“I don’t know. It’s not like we’re making rules.” Riva winked at Kitty. “But did I tell you there’ll be a test?” They all laughed.
“Oh, man.” Kitty rolled her eyes. “You academics kill me.”
“Ever heard of CliffsNotes?” Marcus chuckled.
“Or maybe you and I can meet separate from the group,” Laurel used a teasing tone with Marcus. “You fill me in on the Austen books you’ve read, and I’ll attend group and pretend I read it.”
This resulted in more laughs, and although Riva felt partlyamused, she was also exasperated at the resistance. Didn’t Kitty and Laurel understand that reading was good for the mind? And why was Marcus catering to them like that? Or was Riva being too rigid here? Wasn’t the goal to encourage her housemates to enjoy reading and books?
“I think Kitty and Laurel make a good point,” she said. “Book group should be more about stories and the individual ways we interpret those stories. Whether that happens through film viewing or book reading shouldn’t matter. I don’t want to force people to read. It should be fun. I’ve imagined people gathered together to discuss how art imitates life and life imitates art ... and all kinds of things. I want to hear how others relate to various story elements based on their individual experiences. That’s what makes it fun.”
“Well said.” Marcus clapped.
“Here, here.” Kitty lifted her wineglass. “Here’s to book group being fun.”
Although Riva believed what she’d just said, and she lifted her glass with the rest of them, she still felt a little uneasy about their book group, even if it was a few months away. But perhaps the uneasiness was about Kitty. The more Riva got to know this flamboyant, outspoken woman, the more she questioned how she could possibly fit into Riva’s rather quiet life ... and peaceful home. And, unless she was mistaken, Laurel was having similar concerns.
Chapter12
As Riva and Laurel helped Windy clear the table and clean up, Fiona brought out musical instruments for some after-dinner entertainment. Marcus was strumming on guitar, trying to keep up with Fiona on the violin, and Kitty was using some kind of flat drum to accompany them.
“If discussing book group reminds Kitty of high school, then the musical trio out there reminds me of kindergarten marching band.” Laurel’s tone was cynical as she rinsed a serving platter.
“What do you two think of Kitty?” Windy asked quietly.
“She’s different and lively.” Riva tried to sound nonchalant.
“She seems like a free spirit. She could be fun,” Windy added.
“I think she’s opinionated and full of herself.” Laurel dried the platter. “I’m sorry I recommended her to live here, Riva. I obviously didn’t know her as well as I thought I did.”
Riva didn’t know how to respond. Instead, she pointed out the window where Kitty was dancing about and hitting the drum with her hand like an oversized tambourine. “Well, she definitely dances to a different drummer.” Riva put the last of the leftover food in the fridge. “And speaking of that, we should probably go back out to enjoy our entertainment.”
“You mean face the music?” Laurel threw down her dish towel.
Windy opened the window above the sink. “Hey, Fiona is really good. Listen to that, ladies. My feet are itching to do some dancing.”
As Windy headed outside, Riva lingered in the kitchen with Laurel. “Are you going to be okay with Kitty?” she asked her old friend.
“Oh, sure.” Laurel shrugged. “I’ve known women like her before. You just have to set boundaries and not let them push your buttons.”
Riva wasn’t really sure what that meant, but she nodded. “I just don’t want all of us to get off on the wrong foot. House-sharing might be trickier than I imagined.”
“Oh, I’m sure it will be.” Laurel paused in front of a little mirror by the door, fluffing her hair and checking her teeth before going outside. Riva considered doing the same but didn’t like seeing Laurel becoming slightly focused on her image. She never used to be that way. But Riva knew it was for Marcus and in a way it was cute. But it was also unnerving. Would her old buddy emerge unscathed from all the competition? Leave it to a man to stir things up like this.
As Riva joined the musical throng on the patio, she suddenly imagined Marcus as some kind of swarthy, chauvinistic sheik with a harem of women catering to him and dancing about to seek his approval.
“Come dance with me, Riva.” Windy held out her hands with a wide smile.
“I’m not much of a dancer,” Riva admitted. But Windy had her by the hand now and was leading her about, telling her what to do and how.
“You’re doing great.” Windy swung her around, nearly making her tumble.
“Until I fall on my face.” Riva laughed. “But I’ll admit, it’s fun.”
“I can teach y’all how to line dance.” Kitty set down her drum. “But we need the right kind of music.” She told Fiona to play something more upbeat. “And, Marcus, you won’t be able to keepup on that guitar so put it down and join in the lesson.” She winked at Marcus. “There might be a test later.”
Before long, they were all attempting to line dance to Fiona’s fiddle music. And although Riva was having fun, she felt a growing aggravation inside of her. She couldn’t fully grasp what it was about. Sure, Kitty was a bit irritating and Laurel wasn’t being herself. But all in all, they were having fun, and Fiona’s music was delightful. Finally, she couldn’t contain whatever was going on inside and had to excuse herself from the group.
