Chapter 6
6
“ C ome on in,” Libby called out, flicking on the bookmobile’s interior lights. “There’s room for everyone. It’s larger on the inside, like the Tardis.”
Ivy laughed at the Dr. Who reference and stepped inside, following Darla, Jen, Louise, and other book club members. Exclamations of delight quickly filled the air. Immediately, Ivy was struck by how the interior seemed larger than possible.
Somebody had thoughtfully utilized the space, yet nothing felt cramped. Wooden shelves lined the walls, their warm honey color showcasing a rainbow of book spines. Clever brass library lamps were mounted between sections, casting a warm glow that made the space feel cozy rather than confined.
Shelly hurried back into the bookmobile with Daisy. “What did I miss?”
Ivy gestured toward a donation box and a shelf for books for sale. “That’s why Libby had the exact change for her room,” she whispered. “This is how she makes her living.”
“She’s pretty creative,” Shelly said, bouncing Daisy on her hip. “A privately owned bookmobile. Who would’ve thought?”
Now in her element, Libby transformed. She grew more animated and confident as she showed off carefully organized, hand-painted shelves and a reading nook stuffed with lounge pillows in the form of animals.
“She’s good with people,” Shelly murmured.
“And she knows her books,” Ivy added. “She has a nice assortment of the latest beach reads, biographies, children’s picture books, and gardening guides. She knows her patrons.”
Shelly leaned in. “Wish we could keep her here in Summer Beach. Are you sure there’s no way we could?”
Ivy shook her head. “If she gets that job in Los Angeles, she won’t be far. Maybe she’ll visit again if she’s not too busy.”
In the reading nook, Louise plopped onto a plush purple turtle and howled with laughter when she couldn’t get up. Darla tried pulling her to her feet but stumbled on a stuffed elephant and crashed beside her.
Laughing, Libby stepped in to help them both to their feet, and Shelly gave her a hand.
“No worries, this happens a lot,” Libby said, smiling.
Once on her feet again, Darla and Louise thanked them and headed toward the sale rack.
Libby turned to Ivy and Shelly. “Did you see the ceiling?”
Ivy tilted her head back to take in more whimsical paintings. Someone painted the entire length to resemble library endpapers, with swirling marbled patterns in deep shades of scarlet, gold, and ocean blue. Author quotes rendered in calligraphy wove around the perimeter. One in particular caught her eye.
Literature is my Utopia. – Helen Keller
“The quotes glow in the dark,” Libby said, noticing Ivy’s interest. “A little paint magic that enchants children when I dim the lights.”
“Did the same artist who painted the outside do this?” Shelly asked.
Libby nodded as she ran her hand along the smooth wood. “The shelves are custom built. They’re angled just enough to keep the books secure while driving, and each section has a bar that pulls across the front for extra security.”
Ivy was enchanted. “What a magical setting you’ve created. You seem to have thought of everything.” She touched a narrow retaining bar across a bookshelf. “Our parents have something like this on their boat.”
“Those are critical for rough seas and rocky roads,” Libby said.
“Your books are so well organized.” Ivy took note of the thoughtful, meticulous displays. She opened one, noticing the old-fashioned style pocket on the inside. The borrowing card featured a line of numbers and date stamps.
“Not all the books make it back, but I also get a lot of donations, so it all works out.”
Children’s picture books occupied lower shelves so little ones could reach them. Young adult novels had their own section marked with fanciful hand-painted signage. Fiction was arranged by genre, with small painted plaques marking different sections: mysteries, romance, thrillers, and science fiction.
Ivy noticed numbers on the spine, just like a real library. The Dewey Decimal System, she recalled.
“Old habits die hard,” Libby said. “I try to maintain my standards.”
“How can you leave this charmed life behind?” Shelly asked.
“It’s time I had a real job with benefits and contributed to a community.” Libby’s voice held a note of wistfulness. “I like making new friends but miss seeing familiar faces.”
“I understand.” Ivy felt like that when she moved away from home. She’d been a homesick student. Maybe that’s why she’d fallen so hard for Jeremy. Eventually, Boston became home to her, but it had taken time.
Across from them, Darla scooped up an armload of paperbacks and deposited cash into an antique wooden lunch pail. The vintage piece was marked Honor Bar and painted with a stack of books and an icy drink with a lemon slice. An umbrella tilted above it.
