Dixie just continued staring at the situation in front of her. “I’m so sorry about this whole thing…”

“I am excited to be here, and I’m looking forward to spending the day with both of you while I sign books. And please, if you have constructive feedback about any of my books, I’d love to hear. I always want to become a better writer.”

“You’re a fabulous writer! Your books have been life-changing for me!” Dixie said, clasping her hands together like she was meeting God himself.

“Now, I see some muffins in that case over there, and I could sure use something on my stomach before we start this book signing. Mind if I grab one?”

“Honey, you can have as many muffins as your heart desires!” Dixie said, smiling.

Chapter 9

The book signing went off without a hitch, and Julie made an audible sigh of relief after the last customer left the shop. Charlotte spent the day signing her name, taking pictures with excited readers and chatting with each one like they were her best friend. Julie could see why people liked her and her books. She had such a way about her that made people feel comfortable.

“My hand feels like it just might fall off!” she said, rubbing the palm of her hand and then stretching her fingers back and forth. “But, I have to say I was shocked at how many readers came all the way to Seagrove.”

“Me too!” Dixie said, pouring each of them a fresh cup of coffee. Even though it was almost lunch time, the coffee train never stopped at Down Yonder. “I don’t think we’ve ever had that many people in the store at one time.”

“We definitely haven’t,” Julie interjected. “And I think we’d better order more Charlotte McLemore books!” She stood in front of the formerly full table and swiped her hand across.

“Thank you for having me here, ladies. This was so fun! Maybe we can do it again on my next release?”

Dixie nodded. “Of course!”

“Well, I think I’m going to head back to the inn and take a little nap.”

“Don’t you want some lunch?” Julie asked.

Charlotte touched her stomach. “I’m full of coffee and those delicious muffins, but I’ll see you at dinner.”

“Let me give you a ride,” Dixie said, grabbing her purse.

“It’s no bother. I can walk over the bridge.”

“No, absolutely not!” Before Charlotte could say anything else, Dixie was holding the door open and pulling her keys out of her purse. There was no way Dixie was going to let her favorite author out of her sight when she could basically kidnap her for a few more minutes.

Julie watched as they disappeared down the sidewalk. She leaned against the front counter and closed her eyes for a moment, taking a few deep breaths. There had been so many people in the store that it had almost become claustrophobic at times, and she wondered what it would be like to buy the space next door if it ever became available. Maybe they could expand and have even more to offer their customers. She’d even thought about having a whole cafe with trivia and karaoke nights, but she hadn’t told Dixie her ideas just yet. None of it mattered if there wasn’t a space to expand into anyway.