guide to Homicide is the perfect book for cozy mystery lovers who entertain thoughts of writing novels themselves… This is, without a doubt, one of the best Cat Latimer novels to date.”
—Criminal Element
“Cat is a great heroine with a lot of spirit that readers will enjoy solving the mystery (with).”
—Parkersburg News & Sentinel
SCONED TO DEATH
“The most intriguing aspect of this story is the writers’ retreat itself. Although the writers themselves are not suspect, they add freshness and new relationships to the series. Fans of Lucy Arlington’s ‘Novel Idea’ mysteries may want to enter the writing world from another angle.”
—Library Journal
OF MURDER AND MEN
“A Colorado widow discovers that everything she knew about her husband’s death is wrong… Interesting plot and quirky characters.”
—Kirkus Reviews
A STORY TO KILL
“Well-crafted… Cat and crew prove to be engaging characters and Cahoon does a stellar job of keeping them—and the reader—guessing.”
—Mystery Scene
“Lynn Cahoon has hit the golden trifecta—Murder, intrigue, and a really hot handyman. Better get your flashlight handy, A Story to Kill will keep you reading all night.”
—Laura Bradford, author of the Amish Mysteries
TOURIST TRAP MYSTERIES
“Lynn Cahoon’s popular Tourist Trap series is set all around the charming coastal town of South Cove, California, but the heroine Jill Gardner owns a delightful bookstore/coffee shop so a lot of the scenes take place there. This is one of my go-to cozy mystery series, bookish or not, and I’m always eager to get my hands on the next book!”
—Hope By the Book
“Murder, dirty politics, pirate lore, and a hot police detective: Guidebook to Murder has it all! A cozy lover’s dream come true.”
—Susan McBride, author of the Debutante Dropout Mysteries
“This was a good read and I love the author’s style, which was warm and friendly… I can’t wait to read the next book in this wonderfully appealing series.”
—Dru’s Book Musings
“I am happy to admit that some of my expectations were met while other aspects of the story exceeded my own imagination… This mystery novel was light, fun, and kept me thoroughly engaged. I only wish it was longer.”
—The Young Folks
“If the Shoe Kills is entertaining and I would be happy to visit Jill and the residents of South Cove again.”
—MysteryPlease.com
“In If the Shoe Kills, author Lynn Cahoon gave me exactly what I wanted. She crafted a well told small town murder that kept me guessing who the murderer was until the end. I will definitely have to take a trip back to South Cove and maybe even visit tales of Jill Gardner’s past in the previous two Tourist Trap Mystery books. I do love a holiday mystery! And with this book, so will you.”
—ArtBooksCoffee.com
“I would recommend If the Shoe Kills if you are looking for a well written cozy mystery.”
—Mysteries, Etc.
“This novella is short and easily read in an hour or two with interesting angst and dynamics between mothers and daughters and mothers and sons… I enjoyed the first-person narrative.”
—Kings River Life Magazine on Mother’s Day Mayhem
Chapter 1
Lights surrounded the Next Chapter bookstore on the main drag in Sedona, Arizona, bringing in customers for tonight’s special event. The store was bursting with people waiting for the start of the night’s event. A local bike enthusiast had talked Rarity Cole into inviting an Olympic-winning racer who had just released his first memoir to come for a talk and to sign books. The annual Sedona Red Rock Race was on Saturday, so they’d scheduled the book event for the Wednesday night before. And the store was standing room only.
“I can’t believe so many people came.” Shirley Prescott stood next to Rarity Cole, owner of the store, as they both studied the crowd. “No one’s touching the cookies or the coffee, but we’ve refilled the water pitchers three times. There are people in line outside, just waiting to buy a signed book. Katie’s gone out with cups and water for the line. I’m not sure I ordered enough copies. And to make it worse, Friday’s author sent his assistant to check on us. She’s been badgering me with questions all night.”
“Which one is that?” Rarity followed Shirley’s directions and found the woman standing against a bookshelf, on her phone. She was furiously typing. “Are we doing something wrong?”
“According to Jane Carey? Everything. The light over the dais is too dark. The room too small. And the treats appear to be homemade.” Shirley sighed as the woman looked up and frowned at her. Again.
