Now a mature, female voice interjected. “I think Bethany was the one. Do you want me to ask her?”

“Of course, I want you to ask her. This is ridiculous. A real screw-up on your part. Not mine. Orelia Mason has arrived to give a reading and you’ve nothing organized. Plus, there’s barely anyone here. Do you know how lucky you are to have her visit your store? She’s wanted for appearances everywhere.”

The mature female replied, “I understand, but if we knew she was still coming, we would have done everything to promote her being here. When you called… sorry, when somebody called saying you’d canceled, we notified everyone who’d booked. The few who’ve arrived must have missed the email.”

William stifled a giggle with his palm. He couldn’t get the smile off his face. Missed the email just sounded hilarious for some reason. Like missed the boat. Like how his own boat had sailed without him thanks to her. See how missing feels Orelia?

Then another voice joined the conversation, younger and anxious. “You wanted me Grace?”

“Yes, it was you who took the phone call from Morris Usher yesterday?”

“Um, I’m not sure. What was it about?”

“This is Mr. Usher, Orelia Mason’s agent. You said he called and canceled her reading.”

“Oh yeah. That was me. Yes, he did cancel.”

“I’ve never spoken to this person,” said Morris.

“You said Orelia Mason was ill. She was very sorry and we could reschedule. You also said you’d send a carton of free books to apologize for the disappointment. I remember the call because I thought, wow, we had sold out her talk weeks in advance. Going to be a lot of disappointed fans. Besides, I love Orelia Mason books and I’d been looking forward to the event myself.”

William pointed his finger at his mouth and motioned as if to gag. He mouthed “I love Orelia Mason books.”

Hmph. If this is the type of person working in bookstores these days, no wonder publishing is heading downhill.

“Something’s wrong here,” said Morris. “I didn’t call and Orelia has never missed an engagement. She’s a professional. This is not good enough. You should have a system in place to check on these things.”

Again William mouthed without speaking, “She’s a professional.”

Then Orelia’s voice intervened, calm and dripping with sweetness. “It’s okay Morris. There’s been a mix-up, that’s all.”

Another voice interrupted, older, and high-pitched with enthusiasm. “Miss Mason, I’m so thrilled. I love your books. My daughter loves you. My mother loves you. I’m pinching myself. My friend Annie and I have waited all week to come to this. Then when we arrived they told us you’d canceled. We were two Mrs. Long-Faces. But you’re here! Wow! Will you do the reading still?”

A long, silent pause, then Orelia’s voice, “Hmm, Morris I still can, can’t I? That’s if … it’s okay with you Grace.”

“I guess,” said Grace. “Yes, we could set up the chairs. There’s no refreshments though. For evening presentations we have wine, cheese and crackers. I’m not sure how many of your books we have for signing. We stock a good quantity because they sell so well, but when an author of your caliber visits, well, we bring in more.”