“But why? It’s not like you need the money or a job—” Mary-Lou clamped her mouth shut. “That was rude. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I’m not doing it for money, Mary-Lou, I’m doing it for you. For your mom. And for myself, because I can’t think of a better way to spend a few hours than with a store full of books.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. I haven’t forgotten how kind your mother was to me when I was young, or her generosity. This is my chance to do something in return. Hopefully she will worry less if you reassure her that the store is still open for business. Now go. Call me when you have news on her.”

“Well, in that case—thank you. You’re a lifesaver.” Mary-Lou pressed the keys into her hand and sped out of the door.

Joanna stood for a moment. She wasn’t a lifesaver, but it was good to be able to help in a small way.

Moments later the door flew open. It was Rosa, from the boutique.

“Joanna! I just heard about Vivian. Thought Mary-Lou might need help with the store. I can watch both—or close mine for the day. Whatever works.”

Community, Joanna thought. Here, everything and everyone were interconnected. They knew each other. They cared. She hadn’t even realized how much she’d missed it until now.

“I’ve got this, Rosa, but I’ll let you know as soon as we have news of Vivian.”

“Mary-Lou will message me, I’m sure.” Rosa grinned at her. “I hear you wore the white dress last night. How did that turn out for you?”

Thinking of exactly how it had turned out made Joanna’s cheeks heat. “How did you—?”

“Ashley mentioned it. She and Eden were trying on half the clothes in the store yesterday. I’m going to track down a few maternity pieces for her, for later on. Of course, right now you wouldn’t even know she was pregnant.” Rosa winked at her. “And look at you. Spending an evening with Nate. It’s like time rewound.”

In fact, it wasn’t, and that was one of the things Joanna had enjoyed most about it. It hadn’t felt like an extension of the old. It had felt new. Fresh.

“It was just dinner. I cooked it.”

“And he survived. I know that because I saw him on the deck of the Surf Café a few moments ago. Smiling that smile of his, very much alive.”

“I make it a point to try not to kill my dates.”

“It’s good to see both of you happy.” Rosa folded her arms and narrowed her eyes. “Look at you. Joanna Rafferty. You always were the bookworm, and now you’re in charge of a bookstore. This is your dream, right?”