Essie sipped her water, to which she’d added slices of both lemon and lime. “I never had time for anything like that when I was working.”
“What did you do?” Cece asked.
“I was the principal of Beechwood Middle School,” Essie answered.
As they chatted, Paige got out the cream and sugar, smiling to herself. This was exactly what she’d hoped would happen.That the women would get to know each other and bond, all of them becoming friends. And, ultimately, they’d be a new support system for each other.
It was a lot to ask, she knew, but books were a great way to connect, so what better place to start? And if that’s all the group ever was—just women of a similar age and place in life talking about books—that was fine, too.
But her aspirations were higher. And so far, it seemed like they were off to a good start.
She brought Cece the mug of coffee and directed her to the cream and sugar, where Paige had also set out a spoon.
While Cece fixed her coffee, Paige poured herself a glass of prosecco, the pop of the cork making her guests smile. Paige figured if she had a glass of bubbly, her guests would feel better about indulging in some themselves, if they wanted.
She lifted her glass. “Thank you for coming and welcome to my home.”
Cece and Essie lifted their beverages in a return salute.
“This is fun,” Essie said, looking around. “I think you have the same model we do. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an office, and the loft option.”
Paige sipped her prosecco, which was crispy cold and perfect, then nodded. “That’s right, except I don’t have the office. I had that space added to the master bedroom.”
“Are you married?” Essie asked.
With a sly smile, Paige shook her head. “Not anymore. But I wanted the space so my friend, Claire, could come visit. If she wanted to. She and her husband are currently on safari in Kenya.”
Cece blinked. “Seriously?”
Paige laughed. “They love to travel.”
“Sounds great,” Essie said. “I like to travel, too, but I don’t know about Kenya.”
“You’re married?” Cece asked.
Essie’s smile widened. “Newly.” She held up her left hand to show off a stunning rock. “Six months ago.”
“Congratulations,” Paige and Cece said at the same time, making them laugh.
Paige couldn’t imagine getting married again. Not even with a gun to her head. She loved her new single life. Loved the freedom of it. Loved doing exactly as she pleased.
With a few more friends, which was what this evening was all about, her life would be perfect.
Her door chime sounded again. She carried her prosecco with her to the door. Swinging it open with a smile, she said, “Good evening and welcome to book club. You have to be Maude.”
“I am,” Maude said.
Paige stepped back. “I’m your host, Paige. Come on in and join the fun.”
“Thanks, Paige.” Maude walked through, waving at Cece and Essie. “Hi. I’m Maude.”
“What can I get you to drink?” Paige asked. Maude was exactly what they needed. Younger, interesting, with a kind of bohemian, carefree vibe that was bound to add some excitement to the group. Paige gave herself a mental pat on the back. Her selections had been spot on.
Maude tipped her head at Paige’s prosecco. “Is there more of that?”
“Plenty. One glass, coming up.” She took the prosecco from the fridge and filled a glass for Maude.
As Maude accepted the drink from Paige, Essie leaned in, eyes twinkling with amusement. “Are you old enough to live here?”
