“I met Laurel too,” Fiona said, then she lowered her voice. “I’ve noticed how Laurel and Kitty are both fairly attentive to our only gentleman guest, but I didn’t catch his name.”
“That’s Windy’s brother, Marcus.” Riva glanced out the window to see all four gathering in the eating area where Marcus was opening a bottle of wine.
“Shall we join the party?” Fiona picked up the fruit salad bowl.
Riva opened the door and waited for Fiona to pass. But as Riva went out, she suddenly felt strange. Almost surreal. It was as if she wasn’t in her own home, or maybe she wasn’t in her own skin. She wasn’t even sure what bothered her, but something felt unsettling.
Was she simply adapting to her new tenants? Hopefully not having second thoughts again. Or would that be third or fourth thoughts by now?Just remember, she told herself as she shut the French door behind her,having tenants is allowing you to remain in your home.It was a good thing. And it was only natural that it would take time to adjust.
“There you are,” Marcus said cheerfully to Riva. “We were just wondering when you were joining us.” He held a glass of white wine out toward her. “I didn’t raid your wine cellar this time. Windy said she wanted Sauvignon Blanc to go with the chicken.”
Riva took the glass from him. “Thank you.”
Marcus seemed to really see her now. “You look very nice,” he said quietly.
“Thanks,” she muttered, feeling even more self-conscious. “I see you’ve met Kitty, but I don’t think you’ve met Fiona.” She politely introduced them. “I think I already mentioned she’s part of a Celtic band.”
He shook Fiona’s hand. “What instruments do you play?”
“Mostly the fiddle. But I play mandolin too. And the penny whistle. Also a wee bit of guitar, but I’m only a beginner.”
“I bet you’re a fast learner. And guitar’s not that difficult. I play some,” he said. “Not very well and mainly for my own entertainment.”
“We should make music after dinner,” she told him. “You can play my guitar, and I’ll be on fiddle.”
“And I’ll dance!” Windy laughed. “But right now, dinner is ready. Everyone grab a plate and serve yourselves.”
It was cozy with six diners at the round picnic table. It didn’t escape Riva’s notice that Marcus was flanked by Kitty and Laurel, who both seemed determined to catch his attention. Kitty was trying to talk baseball with him and actually sounded like an expert, but the moment she paused, Laurel jumped right in.
“Riva and I are talking about doing a book group,” she directedto Marcus. “But Riva wants to ban men.” Laurel playfully elbowed Riva.
“Ban men?” Marcus asked. “That seems a bit sexist.”
“It’s only that I thought we could start with just the women living here,” Riva said in defense.
“But I’m not even a reader,” Laurel said.
“I’m not either,” Kitty admitted. “But Riva already gave me assigned reading.”
“What book?” Windy asked.
“Pride and Prejudice,” Kitty told her. “It was written hundreds of years ago.”
“I love that one,” Windy said. “I love anything by Jane Austen.”
“Can that be our first book group book?” Kitty asked. “That way I wouldn’t have to read two books.”
“Since Windy and I both already read it, I think we should choose another title,” Riva told her.
“Yes,” Laurel agreed. “Something that appeals to everyone. Not just women.”
“Meaning men don’t read Jane Austen?” Marcus reached for the breadbasket.
“Have you?” Laurel asked.
“As a matter of fact, I’ve read more than one Austen book.”
“My brother’s always been a voracious reader.” Windy passed the salad dressing. “We didn’t have a big selection of books on the commune where we grew up, but he’d scrounge them up somehow. I even caught him reading Nancy Drew books. I never let him hear the end of that.”