Ivy squinted at the scene. “Looks like lemonade.”
“I was imagining a Long Island iced tea,” Shelly said. “Chill, swill, and read your fill.”
Libby gestured to an inviting chair near a window. “My favorite spot for that is right there. Sometimes, I park near a beach and read for hours.”
“I can see why,” Ivy said. “You’ve created a rolling oasis.” She wanted to tell Paige, who owned Summer Beach’s only bookshop, Pages Books, about this. She would love it.
“Look at this,” Louise called out, opening a narrow door featuring a steaming mug. “A coffee station.”
The small kitchen held a small under-cabinet refrigerator, an electric kettle, and a coffee maker. Tins of coffee, tea, nuts, and biscotti lined the small shelf above the counter.
“I often host book club teas,” Libby said. “Or under a canopy I carry in the luggage compartment. Readers like special events.”
At once, Daisy squealed, pointing to a basket of bright fabric books in the children’s section.
“Those are special,” Libby said. “Handmade for the youngest readers. Would she like to look at one?”
While Shelly helped Daisy explore the fabric books festooned with bright yarn and buttons, Ivy took in more details. A bookmark exchange, handwritten recommendation cards tucked into books, a printed card that read Libby’s Bookmobile . Children’s drawings and notes of appreciation posted to a corkboard. Ivy stepped closer to read them.
I didn’t like reading until the bookmobile came to town. Now I love it.
Come back soon. We love you, Libby!
The younger woman clearly loved books and knew how to make others love reading, too. How Ivy wished they had a library like this in town.
She turned to Libby. “You’re so talented and well organized. You’ve created such a sweet retreat here.”
“That’s what I wanted it to be.” Libby smiled, averting her eyes. “A place where anyone could find an adventure or a safe space.”
Ivy detected conflicting emotions in Libby’s face. Pride in what she’d accomplished yet edged with something unsettling.
Ivy wondered what she was concealing.
As an innkeeper, her job was to welcome visitors, give them shelter and kindness, and see them on their way. Still, some people shared their secrets, confiding in her because she was a kind stranger. They would return to their lives refreshed, their burden lightened, trusting Ivy wouldn’t share their confessions with anyone they knew.
Libby raised her gaze to Ivy with a timid expression. “Could we talk while I’m here? About the history of the inn,” she added quickly. “I’m curious about it.”
Ivy recognized that look. “I’ll be here.”
Shelly glanced from the window and scooped up Daisy in her arms. “We should go. Mitch and Bennett are here. They brought dinner for us.”
“Bennett and I have other plans,” Ivy said. She had been looking forward to relaxing with him tonight.
“Not anymore,” Shelly said. “I made the call. He’s bringing a feast, and we can eat by the pool. Reed can join us and—” Shelly swung around. “Libby, do you like Mexican food? We have plenty.”
“I’d like that, thank you.” A smile lit Libby’s face.
“And let’s show them the bookmobile,” Shelly added. “We’ll be right back.”
As they disembarked, Ivy turned to Shelly. “What are you up to?”
“Who, me?”
Her sister feigned innocence, but Ivy wasn’t falling for it. “You want Bennett to see what the town is missing.”
“I’m not responsible for any conclusions someone might draw,” Shelly said. “I only wanted to ask Mitch if Libby could park in front of Java Beach tomorrow.”
“You’re lying.” Ivy shook her head. “And it’s brilliant,” she whispered.
Hearing a commotion, Ivy turned to see Bennett and Mitch approaching from the car court, laden with carryout bags from Java Beach.
Her heart still quickened at the sight of her husband. She smiled and waved to him.
“Dinner has arrived,” Bennett called out, hoisting the bags. “Tacos, nachos, and burritos with all the fixings.” He greeted Ivy with a kiss. “Let’s have our private sunset supper tomorrow.”
“I’d like that,” she replied. “Perfect timing for dinner. The book club is relocating to the firepit for their meeting.”
Bennett’s gaze drifted behind her, catching sight of the new vehicle. “What did you and Shelly want us to see?”
Ivy gestured over her shoulder. “Our new guest is a librarian. She arrived in her bookmobile. It’s so charming and well-organized.”
“Is it now?” Bennett took it in but made no other comment.
