Page 45 of Captiva Book Club

Her mother waved her off dismissively. “Why should I? You know I don’t like waiting around for people. Besides, I need to make sure Oliver didn’t mess these up.” She winked at Maggie, her grumpy exterior softened by her playful sarcasm.

Iris, who had arrived a little early to see if Oliver needed her, was seated on the couch, enjoying a rare moment of leisure. Usually found bustling in the kitchen, today she was just another book club member, ready to relax and enjoy being waited on for a change.

“It feels strange not being in the kitchen, but I could get used to this,” Iris said with a grin.

Sarah and Millie arrived next.

“We’re not late, are we?” Sarah asked.

“Nope, you’re right on time. Hello honey,” Maggie said, kissing her daughter on the cheek.

Chelsea, who had a knack for making an entrance, breezed in with her usual flair, this time with Linda St. James on her arm.

“Ladies, we have a special guest joining us.”

Linda lightly tapped Chelsea’s arm. “My goodness, Chelsea Marsden. Don’t you go making me the center of attention.”

Everyone got up and ran to Linda to welcome her, which was exactly what Chelsea intended all along. Only a few days earlier, Maggie’s best friend pretended not to care whether Linda came to the book club meeting or not. Chelsea insisted Linda got what was coming to her. But all along, Chelsea planned to mend fences, not only for Linda’s sake, but for the group’s as well.

Maggie walked over to Linda and smiled.

“I’m so glad you changed your mind and decided to come after all, Linda.”

“Maggie, I just want to apologize for the text I sent you. I was upset, and I overreacted. I’m sorry for causing any trouble. I’m happy Chelsea called and knocked some sense into me. We’re all lucky to have such a good friend.”

Maggie smiled, shaking her head. “No, Linda, I’m the one who should apologize. We didn’t realize how much the book club meant to you, and I’m truly sorry for dismissing your idea. I should have been more considerate.”

She hugged Linda, and with her head on Linda’s shoulder, looked at Chelsea and mouthed “thank you.”

“Well, are we going to get this show on the road or not?” Grandma Sarah said.

Everyone laughed, and as they all started for the comfortable chairs in the living room. Maggie looked over at Katie.

“Katie,” Maggie called. “We’re starting.”

“Be right there,” she answered, and then smiled at Luke before joining the others.

As Katie went into the living room, Ciara returned to Luke.

“Thanks for helping me with the trays.”

“No problem. I guess I’ll get going,” he said. “Unless you need me to stay longer. I can come back if you think you’ll need me.”

Ciara smiled, knowing exactly why Luke wanted to stick around.

“No, I don’t think so. I think I’m good.”

He nodded. “Okay, I’ll head home.”

He was about to leave when he suddenly stopped.

“Ciara, I meant to ask you. Have you seen Meredith's wedding invitation? I thought I’d left it in the store, but I can’t seem to find it. I’ve looked everywhere.”

“Yes, I think I saw it somewhere near the register. I know I had a bunch of papers and magazines on the counter. I suppose it could have wedged in one of those. I cleaned the counter the other night and threw a bunch of stuff on the shelf underneath.”

He nodded. “Great, I’ll check there.”

“I thought you weren’t going to her wedding.”

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