Page 15 of Captiva Book Club

Now, as she looked at the painting, she smiled, realizing it still had the power to soothe her anxiety.

Just as Paolo returned to the living room, Maggie’s cellphone rang. She sat up and quickly grabbed it. “Hello?”

“Maggie, I’m so sorry to call you this late, but it’s been pretty hectic the last few days. I think everyone is trying to get in here before the holiday. My assistant told me you called and the reason. So, you’ve found another lump?”

“Yes, thank you so much for getting back to me, Dr. Renolt. I’ve been a bit frantic as you can imagine.”

“I understand. Well, let’s get you in here for an exam and possible biopsy. I can tell you that worrying won’t help, but I know it’s impossible not to worry. We’re running close to Christmas as you know, but I’ll see if I can get you in the day after tomorrow. Will that work for you?”

“Absolutely, just tell me what time and I’ll be there.”

“All right. I’ll have my assistant call you back with the details. In the meantime, try to relax. I’ve had women in your situation whose lumps turned out to be nothing at all. You hang in there, okay?”

“I will. Thank you, Doctor.”

Maggie ended the call and sat back in her chair.

Paolo had been sitting on the sofa anxiously, waiting to hear what the doctor said.

“Well?”

“He’s going to get me in for an exam and possible biopsy the day after tomorrow.”

“That’s great.”

Maggie smiled. “I know. At least we’ll know what this thing is before Christmas. He said he’d have his assistant call me to schedule the appointment. I don’t think we have anything on our calendar, although I do have to call Oliver and offer him the job.”

Paolo knelt in front of her and took her hands in his. “I don’t care if we do have something on our calendar. It will get moved. Nothing is more important than this. And, no matter what the results are, we’re going to have a wonderful Christmas. I promise you.”

Maggie nodded. “You’re right, we are.”

It wasn’t the first time she’d forced herself to think positively in the face of terrifying news. Maggie was determined to make this holiday, with all her family together, the best one yet.

The next morning, Maggie decided to walk to Oliver’s bungalow on the beach instead of calling him. She knew exactly where his place was and had walked by the tiny structure several times on her morning walk over the years.

The rain had stopped hours earlier, but left a cool, wet covering on the sand, making it easier to walk. The sky was clear and promised to be another beautiful Captiva sunny day.

As she approached the house, she saw Oliver sitting on a beach blanket. His legs crossed, he was writing something in a leather-bound book.

“Good morning, Oliver.”

“Maggie, hello.” He started to get up but Maggie stopped him.

“Please, sit. I’ll join you if you don’t mind?”

“I don’t mind at all. Would you rather a chair?”

Maggie shook her head. “Not at all. I love sitting on a blanket now and then. It reminds me of when I was a teenager. We didn’t have the luxury of beach chairs back then.”

He laughed. “I hear you. I had the same experience as a kid. I’m surprised to see you. I didn’t expect to see anyone on the beach this early.”

“There are days when I walk the beach earlier than this. I wanted to talk to you in person about the job, rather than on the phone.”

“You’re here to deliver the bad news?”

“No bad news. I…we all want to offer you the job.”

He smiled. “Thank you, Maggie. I’m happy to accept. It’s what I’ve been praying for.”

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