“Well, Mason Pike’s signing will be a totally different setup. Did you tell her about using the back alley for the talk, signing, and the movie following? No matter what, it’s already planned. There’s nothing we or she can do about it. Tell her to take a chill pill.” Rarity watched as more people pulled books off the shelves and headed over to the purchase table.
“Seriously? I’d rather kick her out. She’s giving me a headache.” Shirley glanced at the treat table. “Maybe I should refill the water pitchers. One looks low.”
“I’m sure we’ll be fine,” Rarity said, but as she checked her watch, she wasn’t sure at all. Especially about the number of books they’d ordered. This was the biggest author signing they’d hosted since she opened the store. Maybe she needed to think about a new place to hold these events. Marc Billings was going to be happy with his signing. They’d set up a sales table near the door and had chairs filling the book club area as well as the ends of the book aisles. “I’m going to go get Darby and our guest and start this party a few minutes early.”
Darby Doyle had been Rarity’s first employee. She’d gone off to Scotland to finish out her undergraduate degree and was now back in town for at least the summer. Who knew where she’d land in the fall, but Rarity was glad to have her back for now. She’d volunteered to be the author wrangler for the upcoming events, and Rarity happily relinquished the role. Darby was outgoing, cute, and extroverted. She thrived in these situations. And from the way Marc kept looking at Darby, she was enchanting the author as well.
Rarity kept the moderating role mostly because she loved talking to authors about books. She’d just have to ignore the huge audience staring past her and at Marc.
Rarity would have rather been home, reading on the couch tonight. She was a true introvert and big events like this drained her energy stores, but since they also filled the store’s coffers, it was a necessary evil of the job. Shirley loved the planning and coordination of the events. And her other employee, Katie Dickenson, just loved being around people and talking books. Rarity had already handled the sales of several Katie-suggested fiction books to the waiting throng.
Rarity walked into the break room where Marc Billings was just finishing telling Darby a story that had something to do with bike riding in Scotland. “I hate to interrupt, but I think we should start the talk. Darby, grab Marc a bottle of water to take up with him. Do you need anything else?”
Marc took a deep breath, nodding at the back door. “Maybe I should just sneak out the back.”
“Oh, no, you don’t. You have a store full of excited fans wanting to meet you and hear about your book.” Rarity wanted to run away with him, but the show must go on. “Are you racing on Saturday?”
Marc smiled and Rarity’s heart almost burst. He was adorable. “Since my accident, I leave the racing to the kids. I’ll be on the sidelines, cheering and doing the commentating for the live feed. That’s where they send the old guys out to pasture—as sports commentators. Although if I’d known what they got paid, I might not have worried about writing the memoir for a few years. Strike when the iron is hot and all that.”
Rarity nodded as she waited for him to slip on his jacket over an expensive polo shirt and jeans. “I changed up my life a few years ago, due to a health issue. It takes a while to find out who you really are when you’re not your job anymore.”
He lifted his head and stared at her. “I’ve never had anyone say that so clearly. That’s exactly how I’ve been feeling. Trying on new identities. Thank you.”
Rarity shrugged as they stepped toward the door. “I’m not saying I have it all figured out, but I’m getting closer. I’ll make a brief introduction, talk about our events over the next week, and then focus on your book. After that, we’ll start with the list of questions I gave you last week. If there’s something you don’t want to answer, just tell me a different story. I’ll move on and not press you. This is your time to shine, not a serious journalistic interview. At the end, we’ll have about ten minutes for audience questions.”
Rarity stepped out of the break room and, after making sure Marc was following her, headed to the fireplace where Archer Ender and Drew Anderson had built her a temporary riser that could be stored away between events. She let Marc get settled with a microphone and then did his introduction. After that, her memories of the event blurred together. And in what felt like a few seconds, the author talk portion of the night was over.
The signing line was almost out of people, and Rarity had left Katie with Marc to help with crowd control. She, Shirley, and Darby had handled the book sales. Darby pulled up the last box that they’d shoved under the table and stacked them so people could see the book. “I have one more box in the back that I had Marc sign earlier for stock. Maybe we should have bought a box or two less?”
Shirley shook her head. “We’ll probably sell those this next week. We’ll keep them out on a table during the weekend. Besides, Friday we have the filmmaker in for his book on the spider film that we’re showing later that night. We’re getting a nice set of signed books for the store, but the goal is always to sell out, so we have room for the next author. It’s a rolling target.”
