Chapter 9 (part 1)

"I'll be going then," Lizzie said, picking up her purse from the back of the counter. "Are you sure you don't need a hand? I can stay a few more minutes."

Claire cast an eye toward the antique grandmother over the literary nook. It was already marking 10 p.m.

"Go ahead; it's very late. You opened up by yourself this morning; you need to rest. Besides, it's only a few chairs to set up. As soon as I'm done, I'm closing up." Claire answered her.

"See you in the morning, boss. Have a good night." Lizzie wished her.

After greeting the girl, Claire went back to setting up the room. That evening, they hosted one of their Meetings with the author, so they kept the library/tea room open past closing time. The turnout of customers and curious people had been terrific, and they had to increase the number of seats to accommodate as many as possible.

Those kinds of initiatives were attracting more and more people, and the work for the two girls wa