Janey came up from the other side of the store. “Sorry to bother you, but do you have that classics list? I think some of the books are shelved wrong.”
“That’s quite possible. The kids pull them out and put them back or don’t. I’d rather they didn’t, but I haven’t figured out a way to stop them.” Rarity reached down to get the sheet she’d printed out, when she saw Marcus come back with four books he sat on the counter. “Oh, Janey, this is Marcus. He’s Sam’s brother.”
Marcus grinned at Janey, and Rarity could feel the heat between the two immediately. “Janey, so nice to meet you.”
“Looks like you’re going to be curled up in your room reading for a few weeks. I’m doing the same. I hate getting behind at the beginning of a term. And unlike undergrad, graduate students don’t get an easy year in the program. I can’t believe they want me to take stats.” She took the paper from Rarity.
“Is that what you’re reading now?” Marcus pointed to the paper.
Janey laughed and held it out so he could see. “Nope. I’m immersing myself in elementary literature for the book club I’m running in a couple of weeks. And there will be no math books for the club. Unless the kids outvote me.”
“I got As in my stats class. So if you ever need help studying, I’d be glad to help. I haven’t been away from college so long.” Marcus smiled at Janey.
Rarity felt like she and Sam were invisible.
“That would be great. I better get back to work. Lots to learn.” Janey nodded at me, then turned to Sam. “Nice to see you again, Sam. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow at the party?”
“Yes. I’ll be there. I’m trying to convince Marcus to go as well.” Sam punched Marcus lightly in the arm.
“You should go.” Janey waved and disappeared into the stacks.
The trio didn’t talk at first. Then Sam asked Marcus, “So you’re coming to the party?”
He stared at the spot where Janey had disappeared into a row of bookshelves. “I think I am.”
* * * *
Thursday morning, Rarity and Killer were on their way to the store when Drew Anderson pulled up beside them in his truck. Drew was a local police detective, Sam’s boyfriend, and the reason Rarity had Killer.
She leaned into the open window on the passenger side. “Hey, Drew. What’s up?”
“I was wondering if we could have coffee this morning. I have a dilemma.” He reached over to open the door. “I’ll pay, and we can sit outside at the tables so Killer can come too.”
“If you’re buying, we’re coming. Did you know Annie’s started making dog treats too? Killer loves the peanut butter wafers.” Rarity picked up Killer, and after tucking her bag on Drew’s floorboard, lifted Killer up onto the seat, where he ran to greet Drew. Drew was one of Killer’s favorite friends. The feeling was mutual. She shut the door and put on her seat belt. “Killer, come sit by me so Drew can drive.”
Killer reluctantly obeyed, and Drew drove them to Annie’s Bakery on Main. He climbed out and met Rarity on the sidewalk. He locked the truck since he had his police laptop inside, and, Rarity surmised, he probably also had a firearm. Drew was never completely off duty.
She stayed outside enjoying the pleasant morning while Drew went into the shop to get coffee. Killer watched people walk by on the sidewalk while he sat near Rarity’s feet.
Since it was early, it was a little cool, and Rarity was glad she’d worn a jacket to walk to the shop. Later in the day, she wouldn’t need the jacket. Sometimes she’d have two or three at the shop she’d forgotten to take home. Tonight, she’d run home after work, change into a dress, and grab a quick sandwich before meeting Archer at Darby’s house for the party. Killer would have to stay home tonight. She brought him as much as she could, but a party was just a little too much stimulation.
Drew came back with two large coffees and a bag of something that smelled sweet. He sat down, then leaned over and held out a doggie biscuit for Killer. “It’s pumpkin something. Annie said you’ve had them before.”
Rarity laughed. “You know you live in a small town when your dog’s bakery order is available for anyone to get.”
“Sedona’s a great place to live. Sure, we don’t get four seasons, but we can go elsewhere for that. I enjoy the heat.” He opened the bag, set a napkin on the table, then a peach scone in front of Rarity. “Annie said she got the peaches from Georgia this summer.”
“She’s always making something new. I’m surprised these don’t have chilies in them.” Rarity lifted the scone, then saw Drew’s face. “These aren’t hot, right?”
“These ones aren’t, but she did have some with green chilies. How did you know?” Drew took the second scone out and flattened the bag to use as his plate.
“It’s Arizona. Everything seems to have a bit of spice in it. My palate has changed since I left St. Louis. But I have to be careful what I offer Killer.” She took a sip of coffee. “So why the early morning chat? What do you want?”
“Who said I wanted anything? We’re friends, right?” He glanced around the empty café tables. “Okay, I’m worried about Sam’s brother.”
“Besides, you said you had a problem. Okay, are you worried he won’t like you?” Rarity hadn’t seen Drew this way before. He’d been hesitant to start dating Sam, mostly because he wasn’t sure he was ready for something serious. And he hadn’t wanted to mess up a relationship that might be his forever partner. Drew thought way too much about things. It was a bad habit they had in common. “Or something else?”
“He seems a little entitled. Like he’s still the captain of the football team and Sam’s just another groupie. He shouldn’t treat her like that.” Drew sipped his coffee. “Or am I just seeing things that aren’t there?”
Rarity thought about her one and only encounter with Marcus. He did seem confident, but it appeared that he really cared for Sam. Of course, that could be a total act. Rarity saw the concern in Drew’s face. “I’m not sure. I’ve only met him once and I didn’t have the same reaction that you did. But maybe he’s better with women. Some men can charm women, but there’s something with their male friends that doesn’t work. I guess we’ll just have to reserve judgment until we get to know him better. You know he might be staying around.”
“Another reason I’m not exactly thrilled about this. I don’t know, maybe I do feel threatened. Sam’s really happy he came to visit. Maybe I should just go with the flow.” He finished his scone. “I’m trying to talk myself out of running a background check.”