“It sounds exhausting for the authors. You’re only as good as your last book.” Rarity stood and stretched since there were only a few more people in the shop. “Let’s start putting away chairs. Shirley, you stay here, just in case we have some stragglers. I’d love to get home in the next hour or so to let Killer out for a walk and maybe sneak in a swim. My shoulders are killing me.”
“I was supposed to tell you that Killer’s with Terrance,” Shirley said as Rarity and Darby walked around the table. “I’m sure he’s gone for at least one walk tonight with his favorite neighborhood watch captain.”
“I didn’t know Terrance was going to be home.” Rarity met her friend’s gaze. “I didn’t call and ask him to take Killer for the night.”
“You know you don’t have to ask.” Shirley waved them away. “Go work. I’m going to try to figure out how many books we sold. Authors always want to know the numbers. For word people, they keep track of sales better than most accounting majors.”
Rarity started stacking chairs and soon was joined by Archer and Drew. “Hey, guys. I didn’t know you were coming by.”
“Where else would we go?” Drew shrugged but then elbowed Archer. “Although, I remember a time when we were both single and we would meet up for a beer after work rather than stop by the bookstore or crystal shop to help you two move furniture or cabinets or boxes.”
“Or chairs. Or build a stage,” Archer added, but as he did, he leaned over to kiss Rarity. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Good, because I was getting a little worried there.” Rarity put the chairs she’d just folded up on the carrier. “Brown chairs are the rentals and need to go on these two brown carriers. We can store them in the break room. The silver ones are mine and go on the red carrier. Are either of you available to take these back to the rental shop Saturday morning? We’ll need them for Friday’s outdoor event. The carriers won’t fit in my Mini Cooper.”
“Excuses, excuses,” Drew said, grinning. “As long as it’s early. With the race starting at ten, I’ll need to be here at eight. Archer, I think we’ll need your truck too.”
“I already told Jack he’d be opening the booth on Saturday. Katie just told me that you gave out all of my adventure tour flyers. We might be busy this week as well. Who knew a bike race would bring in so many hikers.” Archer put the last silver chair on the rack and pushed it into the storage behind the fireplace.
Darby was behind him, waiting to put the lectern in the closet as well. “One more thing and we can lock this up.”
“Teamwork, right? Good to have you back home, squirt. Except for the whole accent. You sound weird.” Archer took the lectern from her and set it in the closet before closing the door.
“I don’t have an accent. You should have heard some of my professors. I had to have my roommate translate lectures the first semester I was there. After that, I picked up the dialect.” Darby glanced around the room. “Should we sweep and mop the floor before heading home?”
“You’re kidding, right?” Archer rubbed his shoulders. “I’m heading to Rarity’s to man the grill for tonight’s dinner. Are you coming?”
“I’m walking Marc back to his hotel.” Darby paused, blushing as she did. “Then I’ve got plans.”
Rarity put her arm around Darby. “This girl already has a date for tonight.”
Darby’s blush deepened. “It’s not really a date. Just someone I knew from before. I haven’t dated since, well, it’s been a while. I’m still getting used to the idea again.”
“You move fast. You’ve only been home a month.” Archer glanced around the almost empty bookstore. “I take it Katie’s heading back to Flagstaff. What about the rest of your misfits? How many steaks do I need to grill?”
“Thanks for all your help tonight.” Rarity squeezed Darby and let her go. “Six. You, me, Sam, Drew, Shirley, and Terrance.”
“So the old folks,” Archer clarified.
Darby watched Marc gather his things. She turned back to the group. “No, all the couples. The rest of us haven’t found our soulmate.”
Rarity glanced over to where Shirley was closing up the sales table. She was still claiming that her relationship with Rarity’s neighbor, Terrance, was in the friend zone. Her husband, George, was getting worse and Rarity expected a call any day. But until that day, Shirley was committed to her marriage. Even though George didn’t remember either her or their vows. “Let’s not define the group that way.”
“Old folks or couples?” Archer waved his hand up and down in a so-so gesture. Then he saw Rarity look at Shirley. “Darby, I think you should know, Shirley’s a little touchy about what we call her spending time with Terrance.”
Darby snuck a glance over to where Shirley was stacking the final books that Marc Billings had just finished signing. “Sorry. I should be more sensitive. Maybe you should have invited Marc too.”
