Finally, the last car rolls down the gravel driveway and the cloud of dust left by our guests starts to settle. The bookstore was packed for Mimi’s reading, people spilled out onto the sidewalk and Louise had to open the windows so they could hear. All of our friends were there, even Coot came, and there were fans from miles around, much to Mimi’s surprise. She makes her living off her stories yet is shocked that people read them. She signed books for longer than she anticipated, being gracious and engaging with everyone. I watched her the whole time. Her dark hair was down and she put on a little makeup for the occasion. I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

I can never take my eyes off her.