“With a list as long as that, you’re the one who is welcome. If you want to spend your money here, I’m not going to stop you. Take all the time you need.”

Joanna caught the anxiety in her voice. “How are things, Mary-Lou?”

“The store is busy enough.” Mary-Lou rearranged a few of the books that people had put back randomly. “The most frustrating thing is that people come in here to browse, and then they go buy it online. I could do with hiring someone to help out here so I can spend more time at home—my mother’s arthritis is worse, and there are weeks when she can’t walk across the room—but I only need someone part time and I can’t find anyone who wants to do it.” She paused as her phone rang. “It’s Mom—I need to get this.”

Joanna waved a hand. “Go ahead—I’m fine here.”

“Thanks. Mom?” Mary-Lou turned away and then stopped. “You fell? No! Did you call 911?... Well, of course you should!... No, it isn’t bothering anyone—well, maybe they are busy, but you’re as important as everyone else. More important, in my opinion. Stay there. I’m on my way—what?... It doesn’t matter about the store. I’ll close up. I’m coming with you to the hospital, and that’s the end of it.” She dropped the phone. Cursed. Fumbled for it. “Sorry, Joanna, I’m going to have to—”

“Close the store. I heard.” Joanna rescued the phone and pressed it back into Mary-Lou’s hand. “Give me the keys. I’ll lock up for you. Just go. Call me later and let me know how she is. Send my best wishes to your mother, and if there is anything I can do, let me know.”

“You’d lock up? That’s kind. My mother is already worrying about how much money we’ll lose. You know how she loves this place—I swear it’s like a second child to her. But the store is the least of our worries right now.” Mary-Lou glanced around the store, distracted.

“You need your purse.” Joanna grabbed it from behind the counter. An idea formed, so momentous that she almost dismissed it. But these days she wasn’t dismissing anything. “And unless you particularly want me to close, why don’t I keep this place open? I worked a few shifts in Cliff’s Cookstore when I was getting experience of the business. Enough that I can figure this out. And if people have questions, I can make a note of their details and you can deal with it when you’re back.”

Mary-Lou shook her head. “I can’t ask you to do that.”

“You’re not asking, I’m offering. I’d really like to.”