Page 1 of By the Book

Chapter 1

Ivy

There is nothing more wonderful than a crisp October day in New England. All along the coast, an explosion of red and orange foliage creates a vibrant contrast against the pale blue sea. Then there are the farm fresh seasonal goods just steps away from the seafood we’re famous for. And it’s not just my opinion. People flock to our quaint town of Foxport, Massachusetts to indulge in lobster rolls between leaf peeping hikes and sailing charters.

The strip of town that reaches the sea is lovely. I’ll give them that. Personally, though, I prefer being here—nestled in the Brick District. There’s something comforting about the historic buildings and mature trees.

Pulling the collar of my chestnut herringbone topcoat higher on my neck, I step off the brick paved sidewalk into the street. Across the way, the warm glow of Café Around the Corner is like a beacon in the overcast morning. With a pale blue door located on an angled corner and glass windows that line the cross streets it sits on, the coffee shop is a Foxport institution.

Nearing my destination, I already know where my friends are seated. The same table that we occupy at least once a week, pressed up against the window in a quieter corner. Wren catchesmy eye through the glass and smiles as she licks the frothy residue of latte from her upper lip. Poppy and Stevie turn in unison to follow her gaze, smiling as well. Apparently, I’m the last to arrive despite living the closest.

I pull the café door open, careful to not let it slam in the autumn breeze, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, caramel, and spice greeting me as I cross the threshold. Inhaling deeply, I let the heavenly scent waft straight to my soul. And then there is the subdued sound of Phoebe Bridgers, the music carrying above the chatter of patrons as I make my way to the counter. Her folksy melody is fitting amongst our quiet, unhurried town.

“A pumpkin spice latte, please,” I tell the barista, Vanessa, as I unwrap my cashmere scarf from my neck.

“Two pumpkin spice lattes!”

I turn, coming face to face with Wren. Her dark hair cascades over her shoulders, framing her green eyes and olive skin. I lean back on the white granite counter and raise an eyebrow.

“How many coffees does that make for you this morning?” I ask.

“Too many,” Vanessa calls from behind me.

“Never enough,” my best friend counters as Nessa approaches with the drinks.

“I’m making your next one a decaf,” she says with authority, setting the white paper cups on the counter and pointing a perfectly manicured finger at my friend.

“You wouldn’t,” Wren objects, snatching up both of our drinks and passing me a cup. “That’s just cruel.”

“Bartenders are granted the right to cut off an overly intoxicated person. Baristas should be allowed to cut off an overly caffeinated person… so enjoy this one,” Vanessa offers, her decaf threat lingering in her tone.

I hide my snicker behind the stack of books cradled in my arm. This isn’t the first time Nessa has threatened Wren with decaf, and it surely won’t be the last.

We cross the black and white penny tile mosaic floor to the wooden table at the front window, Stevie and Poppy glancing up from their conversation as we approach.

“Ivy, tell Poppy that there are plenty of places she could open her bakery around here and it would be amazing,” Stevie offers as I take a seat beside her.

“Still locked in battle with our favorite fireman over the building?” I ask, taking a sip of my latte.

“I don’t want to talk aboutHayden,” Poppy scoffs, flipping her strawberry blonde hair over her shoulder as her eyes land on the stack of hardcovers I’ve set on the table. “Are those the new releases?”

We started our book club junior year of high school. More accurately, as the bibliophile, I started it. But we’ve kept the tradition alive through college, all attending the same university near town, and into the recent years following graduation. I pass a copy to each of them and watch them inspect my choice for this read.

“Ooh, I heard about this one,” Wren starts, flipping open the cover to read the dust jacket. “I read somewhere that at the end?—”

“Wait! Don’t ruin it,” Poppy whines.

Wren takes a loud slurp of her coffee in response. And after taking a much quieter sip of my own, I ask, “Were there any updates on the bakery space?”

“Not yet, I have a meeting with Fitzy today though. It’s just that there are plenty of other spots closer to the fire station for his newproject. Or whatever he wants it for. He’s just trying to be a pain.”

I personally thought Hayden was nice, and the idea of a rescue team admirable, but it didn’t seem like the time to share that. Poppy has a solid business plan and has worked hard to move her bakery operations out of her home’s kitchen. She deserves the building, and if I was a betting girl, I’d put all my money on her edging out her fellow bidder.

“Shoot! I actually need to go now,” Poppy says eagerly as she stands and collects her copy of our book club read.

Headed to see Mayor Fitzgerald, affectionately known as Fitzy, she probably has a color coordinated three ring binder in her bag. One that outlines in abundant detail why the space is best suited for her business. It will be flawless, and I know because it’s thanks to Poppy that I have a solid enough business plan to run my own shop.

“I’ll go with you, I’m headed to the greenhouse,” Stevie says, rising as well. “See you at the roast,” she adds before walking away.

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