“I’ve already readPride and Prejudice,” Windy said. “But I’m willing.”
“I’ve read it too,” Fiona added.
“That’s not what I had in mind.” Riva reached for the small stack of books under her chair, then set them on the table beside her. “I picked out three titles from my library for each of you, just like I did for Kitty withPride and Prejudice. I tried to choose books I thought you might like.” She picked upThe Shell Seekers. “This is one of my favorite novels, Windy. You may have already read it.” She handed the thick hardback to her.
“The Shell Seekers?” Windy studied the front. “Pretty cover.”
“You haven’t read it?”
“No. I’ve read other Rosamunde Pilcher novels, and I adore her writing style, but I’ve never read this one before.”
“The main character is named Penelope,” Riva said with enthusiasm. “She’s about our age. She loves gardening and cooking, and she is looking back on her, well, somewhat dysfunctional life and family. But she’s a good, kind, and strong woman.”
“Sounds like my kind of book. Thanks, Riva.”
Riva had expected Windy to be an easy sale. Now she handed the small hardback novella to Fiona, but before she could explain it, Fiona lit up.
“I wanted to get this when it came out, Riva. It’s set in the same era as when I was growing up. I’ve heard it’s absolutely brilliant.”
“You won’t mind a little Christmas in July?” Riva asked.
“Not at all. I hope it snows in the book. That’ll cool me down on my lunch breaks at the bistro. It gets miserable hot in the kitchen.” Fiona hugged the book to her chest. “Thank you, Riva. I can’t wait to start it.”
“I suppose that one’s for me.” Laurel reached for the last book on the table. “Redeeming Love?” She snorted. “Looks like a romance novel.”
“There is a romantic thread,” Riva conceded.
“Well, I suppose I could get into that.” She tapped a knuckle on the cover. “It’s pretty thick though.”
“I read it years ago but want to read it again.” Riva held back from describing the premise about grace, forgiveness, and second chances. She’d let Laurel discover it for herself.
“I’ve read it too,” Windy told Laurel. “It’s a beautiful story.”
“I’m so glad you’re all on board.” Riva beamed at them. “I hope we can all finish our books and meet before long. Then we can share what we thought about our books. I think I might even have some questions. It’ll be kind of a premiere to our book group in the fall. And to sweeten the deal, I’ll provide some special treats. Something cool involving chocolate.”
“Count me in,” Windy said.
“I hope we can work around my schedule.” Fiona refilled her iced tea. “I don’t want to miss it.”
“Just let me know what day’s good for you.” Riva smiled with satisfaction. Her book project was off to a solid start. Well, other than Laurel who was still scowling down at her book. “So when is your next music gig?” she asked Fiona.
“We’re booked for Saturday night,” Fiona explained. “A friend of my brother’s is having a barn wedding. It’ll be craic.”
“Crack?” Laurel looked worried. “As in drugs?”
“It’s an Irish word that means great fun,” Riva told Laurel.
“So when’s your next gig that’s open to the public?” Windy asked Fiona.
“Not for nearly a fortnight. I think we’re booked at The Brewery again.”
“Be sure and let us know.” Riva helped herself to more fruit salad. She missed Fiona’s cheerful music and looked forward to hearing them perform again, but that could wait for another day. For the time being, her priority was restoring peace and order to her home. Like the four of them were enjoying tonight. There was no denying that Kitty’s absence from their table, albeit temporary, improved the general atmosphere dramatically.
Chapter26
Riva was just bringing Kitty’s breakfast tray downstairs, trying to block out her complaints about “soggy toast and cold coffee,” when she heard the doorbell. It’d been ten long days since Kitty’s injury, and her ankle was no longer swollen. Riva was certain her contrary tenant should be mobile by now. Laurel claimed she’d seen her getting around without crutches, but Kitty still claimed to be in pain. Each of Riva’s attempts to bring up the topic of moving on were met with hostility and resistance. The doorbell rang again, and Riva set down the tray to answer her persistent guest. But she didn’t recognize the man standing on her doorstep. He wore a faded Dodger’s cap, a deep tan, and a nervous-looking smile. She opened the door, and he asked if Kitty was home.
Riva studied him closely. “May I ask who wants to know?”
