Isabel scoffed at that proclamation. “Sure it did.”
“And I didn’t write it in Victorian times,” Sydney explained. “I took your advice and wrote it as if it was happening in today’s world...in Seedling—” her voice got softer “—with someone from Seedling.”
“You didn’t.” Isabel’s eyes widened with dismay.
Laura leaned forward, her arms resting on the book cart. “Did you name names?”
“No.” But that decision wouldn’t be enough to hide Matthew’s identity. “I called him X but it’s not going to take much to figure out who it is. I described him in detail.”
“Is it Matthew Stone?” Laura asked.
Sydney gasped as her heart gave a jolt. “How did you know that?”
“I see how the two of you are when you’re together,” Laura said. “You light up when he’s around. And he kind of gravitates toward you. It’s more than the fact you are hot for each other. You and Matthew enjoy each other’s company.”
“Oh, then everyone who reads the diary is automatically going to assume that Matthew is my lover.” Sydney shoved her hands in her hair as the panic fluttered inside her. “The rumors are going to fly. I’ll lose my job.”
Isabel placed her hand on Sydney’s arm to comfort her. “Matthew isn’t going to be upset,” the librarian insisted. “He’s used to these kinds of rumors. He’s a good guy but he has earned his reputation as the local lothario.”
Sydney winced. That made it even worse. Matthew wasn’t a playboy and he was trying to prove it. After the last mayor’s sex scandal, Matthew didn’t need rumors circulating about him before he went into an election. She didn’t want to ruin his hard work because of some fantasies she’d written down.
“So what is in this erotic diary of yours?” Laura asked, propping her chin against her hand. “Neither of us got to read it.”
“Uh...well...you see...” Sydney found herself stumbling over her words and felt her face turn bright red.
“Really?” Isabel drew out the word. “I hope I get a chance to read it. Although I may never look at you the same way again.”
Sydney motioned at Isabel. “That’s my problem! You two know this diary is fiction, but everyone else will believe I’m having a red-hot affair with the mayor. My professional reputation will be ruined. I can’t go through that again.”
“Again?” Isabel prompted.
Sydney squeezed her eyes shut. She hadn’t meant to let that information slip. “It’s kind of the reason why I moved to Seedling.”
There was a beat of silence before Isabel spoke. “You have to give us more than that.”
Sydney looked around again. She still hadn’t forgiven herself for getting into that situation. But these women were her friends and she knew they wouldn’t judge her.
“About a year ago I was dating a political aide. We kept our relationship secret. I thought it was to protect what we had from our colleagues.” She shook her head at her naivety. For ignoring her intuition. “It turned out he was using me for his own agenda. It blew up in my face and my reputation as a reporter was seriously damaged. No one but Wendy would hire me.”
“Matthew wouldn’t do that to you,” Isabel said. “He might have a reputation as a playboy but he’s really very trustworthy and honest.”
Sydney knew that was true. She had watched Matthew at every meeting and event. She’d noticed how dignified he’d acted in difficult moments in the spotlight or alone when he thought no one was watching. He wasn’t perfect but his strength of character impressed her. But that didn’t mean she was willing to take another risk with her career.
“I can’t let rumors spread that I’m romantically involved with someone in public office,” Sydney explained as she crossed her arms tightly against her. “My reputation is already tarnished.”