Annie should stop spinning tales. She hadn’t told any lies, but she wasn’t exactly being truthful either. Once she told someone, however, it would be out there. The words would be spoken out loud. Maybe that was what she needed. To hear how foolish the words would sound when they came out of her mouth.

“It’s not Jane. It’s me,” Annie said. “There’s this woman.”

“Ah.” Rita reached for her glass. “I knew there was something you weren’t telling me.”

“I feel so stupid. I can’t stop thinking about her. Not that I’m pursuing anything. I wouldn’t dream of it.” Perhaps that was a little bit of a lie. “But I see her a lot and it’s been doing my head in.”

“Who is it?” Rita quirked up her eyebrows.

“Kristin.” Annie had wanted to say that name out loud to someone for such a long time, it was a relief to finally spill the beans.

“Your new business partner.” She pursed her lips together. “I can definitely see the attraction.”

“You can?” Annie couldn’t keep the surprise out of her voice.

“She’s beautiful, accomplished, successful, and saved your book shop. Yes, of course I can see it.” Rita leaned over the table. “But nothing has happened?”

“God no. She doesn’t even know. Nobody knows. I’m not even sure why I’m telling you.”

“Because talking about it is always better than keeping it inside and letting it fester until it all boils over, I presume.” Rita was so different from Lou. So much more direct. Her forward ways reminded Annie of Sheryl a little.

“But it doesn’t change the fact that here I am. A grown woman. Approaching sixty no less. Knowing full well how much pain this could cause Jane, yet unable to change anything about my feelings.”

“It’s just a crush. Kristin is in a long-term relationship and so are you. It’s harmless, Annie. Don’t beat yourself up over it.”

“Easier said than done.” Annie drank again. “Do you think I should tell Jane?”

“Heavens no. Why would you do that? Why would you run the risk of hurting her with that knowledge? It’s just a crush.” Rita narrowed her eyes. “Or is it?”

“Nothing will ever happen. Of that I’m sure.” Annie sighed. “But I just want to be over it already. It’s taking up too much of my energy. I see too much of her. It’s getting embarrassing.”

“No one ever died of a little embarrassment. It will pass. These things do. Just let it run its course and don’t make more of it than it is.” Rita leaned back again, relaxing. “If anything, at our age, we should be happy we can still be prone to a mad infatuation like that. Doesn’t it make you feel more alive?”