The Magnolia Inn: A Sweet, Small Town Story (The Red Stiletto Book Club 1) by Anne-Marie Meyer

Author:Anne-Marie Meyer [Meyer, Anne-Marie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Anne-Marie Meyer
Published: 2020-03-31T18:30:00+00:00

12

CLEMENTINE

I was a woman on a mission.

Sitting at the counter at the hardware store the next day, I stared at the invitation I’d just created on my computer. It was for the book club that Maggie wanted to start.

After I got home last night, the book club was all I could think about. It felt amazing to think about something other than wrenches or screwdrivers or Dad. It was the first thing I’d been excited about in a long time, and I was ready to get it underway.

I stared at the font I’d picked and shook my head. I selected the text and moved to find something more pleasing. Just as I did, the door chimed, and I glanced up to see Shari walk in. Her eyes looked red and puffy. Her hair was disheveled, and I could tell she hadn’t slept.

I closed my computer and slipped off the stool. “Hey,” I said as I rounded the counter and wrapped my arm around her shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

She sniffled and shrugged as she swiped at her eyes. “Allergies,” she murmured. “That mixed with Tag throwing up all night, and I’m exhausted.” She wandered over to the small-appliance section of the store and squatted down.

“Shar,” I said as I grabbed her arm and pulled her up. I guided her over to the chair I’d just vacated and pushed on her shoulders until she sat. She hesitated at first, but she finally relented and settled down.

I hurried into the break room, where I grabbed a cup of coffee and a doughnut from the box that Spencer had brought in earlier. With both in hand, I made my way to the front and dropped the food onto the counter in front of my friend.

Shari stared at them for a moment before she picked both up and began to devour the doughnut in between sips of coffee. I folded my arms as I rested them on the countertop and leaned forward. “Now, tell me what you are looking for, and I’ll get it for you.”

Shari blew out her breath and nodded. “A dehumidifier. Tag’s room is musty, and I’m worried it’s because it’s too humid in there.”

I gave her a resolute nod and went to grab one. When I got back, Shari had finished her doughnut and was sipping slowly on the coffee. She looked a little more alive than she had when she first walked in.

Not wanting her to leave before we could talk, I pushed the box to the side and focused my attention on her. “Where’s Craig?” I asked as I folded my arms.

She wouldn’t meet my gaze as she fiddled with the handle of her mug. Anger rose up inside of me, but I pushed it down. I didn’t want to make her upset, but I also didn’t want her to think I agreed with how she was handling things.

It was a tricky situation. On the one hand, we were friends. She was probably the closest friend I had on the island.

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