“It would be an honor, sir,” Dylan said, looking like he might faint.

“Dylan, why don’t you get a drink of water?” Lindsey suggested. “Then I’m going to need you to start the shelving, as we’re running behind.”

“On it,” Dylan said with a grin that rivaled Robbie’s in charm.

As he went into the back room, Lindsey turned back to Robbie. “Don’t corrupt him.”

“Me?” Robbie clapped a hand to his chest as if he were mortally wounded.

“Yes, you,” Lindsey said. “I know your type.”

“Oh, really?” he asked. “And what type is that?”

He resumed his position against the counter and looked as if he was planning to stay awhile. Much as Lindsey enjoyed bantering with him, she really needed to get back to work. She had a weekly report to write, and there was a presentation she had to pull together for the library board.

“We did it!” Beth yelled as she danced back into the library.

“Shh!” Lindsey and Robbie said together. Then they ruined it by looking at one another and laughing.

“Peasebottom at your service,” Beth said.

“Mustardseed reporting for duty,” Heather announced.

“Congratulations,” Lindsey said.

“Come on, I’ve got outfit ideas,” Beth said, and she grabbed Heather by the hand and dragged her into the children’s section.

Perry came in after them, looking dejected.

“So, no comforting hugs to give?” Robbie asked him.

Perry shook his head. “Sad girls are clingy; happy girls just grab you, squeeze the breath out of you and then run off. Oh, and I’m in the play, too. I’m Moth, one of the faerie servants. What sort of name is that?”

“Chin up,” Robbie said. “You and your lady friend are two of the faeries; you can run lines together.”

“Really?” he asked.

Robbie nodded and Perry looked infinitely cheered. Then his face darkened. “Wait. Am I going to have to wear tights?”

Both Lindsey and Robbie laughed at his horrified expression.

“You’ll manage it,” Robbie said. “Some girls find them very attractive.”

Perry didn’t look like he believed him.

“Dylan could use your help in back,” Lindsey said.

“Fine,” Perry said, and he marched glumly past them.

The doors opened again and Ms. Cole entered. She looked utterly composed; Lindsey couldn’t tell if they were about to have a lemon breakdown or not.

Ms. Cole walked passed Lindsey and Robbie and assumed her usual post at the circulation desk. She slipped her reading glasses onto her nose and began checking in the stack of books that had been abandoned by Ann Marie. Lindsey glanced at Robbie, and he shrugged.

“Do you have anything you want to share, Ms. Cole?” Lindsey asked.

“No.”

“Do you need some time to compose yourself?” Lindsey persisted.

Given the severity of Ms. Cole’s demeanor, Lindsey was afraid the woman hadn’t gotten the part and would be even more difficult to work with than usual. The thought made her shudder.

“Why on earth would I need that?” Ms. Cole snapped.