“I did invite him, but he says he wants to go back to the hotel and do room service. He says he’s a bit overwhelmed with everything. Thanks for walking him back to the hotel.” Rarity waved Shirley over when she saw her watching the small group. When she got there, she gave her a hug. “Best author event ever.”
“So far,” Shirley said, amending Rarity’s statement. “I really enjoyed putting this together. I didn’t realize doing this was an actual job. My professor said if I write up a paper on the process and the results, I can use it for my term paper in his class.”
“Let me know if you need numbers. I wasn’t kidding. This was the most successful event I’ve had here at the store. You’re still coming tonight for dinner, right?” Rarity wanted to make sure Shirley celebrated her success.
“I’ll be there. Terrance asked me to bring my Texas sheet cake, but I think with all the kids heading out to the street dance tonight, I might have to bring the leftovers to work tomorrow.” Shirley waved as Darby, Katie, and Marc Billings left the shop. “I’m driving over to Rarity’s if anyone wants to ride with me.”
“We’ll walk.” Rarity met Archer’s gaze, and he nodded.
“I’ve got to run and get Sam at her house. She’s changing out of her book event dress and shoes into shorts. She’s bringing our suits for a swim.” Drew slapped Archer on the back and headed out the door.
“Okay, if you don’t need me for anything else, I’m going to stop by the nursing home and check on George, then I’ll be there.” Shirley gave Rarity a hug and tucked her purse on her shoulder. “It was a good night.”
As Rarity and Archer walked through the bookstore, turning off lights and checking doors, she paused, looking at the store before she locked the front door. “I never expected how much I’d love my life right now. I blew my life to bits when I quit my job and moved here to be closer to Sam. Now, I have a business, a home, a pool, friends, and you.”
He leaned down and kissed her. “You forgot something.”
She frowned as she tucked her keys into her tote. “Did I?”
“Killer. You have Killer. He’s going to be sad when I tell him his mommy forgot about him.” Archer pretended to be sad for the dog.
Rarity playfully poked Archer in the side. “Please don’t. He’s going to be mad enough at me that I made him stay home tonight.”
When they got home, Terrance was on his porch and let Killer loose when they came up the driveway. The little Yorkie bounced all the way and up into Rarity’s arms as she leaned down to get him when he reached her. “I missed you so much.”
“Whatever. Terrance, are you ready to help me get that grill started? The gang should be here in a few,” Archer called out to the older man standing on the porch, watching them.
“I’ll be over as soon as I get my contribution for dinner out of the fridge. I might not cook a lot, but I make a mean macaroni salad for nights like this.” He waved and disappeared into his house.
By the time they were all settling in the backyard, music was flowing and a large, galvanized water tub had been filled with ice and adult beverages. And a few bottles of water as well. Rarity sat on the side of the pool dangling her legs in the water while Archer, Drew, and Sam played in the water. Killer curled by her side, barking at the crazy humans. Shirley and Terrance were at the table, talking.
Rarity smiled as she looked around her deck. Her new tribe all liked each other. Her business was like working with family. Darby was home from Scotland. And the spring run of festivals, before it got too hot, had started out strong. She stood and walked over to where Shirley had a calendar and a notebook out making notes. “Please tell me you’re not working. It’s a party. A welcome spring party.”
Shirley tapped her pen on the calendar. “I’m not working. Terrance and I are looking at going on a cruise thi. . .
AN AMATEUR SLEUTH’S GUIDE TO MURDER
“The prolific Lynn Cahoon starts another winning cozy series!”
—Criminal Element
“Cahoon launches a promising new series with endearing characters and a charming locale.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Plan a cozy day by the fire with a cup of tea, snuggle in, and enjoy. The day will be over before you know it. And there may even be time to make Lynn’s Yummy Murderous Mac and Cheese for dinner.”
—Nancy Coco, author of the Candy-Coated Mysteries
“If you love cozy mysteries, you will love An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder—a delightful mixture of a practical guidebook and a clever fictional mystery.”
—Valerie Burns, author of the Mystery Bookshop Mysteries
FIVE FURRY FAMILIARS
“A fun read for those who enjoy tales of witches and magic.”
