The evening agenda consisted of Kylie’s talk followed by refreshments. “We can handle a few last-minute arrivals. Russ will see to that. He and Kylie are having a few family and friends over to their place at Moss Hill afterward. Will you be joining us?” Felicity asked.
“No, I’ll make sure everything’s all set here and head home. Logan has a rare night off.” She smiled at Felicity, seated in an old captain’s chair on the other side of the desk. “Did you organize the post-party party, too?”
“It didn’t take much organizing,” she said with a laugh.
“Well, everyone’s excited about tonight. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me if there’s anything I can do or if you have any questions.”
“Same here.”
Felicity thanked Clare and returned to the library’s main room. As she headed to the entrance, she glanced into the alcove at the front of the library where the children’s section was located. All the Badgers of Middle Branch books were on display on a table. Kylie had kept her pseudonymous identity secret for months, but Knights Bridge had taken to her with appreciation but not so much fanfare that she felt awkward or out of place. This was her home now. Townspeople understood that, since it was their home, too.
Our home, Felicity amended to herself.
She stiffened when a woman moved from farther into the children’s nook and peered at the books on the badger table.
Nadia Ainsworth.
Felicity didn’t know what to do first. Alert Clare? Text Russ? March over to Nadia and demand to know what she was doing here? She couldn’t just leave without doing something.
She reached into her tote bag for her phone as she simultaneously turned to head back through the main room to find Clare, but Nadia spotted her, smiled and waved. “Felicity!” She winced, touching her hand to her mouth. “Sorry,” she said in a loud whisper. “Library.”
She scooted out of the nook and joined Felicity at the door. “I didn’t realize you were in town,” Felicity said.
“I never would have left if I’d known I’d have to turn around and come back so soon. I need to deal with some issues with my grandmother’s house before we can finalize the sale.” Nadia gave a self-deprecating roll of the eyes that struck Felicity as insincere. “Bad planning on my part, but some things you can’t plan, really. I’m sure you understand. Um...chat outside? I feel like I’m going to be shushed any moment.”
“Here’s fine.”
“Oh. I’m getting the stalker treatment. I don’t blame you. I know it’s my own fault for being weird when Gabe was here.” She made a face, then smiled. “Sorry. Are you parked nearby? Why don’t I walk to your car with you, or do you have errands to run? I see you aren’t borrowing any books.”
“I was here for a meeting.”
“To discuss tonight’s party, right? I asked the librarian about the party earlier. I’m coming, by the way. I understand you sent out invitations and offered some tickets to the public since there’s limited space.” She spoke fast, clearly self-conscious if not nervous. “I got my hands on a ticket at the front desk when I was here a few days ago. I was going to give it up since I was on the other side of the country, but it’s a good thing I didn’t, isn’t it?”
“Nadia...”
“It’s fine, Felicity. Promise. I’m just doing my best to take my mind off giving up my grandmother’s house. I know I’ll never have the chance again to make chocolate-chip cookies with her, since she’s gone, but the house—it’s filled with memories. It’s like she’s there.” She paused, biting down on her lower lip, her eyes filling with tears. She sniffled, smiling. “Anyway, I’d never heard of the badgers until recently. A friend with kids informed me how much fun they are. Do you have any nieces and nephews, Felicity?”
“I do. Look, I should go—”
“No children of your own, though. You’re still young, but I’m starting to feel the tick-tock of my biological clock.” Nadia stood straight, pushing back her hair. “I’ll be on my way. I can see I’m making you uncomfortable.”
She yanked open the heavy door and bolted.
Felicity had a quick, internal debate with herself about her options even as she followed Nadia outside, running down the steps and intercepting her on the sidewalk in front of the library. “I’m sorry,” Felicity said. “I was a bit taken aback just now. I have a few errands I need to run in town. Where’s your car? I can walk with you.”
Nadia smiled, cool. “Do you want to find out what kind of car I’m driving and report back to—hmm. To whom, I wonder? Russ Colton? He has me pegged as a problem, and he’s Kylie-slash-Morwenna’s husband. Well, I’ve done nothing wrong. He can’t bar me from attending tonight without a good reason.”
“Nadia, I don’t think anyone intends to bar you.”
“No?” She sighed, her smile warmer now. “I’m just being paranoid, then. I know I didn’t make a good first impression, and I’m probably not doing that great right now. I’m emotional because of my personal issues. Nothing to do with Knights Bridge, or Gabe—or you, certainly.”
“Are you in Knights Bridge for any other reason besides tonight’s party?”
“Smith’s pie of the day?” Her smile reached her eyes now. “Sorry. I’m just distracting myself from memories. My grandmother’s death hit me harder than I ever would have expected. I didn’t realize it until I got out here. My father’s been a complete ass about her estate, too. That doesn’t help. Here, let’s walk. It’s such a beautiful day.”
Nadia was visibly calmer as she and Felicity walked to her car, parked around the corner on Thistle Lane. Felicity couldn’t get any further details from her. “Will we see you tonight?”
“Maybe. I don’t know for sure.” Nadia pulled open her car door. “I haven’t been able to make plans
