Smitten Book Club

by Colleen Coble

  Maybe her mom was right. Helping out with Grace could be just what they were meant to do. Besides, it wasn’t like she’d see Joey all the time. They had their own entrance to the house, so they could come and go without ever seeing one another. The more she thought about it, the more she decided it couldn’t hurt anything.

  Everything would be just fine.

  Though she was tired, Lia was happy that she had book club tonight. It gave her a chance to get away from the house and mull over everything that her mother had been up to while she was out of town. She laughed aloud in the car. She might have known that leaving her mother alone in the same town with an eligible male meant an inevitable setup.

  The stress began to peel away as she drove through town. Main Street was picture-perfect. Lamplight gave a warm, inviting glow to passersby. Tiny snowflakes fell gently across the cozy town and sparkled against large, glistening snowflake ornaments that hung from wires draped overhead. The town square boasted the evergreen decorated in an array of colored bulbs and tinsel. In the distance Lia spotted ice skaters. She couldn’t tell for sure, but it looked like the Garner sisters were among them. They weren’t exactly spry young ladies anymore, but Lia admired their spunk and hoped they wouldn’t fall and hurt their hands. They kept the town alive with their chamber music.

  A contented sigh escaped her. She loved this place with all its quirky residents and small-town charm. And soon it would be full of the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, her favorite time of the year. Just the thought of it calmed and excited her all at the same time.

  Turning her yellow Bug into the bookstore parking lot, she cut the engine, gathered her things, and went inside.

  Jenna Henderson was perusing a book on parenting while she stood with a baby on her hip and a toddler whining and pawing at her legs. Lia smiled and walked on. She waved at Deb Matney, who lifted a knitting book with a smile.

  Once Lia had her coffee, she sat beside Abby. Heather and Molly soon joined them.

  “Hey, Lia, my mom tells me Joey and his daughter just moved,” Abby said with a teasing glint in her brown eyes.

  “Yes, I’m aware,” Lia said.

  The others looked intrigued.

  “Well, Mom says”—Abby paused approximately four full seconds for effect—“he moved into your apartment upstairs, right?”

  Heather and Molly gasped in unison.

  “Scandalous, wouldn’t you say?” Abby teased.

  One would never guess Abby to be the quiet, shy type. When the four of them were together, she was carefree and ornery.

  “Are you reading another one of those books with a snarky heroine?” Lia wanted to know.

  Heather laughed. “Seriously, Lia, how did you manage that?”

  “One word: Mother.” Good-humored laughter rippled around her.

  “Well, this certainly has possibilities,” Heather said.

  “Don’t you start, Heather,” Lia said.

  “Oh, give her a break,” Molly said.

  “Since when are you going soft?” Abby asked.

  Molly winked. “She is tutoring my son, after all.”

  “It’s so sad, what happened to his wife,” Heather said.

  “I know.” Lia stirred her coffee. “Such a random thing.”

  “Such a senseless act,” Molly said. “Do you think he’s worked through all that, Lia?”

  “I don’t know.” Guilt nagged at her. She shouldn’t have feelings for this man. He was undoubtedly still mourning his wife.

  Natalie called the book club to order, and Lia let out a sigh as she settled back into her seat.

  “Oh, good. You’re home,” Lia’s mother said when Lia stepped into the kitchen.

  Hi, Ms. Burton, Grace signed, causing flour dust to scatter everywhere. Flour smudged her face and lingered in her curls. Red icing peeked from the corner of her mouth, and her tongue searched to find it. She looked completely adorable.

  Flour and red, blue, and green icing smeared her mother’s apron. She looked frazzled, but the glow on her face told Lia she was having a wonderful time.

  The kitchen table and counters held decorated Christmas cookies in various shapes and sizes.

  You two have been busy, Lia signed to Grace.

  Grace’s chest puffed out a bit, and she gave a huge smile, revealing pink teeth. They all laughed.

