Thankfully, just as the silence between them dragged on—Annie’s uttered “Oh” hanging in the air like the admission of guilt she’d wanted to avoid—Jane burst into the room.

“Hi.” With a spring in her step Annie hadn’t expected, she headed over to Sheryl and kissed her on the cheek. “I believe I have what you’ve been looking for.” She held out the book.

“You’re a lifesaver.” Sheryl took the book from Jane and turned it over in her hands. “Well, no one was going to die if I didn’t get my hands on it by tomorrow, but it will score me some points with the head of the department.”

“It has a few scuff marks and I tried to flatten the earmarked pages as best I could.” Jane sat down next to Sheryl.

“How much do I owe you?” Sheryl addressed Annie.

Annie waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. “Nothing at all. See it as a perk of going into business with a book shop.”

“Really?” Sheryl quirked up her eyebrows. “That’s so kind of you.”

“Don’t mention it.” Annie just wanted Sheryl to leave. The tension in the room was getting a bit too much for her to gracefully handle.

“Would you like a cup of tea?” Jane asked, then sniggered. “Or coffee, of course.”

“That’s all right.” Sheryl shuffled to the edge of her seat. “I’ll let you ladies get on with your evening.” She pushed herself up. “Thanks for this. And we should really get together for another dinner sometime soon.” She pointed this remark solely at Jane—as though Annie would not be welcome at such a dinner.

“That would be great.” Jane stood as well. Annie followed their example and, as she rose, she felt her knees give a little. She should really get a grip. Sheryl was hardly the type to waltz into her home and punch her in the nose. But in a way, this silent recrimination was worse. Because of what it implied and the possibilities it offered for all those unspoken emotions to fester. For a minute, and for this reason, Annie wondered if she should say something, offer an apology to clear the air. But she let the thought slip from her mind as she deemed it too risky.

“I’ll show you out,” Jane said and led the way to the staircase.

“Bye, Annie.” Sheryl turned around and gave Annie one last, knowing stare. There was no doubt left in Annie’s mind that the book Sheryl had been after had been nothing but a ruse to come over and mark her territory.

When Jane came back upstairs she stood in the doorway for a minute and just gazed at Annie. Annie had sunk back into her chair and waited for her to speak.

“You could cut the tension with a knife in here,” Jane said.

“Did she say anything else?” Annie asked.