Book Clubbed

Tricia doubted that but allowed Angelica to guide her back toward the Cookery. Angelica went in first and Tricia paused before entering, turning to take in the apartment atop the Dog-Eared Page. Dressed in only pajama bottoms, Christopher stood in front of his window. It seemed like every light in his apartment was lit so she could see him in perfect detail. He waved, and then blew her a kiss.

Tricia turned without acknowledging him, and entered the Cookery without a backward glance.

TWENTY-THREE

The Brookview I

Angelica smiled. “This old i

“Yes,” she agreed and meant it.

The sisters surrendered their coats to the cloakroom attendant and headed toward the French doors that opened out of the i

“Good grief! I just remembered! Weren’t you supposed to pick up the cake for tonight?” Angelica asked.

“Don’t worry. I did that this afternoon while I was out ru

“I’m sure it’ll be just like riding a bike. Oh, look, there’s Russ and Nikki,” Angelica said and waved. They waved back, smiling.

“I spoke to Russ the other day. He was pretty upset about the baby,” Angelica whispered.

“Not anymore,” Tricia said.

“What do you mean?”

“I paid Nikki a visit this morning. I told her everything you said about how she could hire a manager and keep the Patisserie going until her little one goes to school, and then she could pick up where she left off. It’s a win-win situation; she’ll still have an income stream and can take care of her baby.”

“She’s a pretty smart woman. I wonder why she didn’t figure it out for herself?”

“‘Forest for the trees’ syndrome?” Tricia suggested. “I’m just glad that when I reopen, I’ll still be able to buy thumbprint cookies for my customers—as well as the occasional coconut cupcake for myself.”

The hostess soon returned, recognized them, and immediately led them to the best table in the house, where Grace, Mr. Everett, Pixie, Gi

“Hello, all,” Angelica called brightly and took the empty seat next to Antonio. Tricia settled in beside Pixie. Everyone was decked out in their best party wear. Pixie had pulled out all the stops and wore a bright pink and black, low-cut silk dress, her hair piled high on her head and dripping with rhinestones. Gi

“Sorry we’re late,” Tricia said, although they were only tardy by a minute or two.

“We were early,” Mr. Everett said with a smile.

“My dear Tricia,” Grace began, “we haven’t had a chance to speak since—” She stumbled over what else to say, looking embarrassed.

“It’s okay to mention the fire. It’s a fact.”

“How are you holding up?” Grace asked and Tricia could swear there were tears in her friend’s eyes.

“Surprisingly well,” Angelica answered for her. “Tricia will land on her feet in no time flat.”

Angelica had e-mailed their parents to tell them about the fire and their father had immediately called Tricia’s cell phone. “Your mother is too upset about almost losing you that she can’t come to the phone,” he’d lied.

“That’s okay, Daddy. I understand,” Tricia had said without rancor.

“Do you?” her father had asked. It almost seemed as if he’d known that she, too, was now in on the family secret. But, of course, they didn’t speak of it.

“I honestly do,” she told him.

Tricia idly wondered if she’d ever speak to her mother again. Since the fire, she wasn’t sure if she cared anymore. She certainly wasn’t going to lose another minute’s sleep worrying about their lack of a loving relationship.

“What have we here?” Angelica said, inspecting the bottle in the ice bucket. Her eyes widened. “Dom Pérignon?”

“A birthday gift to Mr. Everett from my employer,” Antonio explained.

“But Nigela Ricita doesn’t even know Mr. Everett,” Tricia protested. “Does she?”

“I’ve never made her acquaintance,” Mr. Everett agreed.

“I told her I was invited to the celebration and she insisted on sending a bottle to the table,” Antonio explained.

“I’m liking this broad more and more all the time,” Pixie said, and pushed her glass closer to Antonio.

“Ah, but we are not yet ready to pour,” he said smoothly. “There is still so much I do not know about the circumstances of the fire.”

Tricia gave Angelica a pained look.

“I think we can discuss it at another time. We don’t want to talk about unpleasant subjects on Mr. Everett’s birthday and spoil his day,” Angelica said.

Antonio looked justly admonished. “I do apologize, Tricia.”

“No need,” she said, but had been glad of Angelica’s intervention. “How do you like working for the Chamber?” she asked Mr. Everett, who’d spent the afternoon at the Cookery, helping the new receptionist get ready for the big move.

“I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ve set up next month’s breakfast meeting for them here at the i

“I hope you’re not going to abandon me when Haven’t Got a Clue reopens,” Tricia said.

“Fear not, Ms. Miles, working for you is my first love.”

“It is?” Grace asked with raised eyebrows.

“Er, my second love,” Mr. Everett corrected, and everyone laughed.

“How did you make out at Booked for Lunch, Pixie?” Tricia asked.

“Piece a cake,” she said with a wave of her hand. “It was fun. I’ve been a waitress on and off most of my adult life. When I wasn’t . . . you know, doing other, more physical, work. And Tommy let me have two pieces of cake after my shift waiting on tables was over. I could get used to that.”

Everyone at the table fought to stifle a laugh.

“And how about you, Tricia?” Grace asked. “How did you spend your day?”

“Ru