“Oh?” I frowned, only half-hearing him, my attention riveted on the beautifully preserved book. My fingers caressed the soft leather as I carefully opened the front to look at the publishing information. The musty smell of old paper hit my nose and I closed my eyes to breathe it in. I loved that smell.

Barry pressed his lips together as he thumbed through the books. “Maybe I don’t remember, though. I might have switched them around. I’m not remembering correctly because of passing out.”

I set the book aside and looked into the box, pulling out some of the books and stacking them on the table.

“Is there anything good in there?” Barry asked.

I tapped the leather-bound. “This one is pretty good. It’s not a first edition, but I could probably get a couple hundred for it.”

“Good. I want to repay you for those silver nut dishes, so I hope there’s something else good in there.”

I picked some more books out of the box. “There are some great children’s books here and a few classics that are always popular. I’ll have to do some research to see if there are any rare editions, but I’d say I’ll make a pretty penny. What do I owe you?”

Barry waved his hand in the air. “Forget about it. I only paid a couple of bucks at a yard sale.”

“You sure? I took the buck from you for the silver dishes.”

Barry laughed. “You can buy me a coffee next time we see each other at an auction.”

“Deal.” I pushed up from the table and grabbed the box, hefting it onto my hip. “I hope you’re really feeling okay.”

“Don’t worry, I’m feeling fine.” Barry wrestled the box away from me. “Let me take this to your car for you.”

I followed Barry to the front door. Pandora was fervently sniffing the threshold and she looked up at me. “Meow.”

“Yes, we’re going now,” I said.

I could have sworn she made a face. “Meeeooow.”

“What is with your cat?” Barry asked.

“I have no idea. She’s probably cranky because she misses her soft cat bed.” We crossed the threshold and Pandora gave me what seemed like an exasperated look before following us to the Jeep.

I took the box and loaded it in the back. Pandora hopped up on the tailgate and made her way to the passenger seat. “Well, thanks for picking these up. If you see any more, feel free to grab them. I’m woefully low on stock.”

“Will do. You do the same for me. Anything silver at a reasonable price.”

“Okay.” I hopped into the Jeep and started it up while Barry made his way back into the house.