“Hope you’re all hungry,” Mitch said, kissing Daisy’s cheek.
“Utterly starved.” Shelly hugged Mitch. “The bookmobile is fabulous inside, babe. You guys should see it before we eat. Libby can park it in front of Java Beach in the morning. That paint job alone will draw people right to your front door.”
Darla waved and greeted Bennett. “Glad you’re here, Mr. Mayor. This bookmobile is incredible. If Summer Beach can’t afford a library, how about one of these?”
“Is this an ambush?” Bennett asked with a slight frown.
“Not at all,” Darla replied. “Just a happy accident. But you ought to go inside. The community would love something like this.”
“It’s even more amazing inside,” Louise added, her eyes flashing with excitement. “Although we all miss having a library, this is a lot better than nothing.”
Bennett raised his brow at Ivy. “I thought we’d laid that proposal to rest.”
“This was a surprise to me, too,” Ivy said, noting his discomfort. Changing the subject, she added, “We can put some tables together and eat by the pool. How much food did you bring?”
“Plenty,” Bennett said, his frown relaxing. “Maybe Reed would like to join us.”
Ivy heard Shelly introducing Libby to Mitch, who promptly invited her to join them for dinner, too.
“Would you like to see inside?” Libby asked.
“This is so cool,” Mitch said. “What a paint job. Come on, Mr. Mayor. Let’s take the tour.”
Ivy and Poppy took the food from the guys so they could tour the vehicle with Libby.
“I can manage setting up the tables,” Ivy said to Poppy. “Why don’t you find Reed? He’s probably hungry.”
“He’ll appreciate this,” Poppy said, leaving to find her brother.
Ivy dusted off the tables and chairs and put the take-out bags in the center. The book club group started toward the beach with their books and wine bottles, though Darla hung back.
She paused by the table, her face drawn with worry. “I hope I didn’t upset Bennett with what I said. It’s just that a bookmobile would be a good compromise.”
Ivy touched her hand. “It’s not you, Darla. I don’t know if the city can handle additional expenses this year. The state and federal funds that would normally be available aren’t due to budget reductions. He feels bad because he knows how much residents want to replace the library.”
Darla nodded. “You’re so good at figuring things out. I thought you could persuade him.”
“It’s not a matter of that,” Ivy said. “It comes down to finances. If I had a magic wand, I’d conjure a fabulous library for Summer Beach, but I’m fresh out of spells this time.”
Darla hugged her. “Until then, we appreciate you letting us invade your space here at the inn. And we’ll keep working on that new library.”
“I love your optimism,” Ivy said, smiling at her neighbor. She went inside to the kitchen to assemble serving utensils, paper plates and napkins, and cups and beverages for dinner.
Bennett and Mitch emerged from the bookmobile as she set the table.
“Perfect timing,” Ivy said, looking up to see Poppy and Reed walking toward them.
“Thanks for the invitation,” Reed said. “I worked through lunch and hardly had time to take breaks. I can’t stay long.”
Ivy knew how committed Reed was to the job. “I’m glad you joined us. You’re family. Feel free to raid the kitchen anytime. We can’t have our contractor starving.”
“That’s nice of you to say, but Dad’s the contractor. I’m supervising.” Reed looked up at the bookmobile in awe, then did a subtle double-take as Libby emerged. Their eyes met briefly, and Libby offered a bashful smile before quickly looking away.
“Join us, Libby,” Ivy offered. “I’d also like you to meet our construction supervisor, who is also my nephew.”
“Maybe I should get some work done.” Libby hesitated, but Ivy could see the hunger in her eyes.
“At least take a plate with you. Mitch is quite the chef. Did you work out something for tomorrow?”
“Sure did,” Mitch said. “I’ve never seen anything like that bookmobile. She can park it there for a week for all I care. People will love seeing it.”
“And checking out books, I hope,” Libby added with a small smile.
Ivy didn’t want to ask Bennett what he thought of Libby’s project, but she didn’t have to. The awe in his face said it all; he was intrigued. He’d talk about it when he was ready.
Noticing Reed and Libby sneaking glances at each other, Ivy introduced them. “Reed, Libby is here with us for the weekend before she continues to Los Angeles.”
Libby gave him a shy smile. “Reed. What a great name. And do you?”
“Sorry,” he replied, slightly confused. “Do I what?”
