Page 71 of The Overdue Kiss

“Evie Chandler, but that’s my pen name. Just call me Chantelle.” She holds out her hand which I clumsily take, shaking it so hard that her arm flaps. “Nice to meet you, Maya. Des told me you are one of my fans.”

“Your biggest. Ever.”

She pries her hand free. “That’s so sweet of you. I heard you liked the book box I sent Des.”

I nod. “I posted a whole video about it on my social media.”

“I saw that and the live you did with Des this morning.” She gestures at him. “I’ve never seen him so talkative before. Who knew?”

My lips twist in thought. “He’s always been like that around me. Not quiet at all.”

She pushes his shoulder and laughs. “You’ve been holding out on us.”

He squirms at the attention, so I quickly change the subject.

“So, uh, what brings you by? Are you all out riding today?” I ask.

“I brought books,” Chantelle says and jabs her thumb over her shoulder. “I contacted a few of my author friends... who contacted a few of their friends... well, let’s just say we have a U-Haul parked outside.”

“What... what?” I can barely comprehend what I’m hearing. My favorite author is here and she brought books? Have I died and gone to heaven?

Des is already at my side, smiling down at me. “Surprise! I brought extra hands and resources.”

“And I brought coffee,” Clover says, her cheeks reddening when everyone turns to look at her. “Which I think is just as important as books.”

Reese lets out a little cheer as she stomps down the stairs and claims the first cup. “Just what I needed. Caffeine is one of the only joys I get these days.”

Clover places the drink carrier on one of the folding tables. “If you think of anything else you might need, just let us know.”

Words clog in the back of my throat, and Chantelle throws a comforting arm over my shoulder like we’re old friends. I tense, barely keeping my thoughts straight.

Evie Chandler is hugging me. Don’t freak out.

“I can’t believe you came—and brought donations. You don’t even know me. Thank you so much,” I say, choked by their generosity.

“Girl, when Des said you needed help saving a library, you know I wasn’t going to leave you hanging. This is an awesome thing you are doing here,” Chantelle says, giving me a final squeeze before she pulls away.

“We should be thanking you,” Clover adds. “I’m happy Des thought to ask me.”

I glance at Cai.

“Oh, uh, I was just off today.”

We all chuckle at his honesty.

The door jingles again, and Thor walks in, slipping his sunglasses into the neckline of his t-shirt. “I heard you needed some muscle. I came as soon as I could.”

The tears start up again, and this time it’s Des who puts a comforting arm around my shoulder. “Oh my goodness. You came too, Thor? Thank you, all of you.”

“Of course, but you might want to head outside. The streets are getting pretty packed.”

I dart outside to find half of my family unloading from vehicles, similar to a clown comedy skit.

“Maya,” Rafe calls out. “We brought some lumber to help with the extra shelving.”

“How did you know to come?”

“Des called Marco, and the family alert went out.” He ushers another wave of Santos family into the library.

---