Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 50006 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50006 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
“My suggestion is Ferguson’s Folly. Should we double-check with Phineas?” Essie asked.
“I’ll send him a text.” After dispatching her message, Tiffanie helped herself to some of the delicacies Sara had prepared for them. Essie came to sit next to Tiffanie and fixed herself a plate as well. A few minutes later, a message dinged in response.
“Oh, he answered. Phineas says in the ballroom. He’s afraid there won’t be enough room with the stacks of books.”
“Perfect. Does that impact your plans?”
“No, not really. I sketched layouts for both rooms. Let me show you my ideas for the ballroom.”
The two women put their heads together to tweak Tiffanie’s beginning thoughts. As they discussed options, Tiffanie treasured Essie’s collaborative attitude and her requests for Tiffanie’s opinion as an expert. She sent a brief mental thank you to Ivan for bringing her in to assist the phenomenal new business owner. Tiffanie had needed something to distract and keep her busy through the treatments she’d endured. Working at Ferguson’s Folly had provided all that as well as a new friend in Essie.
“We’re onto something special,” Essie said as they wrapped up the initial details. “I’m going to put together an application for people to apply to take part in the event. Then, we can run my questionnaire by Phineas first before making copies to distribute at the library. What do you think about putting an ad in the local paper?”
“That’s an amazing idea. I’d also contact the librarians in the local school district. My bet is they’d love to invite teens and even younger kids to participate. That is, if you want an all-age crowd,” Tiffanie said.
“Oh, my God. That’s perfect. I’m sure Phineas would love that as well. Get kids roped into the public library while they’re young. Or have you already discussed this with him?”
“No, we haven’t talked about this,” Tiffanie said, struggling to keep her expression from revealing her attraction to the handsome library director.
“Oh, come on. You have to give me some information. What’s happening between the two of you?”
“Okay. We’re seeing each other. I like him. I like him a lot.”
“Yes!” Essie did a happy dance wiggle in her chair, making Tiffanie laugh. “The heat coming off the two of you is incredible.”
“Really?” Tiffanie swallowed hard as she struggled with what to share with Essie. “I can’t believe he’s come into my life now. I don’t have much to offer him.”
“What? Are you crazy? You’re amazing. Beautiful, talented, so fun to be around.”
“For about five minutes. Then I run out of steam. I’m afraid Phineas will lose interest in dating someone with a serious illness. The doctor has paused my treatments. He said my latest test results show conflicting counts. He’s guessing that I need a break from the medicine.”
“Oh, no, Tiffanie. I’m sorry to hear that. He’s stopping them for a short time, right?” Essie asked, her face drawn with concern.
“I’m going in next week for another round of blood tests. They’ll see if the numbers are better. Meanwhile, the doctor is conferring with other specialists to see if they have any suggestions for alternative treatments that have worked well for them or if they’ve ever run into this weird result during therapy.”
“That’s positive, right? I love that he’s not stuck in one possible path. If the chemo isn’t working, he’ll have to change the plan. I bet he comes back with something that’s going to kick cancer’s ass.”
Tiffanie lifted her hands and crossed her fingers. Please let that happen.
“In the meantime, you’re having fun with Phineas. He looks to me like an amazing Daddy,” Essie said, studying Tiffanie’s face carefully.
“Daddy? Did Phineas tell you?” Adrenaline spiked through Tiffanie. Phineas hadn’t gossiped about her being Little, had he?
“Whoa, Tiffanie. Sorry. I shouldn’t have mentioned anything. Phineas hasn’t talked to me about you. I just figured that you had a Little side.”
“Why? Because I’m weak and needy?”
“No,” Essie said, shaking her head to deny that claim. “Because I’m totally selfish. I am, and I guess I invented signs you were Little, hoping I could have a friend.”
Staring at the carpet, Essie appeared completely defeated, as if she wanted the floor to open up and swallow her. Tiffanie could only guess at the turmoil that had to be happening inside Essie’s mind. Gathering her courage, Tiffanie admitted, “I’ve never been Little before.”
“Really?” Essie’s shoulders straightened slightly as she met Tiffanie’s gaze.
“Phineas wants me to call him Daddy. I don’t know what I’m doing.”
“I didn’t either when Zander asked me the same thing. I’d read some books, but I didn’t really believe this could be real life.”
“Me neither,” Tiffanie said and hesitated before adding, “I don’t know anything about being a Little friend, but I think I might like that.”
“I guess we can figure how this Little lifestyle works together,” Essie suggested.
“We can.” Tiffanie smiled at Essie, sure their relationship had changed forever. She’d always viewed Essie as more than just a boss, but now, exploring such a personal part of themselves would deepen the bond between them.