Maybe so, but she was also a busybody and lacked boundaries, and Sophie could tell from the look in Aiden’s eyes that she’d said hurtful things. And sometimes those things had a way of sticking with you.

chapter thirty-three

Monday didn’t start the way Sophie would’ve liked. Pippa had had an accident during the night, and the spot didn’t come up with carpet cleaner. She’d have to buy a different product later. She couldn’t leave a stain behind after the Fosters had been kind enough to let her stay.

The problems didn’t go away once they reached the shop. The ceiling clearly needed another coat. They’d have to work around the bookshelves and move tables. Somehow the dust had settled overnight, leaving a fine grit on the shelves they’d just cleaned the night before.

Sophie groaned. Her help would be here in ten minutes, and she wanted to make good use of the extra hands.

“Where did all this come from?” she mused.

Aiden grabbed a dust rag and threw her the other. “We’ll take care of it.”

They went to work, but there were so many shelves they were still wiping them down when Haley arrived. Sophie helped her get settled in the religious section, instructing her on which books got the end caps. She’d returned to the main room when Anna entered, bearing a box of doughnuts.

“Bless you.” Sophie grabbed one even though she didn’t have time to eat. It would be a nice treat for the volunteers.

Some of her staff joined them a little later and got to work in the nonfiction room. Aiden was still perched on a ladder over the tarp-covered bookcases in the main room. Brandon’s crew showed up and began working on the roof. They tromped overhead as they laid new shingles.

After lunch the mayor stopped in to check their progress. Her face looked stricken as she surveyed the sight. The shelves in the main room were still bare, and Aiden was painting.

“It’ll be fine,” Sophie said. “We’re right on schedule. Books are going onto shelves as we speak.”

“My goodness, girl, you’re cutting it close.”

“No worries. We’ll have it all in place by the end of the day.”

Alanda’s gaze swept over the construction zone. “If you say so.”

“I promise. And everything’s set for the party. The decorations will go up tonight, and tomorrow Ramona will have the hors d’oeuvres set up thirty minutes before the signing begins. Everything’s taken care of.”

“Where will Nathaniel do his signing?”

“Right here.” Sophie gestured around the room. “I just need to set up the podium, book table, and chairs.”

“The window display looks nice. And I like your grand-opening sign out front. Really draws attention.”

“That’s the hope.”