Free Book Lover, The by Maryann McFadden Page A

stunning vision of white blossoms. The window boxes at Elaine’s were bursting with yellow daffodils and purple pansies.
    “Morning, Ruth,” Elaine called over the counter as she came in with Sam.
    Elaine had left a corporate job seven years ago to open the small restaurant. With leather booths and a long counter with round stools, it had the charm and character of a much-loved, and used, diner.
    “You on for the meeting next week?” Elaine asked, as she turned for the coffee pot.
    “Sure am. I just hope we get something accomplished this time.”
    The Downtown Warwick Revitalization Committee had been formed six months ago, but little progress had been made since, except for the longer hours to compete with the malls. Which didn’t seem to be doing much.
    Elaine handed Ruth a large coffee, then looked over her shoulder to make sure Hannah wasn’t in earshot. “We just have to keep Eddie from blowin’ steam for two hours and maybe we can. I know his appliance business is hurting from that box store opening, but hey, we’re all hurting, aren’t we?”
    “I can’t argue with you.”
    Then Elaine noticed Sam sitting patiently, her tail thumping the floor in anticipation. She knelt down and gave her a biscuit and a pat on the head.
    “What’s on your agenda today?” Elaine asked, as Sam savored her treat.
    “Oh, the usual. Getting ready for an author signing next week. Then Megan’s going to show me some ideas she has for My Face. Or is it Spacebook?”
    Elaine laughed. “It’s Facebook and My Space.”
    “I know. She thinks I’m an old fart. She’s always got ideas and according to her I’m always shooting them down. We’re a bookseller, you know? I don’t want things to get too complicated. Anyway,” she said, “hopefully this heavenly day will bring people into town for a nice lunch and a good book.”
    “My idea of heaven is a good book and a chair parked at the beach.”
    “Amen. Only when was the last time either of us took time for something like that?”
    “I thought just doing breakfast and lunch would give me a bit of a life after the corporate rat race. By the time we get cleaned up and prepped for the next day, guess what?”
    “You’re ready for bed. Sounds like my life.”
    Sam licked the last few crumbs off the floor, then looked up at Ruth, waiting.
    “Ever think of retiring?” Elaine asked with raised eyebrows.
    “Are you kidding? For what?”
    As Ruth turned, Hannah came by carrying a tray loaded with pancakes. “Oh, hey Ruth,” she called out, “I was just thinking about you. Can you wait a sec?”
    Ruth sipped her coffee as Hannah delivered her platters, then deposited her empty tray on the counter. “Whew, my knees are screaming. Listen, I was going to stop by later and see if you might have some time this week to come over. I’ve got my class reunion coming up, and I wondered if you’d give me your opinion on an outfit I got.”
    “Sure, how about Monday?”
    “Okay. It’s a little different, a bit more daring, actually, than what I normally wear, but I thought Eddie might like it. I want to surprise him.”
    “That’s great,” she said, wondering if Deepak had instigated the bold wardrobe choice.
    “Oh, I finished the Chopra book,” Hannah said, as if reading her mind. “I did like it, but not all of it…” Her words trailed off as a customer began waving at her.
    “I’ll call you Monday. We’ll talk about it then.”
    Ruth walked up Main Street to her store, shaking her head. How was it she was always giving advice, to Hannah and so many of her customers, when she had no certainty at all regarding herself.
    She unlocked the door, walked inside and flipped on the lights. Sam nestled into her doggie bed under the counter for a little snooze. Ruth checked the phone for messages, and found three, for special orders. There were also two hang-ups. Ruth listened to them again, trying to discern background noise as butterflies swooped through her stomach. It