Page 69 of No Such Thing as Serendipity

“I’m having coffee with Beverly.”

I had to stifle my laugh at Robyn’s wide-eyed expression. It was the same one we’d had when Annie told us last night. Once Robyn recovered, she said, “That’s wonderful.”

“She’s not as bad as she acts,” Annie said. “She’s just in pain.”

“I’m so glad she met you.” Robyn turned to me. “Another example of serendipity.”

I exaggerated an eye roll. “Yeah, whatever.”

Robyn grinned, obviously getting used to my sarcastic ways.

As the others drifted away, I asked Robyn, “What’s the program about?” I tried for casual and thought I pulled it off.

“Oh, no.” Robyn wagged her finger at me. “I have strict orders not to reveal anything.”

“Afraid I’ll bolt?” I grinned.

“There is that concern.”

“Ugh. Am I going to hate it?”

“I hope not. If you keep an open mind, you might even find it useful.”

“Okay, I give up.” I held up my hands as if surrendering. “Would you mind giving me a tour? I haven’t been in a bookstore since I was a kid. Well, the college bookstore, but that doesn’t count.”

Robyn slapped her hand against her chest. “I’m wounded. Not once in your entire adult life?”

I shrugged. “I might have gone in to order a coffee. Does that count?”

“Hardly.” Robyn put her hand on my back and guided me toward the front corner. “Let’s start over here in our new release section.”

“There are that many new feminist books?” My eyes widened as I took in the shelves.

Robyn chuckled. “I don’t just sell feminist books. I’ve got the latest Freida McFadden and Taylor Jenkins Reid.”

“Who?”

Robyn shook her head. “You don’t read, do you?”

I looked away from her, not wanting to see her judgment.

“Hey.” She touched my arm. “I’m not trying to make you feel bad. It’s just I’m a book nerd, so I couldn’t fathom not reading.”

“I used to love it.” My eyes locked on hers. “As a kid, I always had my nose in a book. I don’t know why I stopped.”

“Do you want to read again?”

I nodded. “But I’m lost. I have no clue where to start.” Then I grinned. “If I only knew someone who could help me pick out a couple.”

Robyn laughed. “You know this isn’t a high-end clothing store where you get your own personal shopper, don’t you?”

“Like I told you, it’s been a while since I’ve visited a bookstore, so how would I know?” I gave her my most innocent smile.

“Okay, fine. You win. It’s not like I have a bookstore to run or anything.”

As she guided me toward the shelves, I asked, “How do you get away to teach at the resort?”

“I have excellent help. My team can manage the customers when I’m gone, and I do the finances and ordering after hours. Besides, I come close to breaking even.”