Page 86 of Honey Be Mine
“My hero,” Kerrielynn said softly. “Is there anything else we can help with?”
Rosemary shook her head. “I’ve got to do a few things in the office before I head home. You two have plans?” She led them back up the stairs to the first floor.
Leif shrugged. “Hang out.”
“Well, have fun.” Rosemary waved and headed toward Everett’s office. After every class, Lorna told her to make a copy of the sign-in sheet, keep the original in her binder, and leave the copy for Everett’s secretary to input for tracking purposes. Since she didn’t have another class until next week, it made sense to do it before she went home tonight.
She opened the office door and came to a stop.
“Libby.” Rosemary hadn’t expected anyone to be here this late.
“Rosemary.” She didn’t look up from her monitor. “What are you doing here?”
“Making a copy.” She pointed at the copy machine in the corner.
“Fine.” She barely glanced her way.
Rosemary headed to the copy machine, placed the original on the screen, and closed the lid.
Libby’s phone rang. “Hey. I’m still here.”
Rosemary pressed the button. The machine whirred, but nothing came out.
“It was a horrible weekend.” Libby’s sigh was long and drawn out. “Everett and I had that fight, and he went off to sulk.” She paused. “He’s over it now.”
Rosemary pressed the button again and waited. No copy. She opened the lid and closed it again, scanning the copy machine’s small screen for any messages. Nothing.
“He’s hot, then cold.” Libby’s whisper was clearly audible. “I can’t keep up with his mood swings.”
Which was nothing like Everett. Nothing at all. Rosemary opened the top of the machine, then closed it. Nothing happened. Who was Libby talking to anyway? Why was she still here—so late? She mashed the button again. Nothing.
“But he is so hot.” Libby giggled.
Rosemary didn’t want to interrupt, but she did want to get out of here. “Libby.” She cleared her throat. “Libby, I’m sorry to interrupt.”
Libby’s blue eyes were ice-cold. “What, Rosemary?” A pause. “Yes, she’s here making a copy.”
“I need a hand with the copy machine.” She nodded at the machine. “It’s not working.”
“Hold on.” She held up one finger. “I’ll call you back, Kate.” Then there was a brilliant smile on Libby’s face. “Yes. Okay. I’ll tell her.” She hung up.
Rosemary stared at the phone. That had been Kate? She shoved the long-standing anxiety aside, refusing to let the sisters get the better of her.
“Kate told me to tell you hi and that she hopes to catch up with you soon.” Her tight smile was full of menace. “The machine is old. Sometimes you have to flip it on and off for it to work.” Libby flipped the switch, then looked at her. “How many?”
“Um...one.” She swallowed.
“What’s the matter with you?” Libby frowned and pressed the button. “Are you sick? You look pale. And sweaty.” She took a step back. “I can’t afford to get sick.” She handed her the copy, then the original.
“I’m fine.” Rosemary took the papers from her.
“You don’t look fine.” Her blue eyes narrowed. “You look... Something’s wrong.”
“Tired, I guess.” She swallowed, a jagged lump blocking her throat, and held out the copy. “I’m supposed to leave a sign-in sheet for you?”
“I’ll take care of it.” Libby snatched the paper back. “I’m behind because I’ve been getting calls all day about your book.” She scanned the list and carried it back to her desk. “Everett told me you’re not going to sell it. I don’t know why you’d put it on social media like that.” She peered up at Rosemary, one brow arched high.
“I didn’t—”