—Kirkus Reviews
THREE TAINTED TEAS
“A kitchen witch reluctantly takes over as planner for a cursed wedding… This witchy tale is a hoot.”
—Kirkus Reviews
ONE POISON PIE
“One Poison Pie deliciously blends charm and magic with a dash of mystery and a sprinkle of romance. Mia Malone is a zesty protagonist who relies on her wits to solve the crime, and the enchanting cast of characters that populate Magic Springs are a delight.”
—Daryl Wood Gerber, Agatha winner and nationally best-selling author of the Cookbook Nook Mysteries and Fairy Garden Mysteries
“A witchy cooking cozy for fans of the supernatural and good eating.”
—Kirkus Reviews
A FIELD GUIDE TO HOMICIDE
“The best entry in this character-driven series mixes a well-plotted mystery with a romance that rings true to life.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Informative as well as entertaining, A Field Guide to Homicide is the perfect book for cozy mystery lovers who entertain thoughts of writing novels themselves… This is, without a doubt, one of the best Cat Latimer novels to date.”
—Criminal Element
“Cat is a great heroine with a lot of spirit that readers will enjoy solving the mystery (with).”
—Parkersburg News & Sentinel
SCONED TO DEATH
“The most intriguing aspect of this story is the writers’ retreat itself. Although the writers themselves are not suspect, they add freshness and new relationships to the series. Fans of Lucy Arlington’s ‘Novel Idea’ mysteries may want to enter the writing world from another angle.”
—Library Journal
OF MURDER AND MEN
“A Colorado widow discovers that everything she knew about her husband’s death is wrong… Interesting plot and quirky characters.”
—Kirkus Reviews
A STORY TO KILL
“Well-crafted… Cat and crew prove to be engaging characters and Cahoon does a stellar job of keeping them—and the reader—guessing.”
—Mystery Scene
“Lynn Cahoon has hit the golden trifecta—Murder, intrigue, and a really hot handyman. Better get your flashlight handy, A Story to Kill will keep you reading all night.”
—Laura Bradford, author of the Amish Mysteries
TOURIST TRAP MYSTERIES
“Lynn Cahoon’s popular Tourist Trap series is set all around the charming coastal town of South Cove, California, but the heroine Jill Gardner owns a delightful bookstore/coffee shop so a lot of the scenes take place there. This is one of my go-to cozy mystery series, bookish or not, and I’m always eager to get my hands on the next book!”
—Hope By the Book
“Murder, dirty politics, pirate lore, and a hot police detective: Guidebook to Murder has it all! A cozy lover’s dream come true.”
—Susan McBride, author of the Debutante Dropout Mysteries
“This was a good read and I love the author’s style, which was warm and friendly… I can’t wait to read the next book in this wonderfully appealing series.”
—Dru’s Book Musings
“I am happy to admit that some of my expectations were met while other aspects of the story exceeded my own imagination… This mystery novel was light, fun, and kept me thoroughly engaged. I only wish it was longer.”
—The Young Folks
“If the Shoe Kills is entertaining and I would be happy to visit Jill and the residents of South Cove again.”
—MysteryPlease.com
“In If the Shoe Kills, author Lynn Cahoon gave me exactly what I wanted. She crafted a well told small town murder that kept me guessing who the murderer was until the end. I will definitely have to take a trip back to South Cove and maybe even visit tales of Jill Gardner’s past in the previous two Tourist Trap Mystery books. I do love a holiday mystery! And with this book, so will you.”
—ArtBooksCoffee.com
“I would recommend If the Shoe Kills if you are looking for a well written cozy mystery.”
—Mysteries, Etc.
“This novella is short and easily read in an hour or two with interesting angst and dynamics between mothers and daughters and mothers and sons… I enjoyed the first-person narrative.”
—Kings River Life Magazine on Mother’s Day Mayhem
Chapter 1
Lights surrounded the Next Chapter bookstore on the main drag in Sedona, Arizona, bringing in customers for tonight’s special event. The store was bursting with people waiting for the start of the night’s event. A local bike enthusiast had talked Rarity Cole into inviting an Olympic-winning racer who had just released his first memoir to come for a talk and to sign books. The annual Sedona Red Rock Race was on Saturday, so they’d scheduled the book event for the Wednesday night before. And the store was standing room only.
