As she headed back down the hallway, Sophie heard Aiden talking to someone. When she reached the main room, Alanda came into view. The woman looked every inch the mayor in her charcoal suit and fashionable glasses. Her black hair sprung from her head in tight corkscrew curls, framing her perfectly oval face.

“Alanda. How nice of you to stop in.”

The woman’s face fell at the sight of Sophie’s crutches. “Oh no. Honey, what happened to you?”

“Just a little mishap with a ladder when we were taking off the storm shutters. It’s only a sprain.” Her gaze toggled to Aiden. “Have you met my friend Aiden?”

“We were just introducing ourselves. Looks like you’ve got some much-needed help.”

Pippa gave a yap, and Alanda wandered over to the barricade. “What have we here? Who’s this little darling?”

“That’s Pippa,” Sophie said. “She’s a little put out at being kept in the hallway.”

“She’s adorable.” Alanda squatted down and held out her hand. Pippa sniffed the woman’s fingers, not giving in too easily to the attention. “Well, we can’t have you in the paint, now, can we? I always wanted a Yorkie; they’re so cute. But I’m not home enough to have a dog.”

A moment later Pippa wandered off and curled up in the corner.

“She’s a little skittish,” Sophie said.

“She’s precious.” Alanda came to her feet, taking in the room with a long, sweeping glance. “I’d expected the shelves to be up by now at least.”

Alanda had arranged the book-release party with Rosewood Press and was no doubt feeling the same pressure as Sophie. The event would provide a nice influx of visitors, who’d be spending money everyplace from hotels to restaurants.

“I admit I’m running a little behind schedule, but we’re making good progress. We’ll be up and running in time for the party.”

“I certainly hope so. I gave the publisher my word.”

“A lot is riding on this party for all of us, and I’ll make sure it happens. Have no fear.” Sophie infused the sentence with more confidence than she actually felt.

“So you’re having the grand opening and release party all at the same time?”

Sophie smiled. “I can think of worse ways to open a store.”

“True enough. I believe you mentioned Leonard Puhls is making the shelves? I heard he had a bit of hurricane damage at his house. I hope that doesn’t delay things on his end.”

“I hadn’t heard. That’s too bad. He was in weeks ago to measure, and I heard from him yesterday. The shelving’s almost finished. He’s staining them now. We’ll do the floors tomorrow and Friday, and the bookcases will go in over the weekend. From there it’s just a matter of putting out the books. It’s all under control.”