Page 17 of Regards, Mia

I’m sorry to miss book club, but I have decided to stay in Puerto Rico for another week. The yoga instructor scheduled for next week cancelled, so they asked me to stay and teach.

I must admit, they are paying what I make in a whole quarter for one week. I can’t say no to that!

Don’t have too much fun without me.

Namaste, Kennedy

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To: Blue Ridge Book Club Members

Hi everyone,

Can’t wait to see you! My latest book inspired me to take up surfing! Too bad there is nowhere around here to practice.

XOXO,

Gabi

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To: Blue Ridge Book Club Members

I might be a little late because we have a new chef and he wants us to do a tasting menu. I’ll be there as soon as I can.

Mia—I can’t wait to see your new place!

Cheers, Sloane

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Sloane,

Can you get your hands on a bottle of Sangiovese? I can’t find it anywhere.

Regards, Mia

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To: Blue Ridge Book Club Members

Is everyone okay with pepperoni?

CHAPTER 7

I Understood the Assignment

Lacey takes a long look around my apartment, smiling as she tries to find something nice to say. “It’s very clean,” she says, finally.

Gabi swoops in to the rescue. “Mia hasn't had time to decorate yet,” she says. “She just moved in.”

I glance around my apartment, appreciating the calming effect of the monochromatic color scheme. After a stressful day at work, all I want is soothing colors and soft lighting. It might look undecorated to them, but it’s perfect to me.

My furniture is the height of modern function. The clean lines and absence of clutter are more than enough to satisfy me.

“Wait until you see the view from my bedroom balcony,” I say. “It more than makes up for my lack of interior design talent.”

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