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Montana was pretty and dark-haired with a sensual smile and a curvy body that made Liz feel just a little inadequate She didn’t look anything like the stereotype of a quiet librarian

"It’s a te look "While I figure out what to do with ree in Broadcast Journalism I went to LA to be in the news, but I couldn’t find a job beyond -city there forand…"

Montana reached for Pia and clutched her arm "Oh, God! The book festival Liz can be our headliner" She turned her wide, dark eyes on Liz "You have to say yes I swear if I have to put out another display of easy crafts with twigs and branches, I’ll die Or at the very least lose e draw Everyone knows you locally, and we could get soreat?"

"Sure," Pia responded, studying Liz "Assu Liz wants to participate"

"Of course she does" Montana glanced at her "Don’t you?"

"Liz is a big-tied, her expression unreadable "New York Tiue"

Liz couldn’t tell if Pia was helping her or not

Montana glanced at her watch and groaned "Well, you can convince her because I have to be at the library in five rinned at Liz "Welcoether and talk"

And then Montana was hurrying away, leaving Liz alone with Pia

Pia smiled "Montana is theWhile we’d love to have you sign at the festival, you were looking a little trapped How about if I schedule tiive you my best pitch but I promise not to be offended if you refuse? Not that I won’t call your publicist and beg"

Liz didn’t understand Pia was being…nice Pia was never nice "I don’t know if I’ll still be in town," Liz said slowly "I’"

"You could cohed "No pressure, I swear So how are you? I haven’t seen you in forever It’s been what? Eleven or twelve years since you were last here?"

"Sohborhood?" Liz did her best to make sure the question sounded as if she were interested rather than judging

"They can’t get rid of rinned "Actually, except for college, I never left Like Montana, I’irl Unlike her, I’ve found what I want to do"

"I heard you plan all the festivals"