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mind I had a nice little pile of treats on my plate.
    I found a place against the wall and stood, munching happily, watching the room. Ronald had been backed into a corner by Mrs. Peterson, who was still talking and gesticulating wildly. Theodore was attempting to shrink his six-foot frame in order to slink around Connor and Mr. Uppiton and get back at the books. Connor was nodding at whatever Mr. Uppiton was saying, and all the while his eyes moved around the room. He caught me watching, gave me an almost imperceptible wink. I ducked my head, heat rushing back into my face. Josie, helped by Charlene, was bringing out more food. Aunt Ellen chatted to a group of Friends of the Library, and Bertie stood by the door, greeting latecomers as they arrived.
    Mrs. Uppiton had returned. She’d scrubbed her face, dried her eyes, and slathered on another layer of mascara and eye shadow. She was, I noticed, heading directly for the self-serve bar. Her head washigh and she pointedly did not look at her husband as she passed.
    “Nice party,” a deep voice said.
    I turned around and came face-to-face with a man I’d noticed when he’d entered the room. Who wouldn’t? Since he’d made a beeline for Josie, I—telling myself I was not at all disappointed—had tried to pay him no further attention.
    He held out a massive paw. I choked down a piece of pecan and offered my hand. It was swallowed up, like a minnow disappearing into a whale’s mouth. “Butch Greenblatt,” he said.
    “Pleased to meet you. I’m . . .”
    “Lucy, the new assistant librarian. I made a point of finding out.” His smile was full of white teeth and a healthy dose of humor.
    I smiled back.
    Josie slid up beside him. She playfully bumped her hip against his, and he put his arm around her shoulders. I tried not to groan in disappointment. Another Josie conquest. Since I’d arrived in North Carolina, we hadn’t had much of a chance to talk, but I’d thought she was dating a chef, some guy named Jake. Apparently Jake, like so many men before him, had been discarded.
    “I see you two have met,” she said. “I’m glad.”
    I gritted my teeth. Jodie attracted men like her pecan tarts attracted flies if left uncovered on a hot, sunny day. I’d just have to get used to it if I wanted to live happily in the Outer Banks.
    She slipped out of Butch’s arm and glanced at the wineglass in his hand. His fist was wrapped around the stem and it looked as if it was about to snap intwo. “I do believe there’s a beer or two in the fridge. Can I get you one?”
    Relief crossed his face. “That would be great. Yes, please.”
    She laughed. “Be right back.”
    He watched her go, a smile on his face.
    “You’re good friends with my cousin,” I managed to choke out.
    “More than friends, I hope.”
    “How nice.” I glanced around the room, seeking escape. Right now, a visit to the dentist would be a welcome escape.
    “I’m expecting my brother to pop the question any day now. If he doesn’t, I’m going to do it for him. He’d be a fool to let that girl go.”
    “Your brother?”
    “Yeah. He’s a cook—a chef, I guess I should say. Back in Nags Head after ten years learning the ropes in New York City. He’s opened a restaurant of his own. Jake’s Seafood Bar. It’s already being called the best fish place on the Outer Banks. Course that’s my mom saying that, but others will be, too, soon enough.”
    Josie was back. She plucked the wineglass out of Butch’s paw and placed a bottle of the Outer Banks Brewing Station’s stout in its place. He nodded his thanks.
    “The reviews of the restaurant have been great,” Josie said. “We’re so excited! Oops, looks like we’re running out of napkins.”
    “Have you been there yet?” Butch asked me.
    “I haven’t been much of anywhere. There’s somuch to do. Settling in, getting familiar with the job.”
    “Perhaps you’d like . . .”
    “Butch, my boy! I’ve something I want to talk to you about.