Page 2 of Captiva Book Club

"You won't believe what the women at the community center asked us to do."

“With Linda St. James at the helm, it could be anything. Do tell," Chelsea said, leaning forward with interest.

"They want us to join a book club," Maggie replied, rolling her eyes.

Chelsea burst out laughing. "A book club? Do they know how our last attempt at that went?"

"Apparently not," Maggie said with a smirk. "But it's not just anyone asking. It’s not Linda who’s asking, it’s Claire.”

"Claire, Kristin's sister?" Chelsea asked, raising an eyebrow. “How did that happen?”

Maggie sighed, taking a seat next to Chelsea. "Apparently, she loves to read and thinks it would be a great way for us all to stay connected and discuss something meaningful. Since she and Kristin are new to the area, they thought it would be a great way to meet people.”

Chelsea nodded thoughtfully. “”Have you told Linda about this? She’s been fussing at us for the last couple of months to start one.”

“Yes, I know, and we’ve been putting her off. If we join this, Linda will most likely think we’re doing it behind her back.”

Chelsea shook her head. “I’m not so sure about that. She and Claire’s sister are friends, I’m pretty sure she likes Claire.”

“Be that as it may, Linda has a hard time letting anyone else run things. She always has to be in charge.”

“Maybe it’s time she learned the world doesn’t revolve around her whims. Besides, a book club isn’t owned by one person. It’s a collaborative endeavor. If she can’t get on board with that, maybe we should buy her one of those t-shirts with the words ‘Doesn’t play well with others.’”

Maggie laughed. “I like that.”

“So, how do you feel about joining a book club again? We were miserable book club failures,” Chelsea asked.

“I wouldn’t say that. As I remember it, I made several good friends and one, in particular, has become my best friend.”

Chelsea loved what had developed between Maggie and her over the last ten years. There wasn’t anyone she loved more than Maggie Moretti and was certain they’d be best friends until the end.

“I love making new friends and I suppose if we’re actually reading the books this time, it makes more sense to call it a book club,” Chelsea added.

Maggie grinned. "Yeah, who would've thought we'd finally become proper book club members?"

Chelsea chuckled. "Life has a funny way of surprising us. I assume Kristin is joining as well?”

"I think so," Maggie said. "Kristin seemed excited about it. Ciara is always up for something new, we could ask her. I bet Millie would want to join. Maybe I’ll ask Sarah. She could use a bit more social interaction outside of work and the kids. The jury is still out on Linda, but I think I’ll let Claire handle that one.”

Chelsea smiled. "It does sound like it could be fun, especially if we're all a bit more motivated this time. And it’s not like we don’t enjoy each other’s company.”

Maggie nodded. "Exactly. Claire's enthusiasm might be just what we need to actually make it work this time. Plus, it’s a great excuse to meet up regularly."

“The important question is will there be wine or really good coffee?” Chelsea joked.

“I can’t tell if you’re joking or not.”

“Only half-joking, but that goes along with food. There has to be delicious food. Where is this book club going to take place?”

“My understanding is that each woman hosts the gathering at her or his place.”

“His? Are men invited?”

Maggie shrugged. “I have no idea. I never asked. What’s the protocol for book clubs?”

“Beats me. I’m no expert on these things.”

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of a car pulling in Chelsea’s half-moon driveway. Sarah, Maggie’s daughter, got out of her car and waved. Walking up the path toward Maggie and Chelsea, she had a bright smile on her face.

---