  “We thought it might be fun to get a head start on the Christmas cookies this year,” Mom said, putting the last batch of cookies into the oven. She took off her oven mitts and turned to Lia. “Should be finished just as Joey gets home.”

  “Well, keep up the good work, you two. I’m going to get some comfortable clothes on.” Lia went back to her room and changed into her yoga pants and top. Just as she finished, she heard her iPhone signal a text message.

  Sam & Suzie want to see Grace tonight.

  Time for Mountain Perks?

  She stared at the blinking symbol that awaited her response. Excitement rushed through her, but she struggled to keep her good sense. Friends having coffee. That’s all it was. But she couldn’t help thinking about what Molly had said. Things change. People grow up. You never know.

  Sounds like fun. What time? she texted back.

  They made the arrangements, and she was all ready to go when the doorbell rang at seven thirty. He actually came to the door and walked her out to the truck.

  This is not a date. This is not a date. This is not a date.

  Lia climbed into the truck, careful not to slip on the snow beneath her feet. Once inside, she pulled off her thick mittens and woolen scarf. “It’s nice and toasty warm in here.”

  “Yeah, I took Grace to my brother’s, so the heat has had time to kick in.” He turned the radio to the oldies station. “Remember this song?” He grinned.

  She smiled back. “I sure do.” Was he trying to live out the old glory days with her or what?

  They rode for a few minutes without saying anything. Joey sang along with the radio, his voice making the song almost unrecognizable, and Lia suppressed a giggle. She wasn’t sure she’d ever heard him sing before. Now she knew why.

  “Thanks for meeting me tonight. Since I’ve gotten to town, I haven’t seen all that many people I know from when I lived here. My brother’s okay, but it’s nice to see a friend once in a while.”

  “True.” What was the matter with her? She couldn’t seem to find anything to say.

  “Hey, you remember that girl I had a huge crush on—what was her name?”

  “Kristina Windsong.” How could she forget? Kristina didn’t give a hoot about him, and he had picked her! Life was so unfair.

  Joey hit the steering wheel with the palm of his hand. “That’s it! Wonder whatever happened to her.”

  “She married Pete Makon, and they moved out west to care for his parents.”

  “Pete Makon? That little pipsqueak! What did she ever see in him?”

  Lia laughed and shook her head. “They say love is blind.”

  He looked at her. “So it is.”

  Lia tried not to gulp out loud.

  Joey pulled the truck up to Mountain Perks. The bell on the door jangled when they entered. Coffee blends and chocolate scents sweetened the air. The cappuccino machine whirred and whined until perfect foam capped the dark brews. People sat at tables or in soft chairs, reading magazines, books, iPhones, computers. Joey went up to the counter to order drinks, and Lia found two overstuffed chairs to sit in while they chatted.

  Joey handed Lia her cup. “Extra whipped cream for the lady.” His fingers brushed against hers, and she tried to ignore the thrill of it all. He wanted to be friends. Just friends.

  Joey looked around the room, then took a sip from his cappuccino. “You know, this town hasn’t changed much.”

  “Well, I wouldn’t say that. Have you seen the renovations on the train depot?” Lia felt a bit defensive for Smitten. She had always felt it was a piece of heaven on earth.

  He chuckled. “Yes, I did see that. Very nic
e. I’m talking about the flavor of the town. The people, the feel of Smitten, all that. Pretty much the same.”

  “Is that a bad thing?”

  “No, no, a very good thing.” He smiled.

  Lia took a drink and hesitated a moment. “I can’t imagine ever leaving this place.”

  Joey looked at her. “It suits you.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You sparkle here. You’re alive, energetic. It suits you,” he said again.

  A shiver ran through her. “Thanks.” Another pause. “Was it hard for you—when you left, I mean?”

  “Nah. I was looking for adventure, ready to get out on the open road, you know?” He laughed. “Actually, never thought I’d come back. But when McKenzie died and my brother asked me to join his practice, it seemed a good thing to do to get around family again. For Grace’s sake especially.”

  Lia nodded and took a sip. “So tell me about McKenzie.”