“Read, as in books,” Libby replied. “I hope you do.”
The tips of Reed’s ears turned pink. “Sure, when I can. I mostly read about construction. I’m studying for my general contractor’s license. Does that count, or only novels?”
“Nonfiction is reading, too,” Libby said. “I also count audiobooks, even though there’s debate about that. Anytime we’re enriching our mind, it’s a good thing.”
“I liked reading Hemingway and Steinbeck in school,” Reed said, pulling a chair at the table out for her.
“I would have guessed that about you.” She suggested a couple of other authors he might like.
They sat beside each other, and Ivy watched their exchange with interest.
“Well, would you look at that instant attraction,” Shelly whispered. “Interesting.”
“Shh,” Ivy said. “Libby isn’t here long, and Reed is on the rebound. Don’t get any ideas.”
“It’s not as if L.A. is in another country.”
Ivy wagged a finger. “Don’t try to fix them up.”
“Doesn’t look like they need any help.”
“Don’t you have to feed Daisy?”
Shelly shrugged. “I’ve been weaning her, and Poppy has her now.” Shelly nodded to their niece.
Poppy walked Daisy around the patio, holding the toddler’s hands as the little girl practiced steps. She grinned at them. “Look who’s trying to walk.”
Mitch stopped in front of them and opened his arms to her. “Come to Daddy, Daisy-cakes.”
Suddenly, Daisy flung her hands free. Everyone froze as she wobbled, then took a determined step toward Mitch. Then another, and another. Mitch crouched down, arms outstretched, beaming with joy and encouragement as their daughter took her first steps straight to her papa.
She took four steps before she stumbled. Mitch swooped her into his arms as she fell. “That’s my girl,” he said, smothering her with kisses.
“She’s walking,” Shelly burst out, tears springing to her eyes. She rushed to hug Daisy, too.
Everyone erupted in cheers and applause as Mitch spun Daisy around while she giggled. “That’s our girl.”
Ivy laughed, thrilled for them. “Everything changes now. Better move all the breakables at your home right away. There’s no going back.”
Everyone settled around the patio table, and Mitch brought out the food, passing containers of tacos, nachos, and burritos. There were more with limes, cabbage, tomatoes, tortilla chips, and guacamole.
“This one is for Daisy,” Mitch said, handing Shelly a container with avocado, diced banana, and other soft foods he’d prepared.
With the sun setting over the ocean, Ivy squeezed Bennett’s hand and gazed around the table. “It’s a beautiful sunset, after all.”
The sound of construction seemed distant here, masked by the ocean breeze and the happy chatter of family.
“The crew’s making good progress,” Reed said between bites. “We should finish the electrical work in the music room tomorrow.”
Ivy spoke up. “You mentioned we could still make changes at this stage.”
“I’m sure we can create the storage you want,” he replied, nodding.
She glanced at Bennett, wondering what he’d think about this. But the property belonged to her, so this was her decision. “Let’s talk about it tomorrow. I appreciate all the work you’re doing.”
Ivy’s mind was already racing ahead to the next phase. The timeline was tight, and there were so many details to tend to. They also had to pack and move items from one room to another to avoid damage.
As if reading her mind, Bennett reached for her hand. “I’ll help you in the morning. We’ll manage, sweetheart.”
The conversation turned to Libby and her travels in the bookmobile. She had remarkable experiences to share. She told them how she crisscrossed the country, visiting northern states in summer and going to warmer southern states in winter.
As Libby spoke, Ivy sensed she was telling a story. She blinked, trying to dispel that strange thought. People often glossed over difficulties they’d had.
Ivy figured Libby’s travels weren’t all rosy and picture-perfect, but why spoil a good story? Everyone was enjoying the conversation.
“And where are you from originally?” Shelley asked.
“Oh, here and there.” Libby hesitated. “My family moved around a lot.”
Poppy leaned in. “And where did you study to be a librarian?”
Another hesitation. “That’s a long story for another day.”
“I hope to see you around,” Reed said, quickly rising.
“I’ll be busy with the bookmobile tomorrow, but I enjoyed meeting you. Good night, everyone.” Libby hurried toward her room.
Shelly turned to Ivy with a questioning look. “Was that odd?”
Ivy thought so, too, but she lowered her voice. “Remember, guest business is none of our business.”