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awe-inspiring lunch from the most scenic spot in Mississippi.”
    Nikki looked from one to the other, waiting on someone to explain the joke.
    “I need a library, I’m afraid.  Nothing like being surrounded by tomes to help create one,” Kitty replied, cutting a slice of the bread Ben sat on a platter nearby.
    “Come on, let’s sit down, have some coffee and bread, and figure out how to help you,” he suggested.  
    While they carried dishware to the nearest table, he poured the coffee. “The library here in our county is pretty small.” He joined them, juggling the cups, sloshing the drinks. “Drat.”
    She took one and held out a napkin. “Here do be careful not to burn yourself.”
    Nikki watched them. “There’s always the main library up in Memphis. It’s a massive building which houses enough books to keep the most vested writer busy for days.”
    Ben set the other cup down in front of Nikki and took a napkin to the floor with him. “That’s true,” he said, his voice muffled.
    “Ben, you need to tag along though,” Nikki announced. “I wouldn’t want her to maneuver her way there and back. Too much traffic. And it’s sort of a long drive.”
    He gathered himself to one knee and gave her a look. Could she be any more transparent?  
    ###
    Later, after a trip through the linen closet to freshen the linens, Nikki stopped in the kitchen to have a word with Ben. The dirty laundry she had gathered on her journey through the upstairs was draped over her arm and shoulder.  “Where’s Kitty?” she asked.
    “On the back patio, enjoying the sun.” 
    “Oh,” Nikki looked out the window and located her. “Well, that gives me a few minutes to talk to you alone.”
    Ben busied himself with a pot of homemade spaghetti sauce. “If you are going to run over me again about my guest, forget it. I’m doing my very best. I agreed to drive her up to the library.”
    Nikki dropped the pile of laundry at the doorway to the pantry and reached inside for a plastic garbage bag to haul it all home in. “She seems so nice. Very well-mannered and high-born.”
    “A little bit of blue-blood, you mean?”
    “I think it’s the accent,” she explained.
    He surreptitiously checked Kitty’s position before answering. “She’s a real fine lady.”
    “Well,” Nikki said, with emphasis. “So you did notice?”
    “I’ve noticed, now drop it. More importantly, I’m trying to capitalize on the fact that she seems to like me well enough to write me in her book. When she leaves The Inn, she’ll tell all her friends in Ireland and New York about her stay here. Before you know it, we’ll be booked every week.”
    Nikki looked down at the pile of laundry. “Is that all you see when you see her?”
    “Dollar signs, my dear sister. Only dollar signs.”
    “You’re terrible. You know Carla would want you to take advantage of an opportunity at a relationship if it came along,” she snorted.
    “And I will. If it does.”
    “What is it, Ben? Is it that you think you failed? Is it this place?”  She hated how her voice sounded so stiff with concern.
    He turned and laid his spoon on its rest before moving over to her to place his hands on her shoulders.  “She might have asked you to look out for me, but I promise I’ll be just fine. When I’m ready, I’ll venture out.”
    She tilted her head back and pinned him with her gaze. “Just don’t wait too long Ben. Time is fleeting. The next thing you know you’re twenty years older and closer to death.”
    He laughed at her reference to the lyrics of an old Pink Floyd tune and released her. “Thanks, Pink.”
    “Believe me, I know. I watch it happen all around me on any given day. You may think you’re being cautious and choosy. But what’s really happening is your heart’s hardening like a candy coating. If you don’t put it under the broiler again soon, it may ruin the whole recipe.”
    With both of them looking out at the patio, Kitty rose from the