  “We met in college. She was hearing impaired but was great at lip reading, so that helped while I was learning to sign. I loved her enthusiasm for helping others. I couldn’t help wanting to go out and accomplish something big when I was with her.”

  “Are you okay? I mean, I know it’s something you never get over, losing a spouse, but, well . . . are you okay?”

  “It was hard, but our marriage wasn’t perfect. I have regrets. Sometimes I wonder if I ruined her life by marrying her.”

  “Why would you say that?”

  He shrugged. “I’m not the romantic type, in case you haven’t noticed. McKenzie was full of passion and needed lots of attention. I disappointed her many times.”

  “Well, I’m sorry things turned out the way they did, but so thankful to have you and Grace here in Smitten.”

  He stared at his fingers a moment, then sighed. “I just hope we can get Grace to talk again one day.”

  Lia didn’t know what to say without feeling she was overstepping. “I’m praying about that.”

  Her comment seemed to surprise him. “Really? Thanks.”

  “That’s what friends are for. Hey, I was wondering why you and Grace didn’t make it to the annual lighting of the evergreen.”

  The look on Joey’s face made her wish she hadn’t asked.

  He shrugged. “How about we change the subject for tonight? I’ll tell you some other time.”

  They talked a little longer about former classmates, catching up on who had gone where and done what. Long after their coffee was gone, Joey glanced at his watch.

  “Wow, it’s getting late. This has been really fun, Lia, but I’d better go pick up the princess. You ready?”

  “Sure.” Lia grabbed her things and wondered what this whole thing was about. Guess he really did miss her friendship.

  If only his heart could open to her for something more.

  The most insignificant of times spent with a gentleman may be taking root in the heart.

  PEARL CHAMBERS, The Gentlewoman’s Guide to Love and Courtship

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Thanks for watching the little munchkin, bro.” Joey gave his brother a good-natured slap on the back.

  “It was our pleasure.” Sam picked up toys around the room.

  Unfamiliar toys. Joey knew they must have been recently purchased for Grace. His brother and sister-in-law were spoiling his daughter—it was a good thing they weren’t staying there any longer. Finding the apartment at Lia’s had been ideal timing.

  She was a perfect little guest, Suzie signed so Grace could see. Grace smiled.

  “So what were you up to tonight?” Sam asked.

  “I took Elliana out for coffee. We had a nice chat. It’s good to see her again.”

  Sam’s and Suzie’s gazes collided.

  “Now, hold on,” Joey said, holding up his hand. “It’s not like that. Elliana was my best friend all through school. She’s special, but not in a romantic way.”

  Suzie lifted her brows. “Hmm, I wonder if Lia sees it that way.”

  “Of course she does.” Elliana had never given any hint to wanting more than a friendship. He would have seen the signs. Wouldn’t he?

  “Just don’t break her heart,” Sam said.

  “But—” Joey started to protest, but Sam cut him off.

  “That’s all I’m saying, little brother.”

  Joey practically laughed out loud in the truck on the way home. The very idea of Elliana and him—well, it was ridiculous. Not that she wasn’t beautiful, with those big, expressive eyes and that long, thick auburn hair that he’d admired since he was a boy. He shook his head. “Doggone my brother, putting those thoughts in my head. We’re friends. Period.”

  Grace signed, Dad, are you all right?

  “Sure. I’m fine. Just fine.”

  The day was fresh with promise. Lia stretched and yawned. She loved lazy Saturday mornings. Nothing on the agenda. The softest of pillows cradled her head, and her body sank deep beneath a plethora of down comforters. Morning light slipped through her window blinds, spraying all across her room. Another beautiful day.

  She smoothed the quilt that topped her comforters. She had purchased it and matching pillow shams on eBay from a seller who’d gotten it from Anthropologie. Teals, yellows, blues, oranges, a spectrum of colors.

  Delicious scents roused her. Reluctantly she peeled off the blankets, eased into her warm chenille robe, and tucked her feet into matching slippers.