“I can’t believe so many people came.” Shirley Prescott stood next to Rarity Cole, owner of the store, as they both studied the crowd. “No one’s touching the cookies or the coffee, but we’ve refilled the water pitchers three times. There are people in line outside, just waiting to buy a signed book. Katie’s gone out with cups and water for the line. I’m not sure I ordered enough copies. And to make it worse, Friday’s author sent his assistant to check on us. She’s been badgering me with questions all night.”
“Which one is that?” Rarity followed Shirley’s directions and found the woman standing against a bookshelf, on her phone. She was furiously typing. “Are we doing something wrong?”
“According to Jane Carey? Everything. The light over the dais is too dark. The room too small. And the treats appear to be homemade.” Shirley sighed as the woman looked up and frowned at her. Again.
“Well, Mason Pike’s signing will be a totally different setup. Did you tell her about using the back alley for the talk, signing, and the movie following? No matter what, it’s already planned. There’s nothing we or she can do about it. Tell her to take a chill pill.” Rarity watched as more people pulled books off the shelves and headed over to the purchase table.
“Seriously? I’d rather kick her out. She’s giving me a headache.” Shirley glanced at the treat table. “Maybe I should refill the water pitchers. One looks low.”
“I’m sure we’ll be fine,” Rarity said, but as she checked her watch, she wasn’t sure at all. Especially about the number of books they’d ordered. This was the biggest author signing they’d hosted since she opened the store. Maybe she needed to think about a new place to hold these events. Marc Billings was going to be happy with his signing. They’d set up a sales table near the door and had chairs filling the book club area as well as the ends of the book aisles. “I’m going to go get Darby and our guest and start this party a few minutes early.”
Darby Doyle had been Rarity’s first employee. She’d gone off to Scotland to finish out her undergraduate degree and was now back in town for at least the summer. Who knew where she’d land in the fall, but Rarity was glad to have her back for now. She’d volunteered to be the author wrangler for the upcoming events, and Rarity happily relinquished the role. Darby was outgoing, cute, and extroverted. She thrived in these situations. And from the way Marc kept looking at Darby, she was enchanting the author as well.
Rarity kept the moderating role mostly because she loved talking to authors about books. She’d just have to ignore the huge audience staring past her and at Marc.
Rarity would have rather been home, reading on the couch tonight. She was a true introvert and big events like this drained her energy stores, but since they also filled the store’s coffers, it was a necessary evil of the job. Shirley loved the planning and coordination of the events. And her other employee, Katie Dickenson, just loved being around people and talking books. Rarity had already handled the sales of several Katie-suggested fiction books to the waiting throng.
Rarity walked into the break room where Marc Billings was just finishing telling Darby a story that had something to do with bike riding in Scotland. “I hate to interrupt, but I think we should start the talk. Darby, grab Marc a bottle of water to take up with him. Do you need anything else?”
Marc took a deep breath, nodding at the back door. “Maybe I should just sneak out the back.”
“Oh, no, you don’t. You have a store full of excited fans wanting to meet you and hear about your book.” Rarity wanted to run away with him, but the show must go on. “Are you racing on Saturday?”
Marc smiled and Rarity’s heart almost burst. He was adorable. “Since my accident, I leave the racing to the kids. I’ll be on the sidelines, cheering and doing the commentating for the live feed. That’s where they send the old guys out to pasture—as sports commentators. Although if I’d known what they got paid, I might not have worried about writing the memoir for a few years. Strike when the iron is hot and all that.”
Rarity nodded as she waited for him to slip on his jacket over an expensive polo shirt and jeans. “I changed up my life a few years ago, due to a health issue. It takes a while to find out who you really are when you’re not your job anymore.”
He lifted his head and stared at her. “I’ve never had anyone say that so clearly. That’s exactly how I’ve been feeling. Trying on new identities. Thank you.”
Rarity shrugged as they stepped toward the door. “I’m not saying I have it all figured out, but I’m getting closer. I’ll make a brief introduction, talk about our events over the next week, and then focus on your book. After that, we’ll start with the list of questions I gave you last week. If there’s something you don’t want to answer, just tell me a different story. I’ll move on and not press you. This is your time to shine, not a serious journalistic interview. At the end, we’ll have about ten minutes for audience questions.”
