Page 23 of Off the Wall

“Experiment?” she repeats.

“Uh-huh.”And thanks for the parrot imitation, Violet. “As things stand, we’re usually busy in the mornings, then we’ve got our regulars who trickle in throughout the day. But if we really want to increase traffic, I propose some new programming at night.”

“Nori.” Violet’s eyes go soft behind her lenses. “I wasn’t?—”

“Hold on.” I throw up a hand. “Before you say yes or no, just hear me out. Please.”

Her mouth opens and closes, wordlessly, which I take as permission to continue. “What if we establish a book club night?” I indicate the shelves behind her desk. “We could picka new title each month and invite everyone in town to come discuss the selection.”

“Everyone?” Violet murmurs.

Again with the parrot.

“I mean, realistically, we’d be lucky to get half a dozen people showing up at first.” I let out a little snort. “But enthusiasm would grow if we kept at it. Word of mouth can work wonders as long as we don’t give up. That will be the key to all my ideas.” I pause, waiting for Violet to say she loves the idea. Or that she hates it. Either way, I’m expectingsomereaction. But she simply studies my face without offering feedback, so I forge on.

“I was also thinking we could let local poets read some of their work.”

Violet wrinkles her nose. “Poetry night?”

Okay. Guess she’s not a fan of that idea. “If poetry is too specific,” I say, “how about a weekly writing group? Aspiring authors could bring their laptops for writing sprints or share pages of their works-in-progress.”

“Are you writing a novel, Nori?”

I blink. “No.”

Why is Violet being so weird?

Maybe she got in a fight with her boyfriend. Larry was up here with Violet in her office for most of yesterday, and she made herself scarce all morning. She could just be in a bad mood. “You know what? If now isn’t a good time …”

“I don’t think there will be a better time.”

Okay, fine. I guess that’s my cue to carry on. “I’d also love to host an indie music night every Friday.” I press a smile onto my face, hoping my favorite idea will finally get her excited. “Wouldn’t it be cool to kick off the weekend with local musicians performing here?”

“Oh, Nori.” Violet’s gives a small shake of her head.

“I know finding people every week sounds daunting, butwe could advertise at Blue Notes—that’s Keeley’s brother’s music shop—and there are so many talented singer-songwriters in the area. Anyone with a guitar or keyboard could set up in the corner right by the front window. People driving by would see what’s happening. And if only a fraction of them stop in …”

“I wish I’d known you’d been giving this so much thought.” Violet looks down at her lap. “These are such big changes you’re suggesting.”

“Exactly! We’re still in spring, the season of new beginnings. The whole world is calling out for a fresh start. Can’t you hear it?”

Violet lifts her gaze again, and I offer her my brightest grin. She examines my face for a moment. Then her mouth shifts into a strange, wrinkly twist that sends a prickle up my spine.

Uh-oh.

I lean forward, suddenly on high alert. “Are you all right?” A knot jolts into my throat. “I feel like something’s up with you.”

Please don’t let it be bad. Don’t let her be sick or?—

“Somethingisup,” Violet says, slowly. “I just haven’t had a chance to share my news yet.” My heart pounds hard, but the twist in her face slides into a shy smile. Then she lifts her left hand and flutters her fingers.

And that’s when I see the diamond twinkling.

Whoa.

“Larry proposed?” I leap up, rushing to her so fast I practically trip over her desk. I give her a quick chair hug, then slip back into my seat again so I can grin directly at her. “This is amazing,” I squeak. “I kept going on and on, when all you wanted to do was tell me you’re engaged! When did this happen?”

“Last night.” She beams back at me. “I can still hardlybelieve it myself. I’m getting married, Nori. Again!” A giggle slips out of her and she slaps a hand over her mouth.

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