  “Well, good morning, sleepyhead,” Mom said when Lia entered the kitchen. “I’ve made bacon and eggs, biscuits, and coffee. You just sit down and I’ll get you a plate.”

  “Mom, I’m a grown woman. You don’t have to cook for me.”

  “Sure I do. You’re letting me stay with you. I’ve got to earn my keep.”

  “Well, thank you. It smells wonderful.”

  “Thank you, sweetie.” Her mother sailed around the kitchen with the ease of a chef. In no time she had the table spread with breakfast goodies, their plates filled, and the prayer of thanks said.

  “So what are your plans today?” Lia bit into a crisp piece of bacon.

  “Christmas shopping with Anna.” Anna Conners was one of her mom’s best friends. They both loved to knit—Anna owned the Sit ’n Knit in town—and they spent hours visiting together, catching up on kids and solving world crises.

  “Oh, that will be nice.”

  “I’d invite you to go with us, but since I’ll be shopping for you, probably not a good idea.” Her mom chuckled.

  “Oh, I don’t know. That sounds like a great idea.”

  Mother looked at her as though to see if she was serious, but sighed when she saw the smile on Lia’s face. “How about you?”

  “I have shopping to do too, but I’m not really in the mood. I think I’ll grab a good book and a cup of coffee, tuck myself in a warm blanket by the fireplace, and read all day.” She might even explore the gentlewoman’s book.

  “Sounds marvelous. The temperatures are expected to hover around the twenties today.”

  “Brrr.” Lia heard her cell phone ringing from the living room. “Who would call this early?”

  Mother laughed. “Not exactly early. It’s nine o’clock.”

  “Right. For you, early is before roosters have their morning coffee.” She hurried to answer the phone.

  “Hi, Elliana, this is Joey.”

  Adrenaline surged through her. “Hi, Joey.”

  “Hey, listen, Grace wanted to go ice skating this morning, and we thought you might like to join us.”

  She thought of the warmth of the blanket, the fireplace, the hot coffee, her good book. Then she thought of Joey.

  “That sounds like fun. When you leaving?”

  “Is an hour too soon?”

  “No, that sounds just fine.”

  “Great. Oh, and bundle up. It’s cold out there.”

  The ends of Lia’s scarf trailed to the ground while she strapped her feet into the stiff skates. She shivered and wondered, not for the first time, what h
ad gotten into her to agree to this. She loved snow and winter . . . but from the inside looking out.

  “You ready?”

  Joey stood tall before her, his broad shoulders casting a shadow while she put the finishing touches on her skates. She rearranged her scarf, wrapping it around her neck once more and tucking it into her jacket, then carefully stood. Joey extended one gloved hand to her and one gloved hand to Grace.

  Sounds of laughter filled the air. Children shrieked. Blades cut through the ice with a swooshing sound, leaving ice shavings in the wake. Some skaters fell, looking more like a clump of woolens on the ground than people. After several rounds, Grace spotted a friend from school.

  She looked up at her dad. Can I go skate with Peppermint, Daddy?

  “Peppermint?”

  “Yep, that’s her name,” Lia said. “And it’s not a nickname.”

  Joey smiled. “Okay then.” He looked toward Grace. “Don’t you want to stop and have some hot chocolate?”

  After I get my friend? she persisted.

  Joey grinned. “Okay, just stay where I can see you.”

  Lia and Joey watched her skate toward her friend.

  “How does a kid end up with a name like Peppermint?”

  Lia smiled. “Maybe they like Christmas. Candy canes, all that.”

  “Is she in your class at school?”

  “Yes. Nice family.”

  “You want some hot chocolate?”

  “I’d love some. Maybe my fingers will have a chance to thaw. The air is so cold, I can’t feel my nose.” She laughed.

  He frowned and reached out to touch her nose gently with his glove. “Poor Elliana. We’ve turned you into a Popsicle.” His brief touch pushed back the chill. “Why don’t you just take a seat on this bench and keep an eye on Grace. I’ll go get us some cocoa. Sound good?”