Page 121 of Rags's Awakening
“Damn,” she said as she collided into Raven. “Sorry. I didn’t see you.”
“I didn’t see you either,” Raven said, rubbing the side of her head. “I was completely engrossed in this book about the scandalous nineteenth-century actress, Adah Issacs Menken. It’s fascinating.”
“Someone you’d like to emulate?” Casey smiled.
Raven laughed. “In some ways, her ballsiness. Not the part where she died broke at thirty-three.”
“How tragic. I don’t know that much about nineteenth-century actresses.”
“She was the highest-earning and most famous actress during the Civil War era. Can you imagine the determination it took to conquer the stage back then? She was a massive celebrity.”
“It must’ve been hard-earned, being a woman and all.”
“Totally. That’s what makes her life so interesting,” Raven said. “Are you taking a break?”
“Yeah. I thought I’d swing by the museum library and see if they’ve got any new books, then grab lunch.”
“I’ll join you for the library,” Raven said. “I have to pass on lunch.” She pointed to her slightly swollen cheek. “Dentist appointment.”
The theatre door closed behind them with a dullthump, replacing the familiar scents of coffee and sawdust with sharp, cold, and earthy pine. Their breaths rose in jagged puffs as they walked along the silvered pavement. Tiny flurries swarmed around them, settling into Casey’s hair and coat, Raven’s knit cap and parka. The town felt hushed—cars muted, footsteps softened—leaving a white trail behind them that quickly filled in as snowfall thickened. Streetlamps flickered on through the haze, casting a soft, diffuse glow over the road.
“It’s freezing out here,” Raven said.
“I knew winter would show up sooner or later,” Casey said, stomping snow from her boots before entering the museum.
Warmth wrapped around her as the door slammed shut, sealing out the cold. The roar of the wind dropped to a dull hum, and the icy sting in her cheeks burned as it surrendered to the scent of vanilla-tinged parchment and aged oak.
“It’s quiet in here,” Raven said, tugging off her knit hat.
“I’m sure the weather has something to do with it,” Casey said, shoving her gloves into her coat pockets. “I bet Devin’s in the back.”
They’d barely started toward the library when Devin appeared. A smile spread across his face, crinkling the corners of his eyes.
“Well, hello, you two! What brings you in on a snowy day like this?”
“I wanted to see if you have anything new on women of the Colorado frontier,” Casey said.
He nodded. “We do. A couple of titles came in earlier this week. I actually had you on my list to call.”
“I had the vibe you’d have something new for me to devour.”
“That reminds me,” Raven said. “Speaking of vibes, Curtis wants to take you out to dinner next week.”
“What?” Casey said, surprise weaving through her. “Why?”
Raven shrugged. “You know Curtis. He never explains his impulses.”
“You’d be there, right?” Casey asked.
“I would, but I’ll be in Denver for the next couple of weeks,” Raven said.
“That’s right. You’re inA Christmas Carol,” Casey said. “How’s it going?”
“It’s a blast.”
“That’s a first for Dickens,” Devin said dryly.
“It’s a parody,” Raven said. “Wild, irreverent, and sold out every night.”
