Trouble on the Books by Essie Lang

Author:Essie Lang
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Chapter Twenty-One

After a quick supper of cold chicken and a green salad, she checked a map, grabbed her book, and walked over to Trudy’s.

Shelby was as curious about Trudy’s house as she was about the Bayside Book Babes Plus One, she realized as she climbed the wooden stairs to the two-story clapboard house with the inviting wraparound porch. She paused to admire the already colorful flower gardens, knowing that this was another interest Trudy and Edie had in common. She was about to knock when she heard the laughter from inside. It sounded like this group knew how to have fun. Shelby took a deep breath, shoving aside the jitters she usually felt when meeting new people, and knocked.

Trudy opened the door almost immediately and ushered her inside. They went into the living room, which opened to the right of the small foyer. It was a burst of color, from the yellow walls to the numerous bouquets of flowers in various spots around the room. And the people occupying most of the chairs seemed to be right in keeping with the setting.

“Babes,” Trudy said with a smile at the one male in the room, “I’d like you to meet Shelby Cox, Edie’s niece and co-owner of Bayside Books.”

Shelby smiled and responded with small waves to the six book club members. They sure seemed friendly. She began to relax as Trudy started the introductions.

“Now, I know you won’t remember all the names tonight. I should have made name tags. Oh well, too late now. But the twins sitting on the love seat are Mimi and her sister, Dolly. I’ll dispense with last names to make it easier for you. To Dolly’s left is Juliette, wearing the awesome fascinator. Patricia was just telling us about her choice of new hair highlights, purple and green. And, last but not least, our Plus One, Leonard.”

Leonard gave a slight bow of his head, but it was enough to dislodge the flap of dark hair that had been draped across his forehead.

“We’re so happy to finally meet you,” Mimi said, her white curls not moving despite the bobbing of her head. “Aren’t we, Dolly?” She nudged her sister in the side.

“Yes, yes we are.”

Shelby felt overwhelmed by the introductions and hoped not much would be required of her other than listening to the discussion. She’d tried to get the book, the latest by mystery author Louise Penny, read in time but hadn’t been able to finish it. Although she’d normally have read it when it first came out—she was a big fan and always got the latest—she’d been doing less reading since moving to the Bay, she realized. That had to change, and soon.

She wondered if she should own up right away or try to fake it. Before she could do anything, Trudy indicated a chair for her, between Juliette and Patricia, and Leonard leaped up to fetch her a glass of what turned out to be fruit punch.

She’d been so hoping for wine.

Juliette tapped her

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