Almost Perfect by Susan Mallery

with an emphasis on crafts and legends.”
    She had no intention of being anywhere near Fool’s Gold in two months, but Morgan had always been kind to her, so she didn’t want to be rude.
    â€œYou’re saying you’ll make more on my books,” she teased.
    â€œYou know me. It’s all about the bottom line,” he joked.
    â€œMy plans aren’t set, but if I’m here, I’ll sign.”
    â€œI won’t say anything until you’re sure. Otherwise Pia O’Brian will have you leading a parade.”
    â€œWhy would Pia care?”
    â€œShe’s in charge of all the festivals in town. She coordinates the special events and picnics. The book festival is one of her major fundraisers for the town.”
    Oh, goodie, she thought glumly. Because Pia was exactly the person she wanted to see.
    â€œI appreciate your discretion.”
    A mother with two teenaged daughters walked into the store. Liz ducked behind them, waved at Morgan and left. She’d barely walked down the three steps to the sidewalk when she had to shift suddenly to avoid running into two women walking together.
    â€œExcuse me,” Liz said, her attention still on the bookstore.
    â€œLiz?” a familiar and unwelcome voice asked. “Liz Sutton?”
    Liz held in a groan as she turned and met Pia O’Brian’s surprised gaze. Pia who had taunted her daily all through high school. Pia who had mocked her clothes, her love of books, her reputation.
    The woman next to Pia squealed. “Liz Sutton? I’m such a huge fan!”
    Liz glanced at her, then wished she had stayed home. The squealer was one of Ethan’s sisters, although she had no idea which one. Not that it mattered. Whatever fanlike feelings his sister might have now would be squashed the second she found out about Tyler.
    â€œHi,” Liz said weakly, doing her best to smile when what she really wanted to do was run. She looked at Ethan’s sister. “I’m sorry, I know you’re one of Ethan’s sisters…”
    â€œMontana.”
    â€œI can’t believe you’re here,” Pia commented, still looking as stylish as ever. Her hair was a little shorter and she looked more twenty-something than teen-queen. Otherwise, she was as perfect as she’d been twelve years ago. “When did you get back? And aren’t you famous? What are you doing here?”
    â€œShe’s beyond famous,” Montana gushed. “I can’t believe it. I work at the library part-time. My boss is going to flip when I tell her you’re here.”
    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.
    â€œIt’s a temp job,” Montana admitted, at Liz’s questioning look. “While I figure out what to do with my life. I actually have a degree in Broadcast Journalism. I went to L.A. to be in the news, but I couldn’t find a job beyond making coffee. Plus, it’s just too big-city there for me. I also work part-time at the paper. I do some reporting and…”
    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 my sense of humor. You would be a huge draw. Everyone knows you locally, and we could get some real press. Don’t you think Liz would be great?”
    â€œSure,” Pia responded, studying Liz. “Assuming Liz wants to participate.”
    â€œOf course she does.” Montana glanced at her. “Don’t you?”
    â€œLiz is a big-time author,” Pia acknowledged, her expression unreadable. “ New York Times bestsellers in hardcover. A little out of our