“Yes,” I said proudly.

Her gaze darted to Robin and her forehead creased in distaste. “It is… very nice.”

Robin snorted. “You mean ‘It’s a pile of rancid crap’?”

Vinnie nodded. “As you say.”

“Thanks so much for the food, Vinnie,” I said, shaking the key ring. “You and Suzie enjoy the art festival. I’ll take good care of Pookie and Splinters.”

Vinnie didn’t seem concerned about the fate of her cats. She just stared at the decrepit book parts as if she were hypnotized or something.

I jiggled the keys again and she blinked. “You are most kind to attend to our darlings.” Then she bowed one last time and took off.

Robin’s brown eyes sparkled with amusement. “She left you in charge of her pets?”

“I can handle two cats for three days.”

She laughed. “Famous last words from the woman with the largest plot at the commune pet cemetery.”

“That’s not fair.” I grimaced. “I had goldfish. Goldfish always die.”

“Come on. They banned you from the pet store.”

“Shut up, please.” I grabbed my purse. “Let’s go.”

She glanced down at my feet and her eyes widened. “Oh my God. You can take the girl out of the commune…”

“Oh dear.” I kicked off my comfy sandals and slid into the pair of black pumps I’d left by the door. “Better?”

“Marginally.”

“Such a bitch.”

She laughed as she opened the door. “Okay, I love the suit and the heels are definitely an improvement. But I can’t believe you still wear Birkenstocks.”

“Just when I’m working.” I sighed. “It’s like my feet are molded to their shape.”

Robin snorted delicately. “Like a geisha, only not.”

“Sad but true.” I turned off the light. “But for Abraham, I’ll bite the bullet and wear heels.”

“Don’t worry; you look great,” she said over her shoulder. “He’s just going to die when he sees you.”

Chapter 2

If I hadn’t already decided by the age of eight to work with books, my first visit to the Covington Library would’ve sealed the deal.