Rarity stepped out of the break room and, after making sure Marc was following her, headed to the fireplace where Archer Ender and Drew Anderson had built her a temporary riser that could be stored away between events. She let Marc get settled with a microphone and then did his introduction. After that, her memories of the event blurred together. And in what felt like a few seconds, the author talk portion of the night was over.
The signing line was almost out of people, and Rarity had left Katie with Marc to help with crowd control. She, Shirley, and Darby had handled the book sales. Darby pulled up the last box that they’d shoved under the table and stacked them so people could see the book. “I have one more box in the back that I had Marc sign earlier for stock. Maybe we should have bought a box or two less?”
Shirley shook her head. “We’ll probably sell those this next week. We’ll keep them out on a table during the weekend. Besides, Friday we have the filmmaker in for his book on the spider film that we’re showing later that night. We’re getting a nice set of signed books for the store, but the goal is always to sell out, so we have room for the next author. It’s a rolling target.”
“It sounds exhausting for the authors. You’re only as good as your last book.” Rarity stood and stretched since there were only a few more people in the shop. “Let’s start putting away chairs. Shirley, you stay here, just in case we have some stragglers. I’d love to get home in the next hour or so to let Killer out for a walk and maybe sneak in a swim. My shoulders are killing me.”
“I was supposed to tell you that Killer’s with Terrance,” Shirley said as Rarity and Darby walked around the table. “I’m sure he’s gone for at least one walk tonight with his favorite neighborhood watch captain.”
“I didn’t know Terrance was going to be home.” Rarity met her friend’s gaze. “I didn’t call and ask him to take Killer for the night.”
“You know you don’t have to ask.” Shirley waved them away. “Go work. I’m going to try to figure out how many books we sold. Authors always want to know the numbers. For word people, they keep track of sales better than most accounting majors.”
Rarity started stacking chairs and soon was joined by Archer and Drew. “Hey, guys. I didn’t know you were coming by.”
“Where else would we go?” Drew shrugged but then elbowed Archer. “Although, I remember a time when we were both single and we would meet up for a beer after work rather than stop by the bookstore or crystal shop to help you two move furniture or cabinets or boxes.”
“Or chairs. Or build a stage,” Archer added, but as he did, he leaned over to kiss Rarity. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Good, because I was getting a little worried there.” Rarity put the chairs she’d just folded up on the carrier. “Brown chairs are the rentals and need to go on these two brown carriers. We can store them in the break room. The silver ones are mine and go on the red carrier. Are either of you available to take these back to the rental shop Saturday morning? We’ll need them for Friday’s outdoor event. The carriers won’t fit in my Mini Cooper.”
“Excuses, excuses,” Drew said, grinning. “As long as it’s early. With the race starting at ten, I’ll need to be here at eight. Archer, I think we’ll need your truck too.”
“I already told Jack he’d be opening the booth on Saturday. Katie just told me that you gave out all of my adventure tour flyers. We might be busy this week as well. Who knew a bike race would bring in so many hikers.” Archer put the last silver chair on the rack and pushed it into the storage behind the fireplace.
Darby was behind him, waiting to put the lectern in the closet as well. “One more thing and we can lock this up.”
“Teamwork, right? Good to have you back home, squirt. Except for the whole accent. You sound weird.” Archer took the lectern from her and set it in the closet before closing the door.
“I don’t have an accent. You should have heard some of my professors. I had to have my roommate translate lectures the first semester I was there. After that, I picked up the dialect.” Darby glanced around the room. “Should we sweep and mop the floor before heading home?”
“You’re kidding, right?” Archer rubbed his shoulders. “I’m heading to Rarity’s to man the grill for tonight’s dinner. Are you coming?”
“I’m walking Marc back to his hotel.” Darby paused, blushing as she did. “Then I’ve got plans.”
Rarity put her arm around Darby. “This girl already has a date for tonight.”
Darby’s blush deepened. “It’s not really a date. Just someone I knew from before. I haven’t dated since, well, it’s been a while. I’m still getting used to the idea again.”
“You move fast. You’ve only been home a month.” Archer glanced around the almost empty bookstore. “I take it Katie’s heading back to Flagstaff. What about the rest of your misfits? How many steaks do I need to grill?”
“Thanks for all your help tonight.” Rarity squeezed Darby and let her go. “Six. You, me, Sam, Drew, Shirley, and Terrance.”
