“You’re just saying that,” Ann Marie protested.

“Just saying what?” Robbie asked as he joined them. “How much you missed me?”

Lindsey rolled her eyes. “How long does it take for you to catch up to your ego when it enters a room?”

Robbie laughed. “I’ll let you know when I’ve arrived.”

Lindsey shook her head but couldn’t help grinning. Even if he was completely self-involved, at least he could joke about it.

“And who is this lovely lady?” he asked as he smiled at Ann Marie.

“This is Ann Marie,” Lindsey said. “She works here part-time. Ann Marie, this is Robbie Vine.”

“H . . . H . . . Hi,” Ann Marie panted. Then she turned and ran into the workroom.

Robbie looked at Lindsey. “Something I said?”

“She’s got a condition,” Lindsey said. “Something you would never be afflicted with.”

“What’s that?” Robbie asked. He rested his elbow on the counter and leaned against it, making himself comfortable.

“She’s shy.”

“Ah,” he nodded his head, looking grave. “I’ve heard stories of that affliction. Quite terrifying.”

“Hmm,” Lindsey murmured. “So, what brings you to our humble little library?”

“I’m trying to acquaint myself with the local hangouts,” he said. “Violet told me that the library was a popular one. Of course, when I realized that’s where I’d find you, I needed no further urging to come and visit.”

“Are you flattering me for a reason?” Lindsey asked.

“Yes, I find you interesting,” he said.

“Interesting?”

“I didn’t want to offend your smart sensibilities by telling you I found you attractive,” he said. “Although, I do—very much.”

Lindsey felt her face heat up. Good grief! If Sully was emotionally standoffish, than Robbie was his complete and polar opposite. Was there no middle ground? She wasn’t sure she was capable of dealing with either of them.

“Is that the only reason you’re here?” she asked. She was hoping he needed a book, some reader’s advisory or had a reference question she could manage that would put her back into her comfort zone.

“No, I did have one other errand,” he said. He raised his voice, not in a shout, but in a stage voice that resonated into every corner of the library. “I wanted to let you know that Violet has posted the cast list.”

There was a squeal from the children’s area as Beth and Heather clutched each other’s hands and jumped up and down.

“This is it!” Beth cried. “Let’s go find out if we’re in.”

“But we can’t leave,” Heather protested.

“Lindsey, we’re taking our break!” Beth shouted across the room. She and Heather bolted for the door before Lindsey even had a chance to nod her approval.

“Wait for me,” Perry said. Then he glanced at Lindsey and added, “I’d better go for moral support—you know, if Heather doesn’t get in, she might need consoling.”