Page 18 of Grounds for Love

Chapter 6

Jen

There’salargenumber of Book Chicks I don’t know at the meeting on Saturday night.

The gathering is always held at Kimberly and Bode’s B&B. Usually we assemble in the back by the fire pit with the ocean as our backdrop. If it’s too cold, we move it indoors. Tonight’s meeting is so large, we have to pull out chairs from the dining room to have seats for everyone.

Something is up. We were each served a delicious, but non-alcoholic beverage as we arrived. This never happens. Every meeting seems to end with wet, tipsy members being driven home by their significant others, or they spend the night at the Inn.

No one has said anything, but our eyes keep shifting from one to another, questioning each other silently. So far, everybody just shrugs and shakes their heads.

Joy leans over and whispers, “Who do you think is pregnant?”

“My money is on Shy, but since Suzie’s and Brandy’s husbands are back home, it could be one of them.” None of them have that pregnancy glow I’ve heard about, though.

Kimberly stands near the fire pit and says, “Welcome ladies of the Book Chicks club. Tonight is a special night for many reasons. First off, we have the largest turnout we’ve ever had. I’d like to go around the circle and everyone tell us your name and a little bit about yourself.”

Shyanne starts it off. “Hi, everyone!” She gives a little wave. “My name is Shyanne Caldwell, but you may know me as Shyanne ‘the Huntress’ Lambert. I’ve won a few MMA championships, but what I’m most proud of is my incredible hot and handsome husband, David. You may have lusted after the town’s police chief, but let me tell you he’s off-limits. Just saying. We also own the diner over by the marina and the new seafood restaurant downtown. Mention my name the next time you go and I’ll make sure to comp your meal.”

The group chuckles, applauds, and promises no eye-fucking the police chief.

Then Brandy goes. “Hello! My name is Brandy Costner and I’m married to Michael, who is the head chef at Shyanne’s new restaurant in town. I own the Cut N Curl Salon. Most of you are customers and for those of you that aren’t, I have a fifty percent off coupon for your first service.”

Joy leans over. “You should definitely take her up on that. When was the last time you had a cut and highlights?”

I blink and my hand goes to my hair because I can’t remember. My hair is long and straight and the only thing I can really do with it is a ponytail. I just shrug as my answer. Maybe I do need to make an appointment. I wish I could get something done before I see Rod tomorrow.

Just the thought of Rod zaps my focus from what’s going on in the group as I relive our conversation from last night. I can’t believe all I shared with him. I haven’t gotten that emotional over Bryan in years and I got the feeling Rod hasn’t talked about Grace in just as long. He loved her deeply, just as I loved my husband. It was very cathartic getting it all out.

I’d wanted his lips on mine so badly, but I have to admit he had a point. Last night wasn’t the right time. Even when he drove me home, he walked me to my door, gave me a hug, said he couldn’t wait for Sunday, and then left.

Just thinking about being with him tomorrow makes me excited and nervous. I have a feeling a date with Rod Murphy is going to be better than the Christmas I got Baby Alive, complete with a diaper bag and disappearing milk in the bottle.

“Ouch!” I yelp when Joy elbows me in the ribs.

“It’s your turn,” she hisses.

I’d completely zoned out. “Hi, my name is Jen Marsh. My sister and I moved to Faire Island about seven months ago to open a coffee shop. We love not only the island, but the people as well. Stop by Uncommon Grounds on Main Street for a complimentary cup of our delicious brewed coffee.”

Then Joy speaks and I try to keep focus for the rest of the introductions.

Kimberly takes over as hostess again. “Great. Happy you’re here, newcomers. All are welcome. For those of you that aren’t newbies, you’re probably wondering why our theme drink of the night isn’t packing the usual punch. It seems our husbands and boyfriends are concerned about us drowning in the ocean from too many happy drinks.”

“But we’re never really drunk. We’re simply drunk on life,” Shy adds.

That causes a round of laughter. “Be that as it may, that’s not the only or most important reason we are abstaining tonight.” Kimberly pauses and glances around the group. It is so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Everyone is holding their breath. “Shyanne and I are making a special request for next month’s assigned book. Shy, why don’t you come here and show everyone the book.”

With her hands covering the book pressed to her chest, Shyanne stands and makes her way around the circle to join Kimberly. Gradually she turns the book and spins in a slow circle so we can all read the title—What to Expect When You’re Expecting.

“Shyanne, you’re pregnant?” Brandy cries out.

“No,” Kimberly corrects. “We’re both pregnant.”

After that, everyone is on their feet congratulating the two expectant moms with hugs and well wishes. Those that already have children start the stories of their pregnancies and deliveries.

I’m older than most everyone here tonight and listening to them makes me wish Bryan and I had been given the chance to have children. We both wanted a family, but it just never happened for us. I guess the universe must have known Bryan’s path. I’m almost forty-two and “the shop” has already started to close. I’m afraid my time for children is over.

Joy and I are home before ten. Another first for a Book Chicks meeting. I thank the fruit drinks for that. I’m also not dripping wet from an impromptu dip in the ocean. Joy and I end up watching a sappy romcom movie and are in bed before midnight.

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