“I’m so glad there’s a bookstore in town now. I’ll probably be back for more before the week’s over.”

“Then I hope to see you soon.” A moment later Sophie stashed the receipt in the bag and handed it over. “Enjoy your vacation.”

“Oh, I plan on it.” The chime tinkled as the woman left.

A few customers were in the store, but Sophie had already offered to help them. Her phone had vibrated when she was checking out the customer, so she pulled it from her pocket. Stop hoping every text is from Aiden.

It was her brother.

I just realized the return flight you booked leaves too early in the day. My conference ends at four. Can you try and reschedule it please?

Sophie felt her blood pressure rising. Her hand balled into a fist, tightening until her nails bit into her palms. Beyond a short text yesterday, wishing her a successful grand opening, she hadn’t heard from her brother in days. And now he was asking another favor?

At the sound of footsteps Sophie pocketed her phone and dredged up a smile for the brunette approaching the counter with her little girl.

“I see you found some books,” Sophie said to the girl.

“She just loves the Ramona books,” the mother said. “And you have all the ones she’s missing.”

“Wonderful. I love those books too. My mom used to read them to me when I was your age.”

“I can read them all by myself.” The girl’s smile showed a missing tooth.

“You must be a very good reader.”

“She’s been reading since she was five. If only I could get her older brother interested in a book—any book!”

Sophie rang up the five books and chatted with the patrons briefly. As they slipped out the door, Ellie breezed back in. “Your turn. The deli has a special on the Italian sub and it’s delicious. Go easy on the banana peppers—they’re very strong.”

“Duly noted.” Sophie tidied up the counter and headed toward the exit. “There’s a customer in the biography section, but he seems content to browse.”

“I’ll check in on him in a bit. Have a great lunch.”

The Italian sub sounded wonderful, and she wanted to support Anna and Dave. Sophie headed down the boardwalk and across the street. The sun beamed down today, heating the skin on her arms and face. A seagull cried out, soaring on the wind overhead.

At the deli she chatted with the owners as they made her sandwich, then she took a seat at a patio table. Before she unwrapped her sandwich she responded to Seth’s request to rebook his flight.

Sorry, but I can’t today, she typed. Her finger hovered over the Send arrow for a few seconds before she finally tapped it.