“I am. House of Melody. Collectible music boxes.” “Wonderful. Nothing the least bit unsettling or mysterious about music boxes, right? You wind them up; they play.” Oh, you’d be surprised, Callie thought, but she simply smiled. “I had one when I was a little girl,” the author said, looking nostalgic. “I might come by and see what you have.” “Please do. There’s brochures for all our shops in your basket if you have a chance to look around. We’re very excited about your book signing event.” Lyssa Hammond smiled. “I’m looking forward to it.” Callie got up. “Well, I should let you get back to your work.” Lyssa walked along with Callie, appearing thoughtful, which Callie took to mean she’d mentally returned to her latest work-in-progress. As they reached the door, therefore, Callie offered a quick goodbye, adding only, “It was wonderful to meet you.” Lyssa didn’t say anything for a few moments. Then, suddenly digging the toe of her boot like an embarrassed schoolgirl, she asked, “Listen, you wouldn’t be free for dinner tonight by any chance, would you?” When Callie, surprised, didn’t instantly respond, Lyssa rushed on. “I know, we’ve just met. But you seem very nice. I hope nice enough to take pity on a poor author?” “Oh, of course! It didn’t occur to me, but B&B means bed and breakfast, not dinner.” “Yes, though they do offer some sort of dinner if you ask ahead. It’s just … it probably means dining with … ” Lyssa rolled her eyes in the direction that her host had disappeared. “I really don’t think I could survive that. Will you help me escape?”
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