“So the old folks,” Archer clarified.
Darby watched Marc gather his things. She turned back to the group. “No, all the couples. The rest of us haven’t found our soulmate.”
Rarity glanced over to where Shirley was closing up the sales table. She was still claiming that her relationship with Rarity’s neighbor, Terrance, was in the friend zone. Her husband, George, was getting worse and Rarity expected a call any day. But until that day, Shirley was committed to her marriage. Even though George didn’t remember either her or their vows. “Let’s not define the group that way.”
“Old folks or couples?” Archer waved his hand up and down in a so-so gesture. Then he saw Rarity look at Shirley. “Darby, I think you should know, Shirley’s a little touchy about what we call her spending time with Terrance.”
Darby snuck a glance over to where Shirley was stacking the final books that Marc Billings had just finished signing. “Sorry. I should be more sensitive. Maybe you should have invited Marc too.”
“I did invite him, but he says he wants to go back to the hotel and do room service. He says he’s a bit overwhelmed with everything. Thanks for walking him back to the hotel.” Rarity waved Shirley over when she saw her watching the small group. When she got there, she gave her a hug. “Best author event ever.”
“So far,” Shirley said, amending Rarity’s statement. “I really enjoyed putting this together. I didn’t realize doing this was an actual job. My professor said if I write up a paper on the process and the results, I can use it for my term paper in his class.”
“Let me know if you need numbers. I wasn’t kidding. This was the most successful event I’ve had here at the store. You’re still coming tonight for dinner, right?” Rarity wanted to make sure Shirley celebrated her success.
“I’ll be there. Terrance asked me to bring my Texas sheet cake, but I think with all the kids heading out to the street dance tonight, I might have to bring the leftovers to work tomorrow.” Shirley waved as Darby, Katie, and Marc Billings left the shop. “I’m driving over to Rarity’s if anyone wants to ride with me.”
“We’ll walk.” Rarity met Archer’s gaze, and he nodded.
“I’ve got to run and get Sam at her house. She’s changing out of her book event dress and shoes into shorts. She’s bringing our suits for a swim.” Drew slapped Archer on the back and headed out the door.
“Okay, if you don’t need me for anything else, I’m going to stop by the nursing home and check on George, then I’ll be there.” Shirley gave Rarity a hug and tucked her purse on her shoulder. “It was a good night.”
As Rarity and Archer walked through the bookstore, turning off lights and checking doors, she paused, looking at the store before she locked the front door. “I never expected how much I’d love my life right now. I blew my life to bits when I quit my job and moved here to be closer to Sam. Now, I have a business, a home, a pool, friends, and you.”
He leaned down and kissed her. “You forgot something.”
She frowned as she tucked her keys into her tote. “Did I?”
“Killer. You have Killer. He’s going to be sad when I tell him his mommy forgot about him.” Archer pretended to be sad for the dog.
Rarity playfully poked Archer in the side. “Please don’t. He’s going to be mad enough at me that I made him stay home tonight.”
When they got home, Terrance was on his porch and let Killer loose when they came up the driveway. The little Yorkie bounced all the way and up into Rarity’s arms as she leaned down to get him when he reached her. “I missed you so much.”
“Whatever. Terrance, are you ready to help me get that grill started? The gang should be here in a few,” Archer called out to the older man standing on the porch, watching them.
“I’ll be over as soon as I get my contribution for dinner out of the fridge. I might not cook a lot, but I make a mean macaroni salad for nights like this.” He waved and disappeared into his house.
By the time they were all settling in the backyard, music was flowing and a large, galvanized water tub had been filled with ice and adult beverages. And a few bottles of water as well. Rarity sat on the side of the pool dangling her legs in the water while Archer, Drew, and Sam played in the water. Killer curled by her side, barking at the crazy humans. Shirley and Terrance were at the table, talking.
Rarity smiled as she looked around her deck. Her new tribe all liked each other. Her business was like working with family. Darby was home from Scotland. And the spring run of festivals, before it got too hot, had started out strong. She stood and walked over to where Shirley had a calendar and a notebook out making notes. “Please tell me you’re not working. It’s a party. A welcome spring party.”
Shirley tapped her pen on the calendar. “I’m not working. Terrance and I are looking at going on a cruise thi. . .
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