Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen
P aige woke up happier than she’d been in a while. The book club had gone exceptionally well. Maybe even better than she’d expected. The women had all been so open to the idea, and so willing to share.
This group was going to do good things for all of them. She could feel it.
Her heart sank a bit as she remembered the one guest who hadn’t been able to attend. Althea. Paige really needed to check in with her and see how her husband was. Lester, she believed his name was.
Paige’s plan was to bring Althea some flowers from the community florist, then go straight to the fitness center for a workout. After that, she’d run home to shower, change, and eat lunch. At one, she was going to the library for a lecture series that kicked off today.
She was very much looking forward to The Secret Lives of Famous Paintings. She loved history, loved art, and felt that learning new things was like exercise for the brain. The first lecture was on the Mona Lisa , a painting she felt privileged to have seen many years ago in person.
Her ex-husband loved art. Maybe that should have been a clue.
Exercise clothing on, light makeup, simple jewelry, and she was out the door and on her way to the flower shop. Honeycomb Florist opened at nine, so she’d get there just as they unlocked the door. If they didn’t have anything suitable made up, she’d have something done while she waited.
Althea deserved something nice. And Paige wanted to stay in the woman’s good books.
Althea was something else. At eighty-seven, she was still going strong and on her fourth husband. Lester was seventy-eight, a testament to Althea’s vitality and spirit.
And maybe her money. Paige figured Althea might be the only woman in the Colony wealthier than herself. Her sons were the developers behind this community, and quite a few others across Florida.
But that wasn’t why Paige wanted Althea as a member of the book club. Althea had power and respect and knew everyone, which was impressive. Despite that, Paige never saw her with anyone but Lester.
Maybe that’s how Althea liked it. Just the two of them. Or maybe all the other women in the community were afraid of her. Or intimidated by her. Whatever you wanted to call it, but Paige thought Althea could use some friends.
Real friends. Friends she could lean on in times of trouble. Like right now, for instance.
She parked outside the shop and went in, happy to see the sign on the door was already flipped to OPEN.
The shop wasn’t just flowers. They had a nice range of potted plants and at Christmas, you could order a live tree from them, if you wanted. They also did evergreen garlands and wreaths.
Paige already had plans to do her place up for Christmas. She smiled, thinking about the book club Christmas party she’d be hosting, if things continued to go well. She would turn her tiny home into a wonderland. Maybe even have the party catered.
Why not? She had plenty of money. She’d previously set aside money for Randi and her grandson, Liam, and Randi and her husband were doing well for themselves. Liam’s college fund was set.
Paige inhaled, loving the natural perfume of the flowers and plants.
Being surrounded by such beauty made her want to take something home for herself, but she had a workout to get in.
Fresh flowers wouldn’t last in the golf cart and she wasn’t sure leaving a potted houseplant in her cart was such a great idea.
Maybe she’d come back after the lecture.
“Good morning. Can I help you?” The saleswoman gave Paige a quick smile. From her age, Paige wondered if the woman lived in the Colony as well. It wasn’t uncommon for the shops and services to be partially staffed by residents.
“I’m looking for a nice bouquet for a friend. Something that says I’m here if you need me.”
The woman gestured to the tall, glass-fronted display cases behind her. “All of these were made fresh yesterday.”
And the three largest ones contained lilies, which Paige found too funerial for this occasion. “I need something cheerier, and without lilies.”
“Ah. Does the recipient have a cat?
Paige shook her head. “I don’t know. What does that have to do with anything?”
“Lilies are extremely toxic to cats.”
Paige made a face. “I had no idea. Thank you for that information.” She’d have to remember that if she ever sent flowers to Cece.
“Well, if you’d like, I can make something up special.”
“That would be perfect.”
“What’s your budget?”
Paige had been about to say there wasn’t one, then realized such an open-ended statement could get her into trouble.
Walking into Althea’s with something that looked like it belonged draped over the winner of the Kentucky Derby wouldn’t do.
“Let’s say no more than a hundred and fifty.
And in a vase. It’ll need to be golf cart-stable, too, as I plan on delivering it myself. ”
That should get her something tasteful but impressive. Enough to show Althea she really cared.
“I’ll get started immediately.”
Paige browsed while the saleswoman worked.
She found a stunning orchid in bloom that she instantly fell in love with.
The tag on the hanging basket said it was a Vanda orchid.
The bright, watermelon red called to her, even at eight-five dollars.
And she had room for a hanging basket on her screened porch.
She went up to the counter where the saleswoman was working away on a very nice arrangement. “That Vanda orchid in the hanging basket? I’d like to purchase that, too, but I won’t be able to pick it up until later. Can you hold it for me?”
“We can. I’ll put a sold tag on it as soon as I ring you up.”
Ten minutes later, Paige walked out with the perfect bright bouquet in a squat ceramic vase of ivory crackle that was in no danger of tipping over, thanks to the box it was secured in. She carefully set it on the floor of the passenger side of her golf cart.
Driving slower than usual, it took longer to get to Althea’s than she’d hoped, but she was pleased to see a car in the drive.
Purse over her shoulder, she took the flowers and went up to the door to ring the bell.
Althea answered looking tired and worried, clothes rumpled. Not a great sign. “Can I help you?”
“Althea, it’s me, Paige. I invited you to the book club? I don’t want to bother you. I just wanted to drop these flowers off for you and see how Lester is doing.”
“Oh, Paige. Of course.” Althea took a deep breath. “They’ve kept him.” She stared at the porch floor, her gaze distant. “They’re running more tests. Being cautious.”
“That’s a good thing, don’t you think? Better to have him where they can keep an eye on him.”
She nodded. “I suppose. Do you want a cup of tea?”
“Only if it’s not an imposition.”
“I was already making myself a cup.” She managed a brief smile. “Flowers are lovely. Thank you for thinking of me.”
“You can take them to Lester, if you think they’d cheer him up.” Paige stepped inside.
Althea and Lester had the same floorplan she did, the largest of the tiny homes. It was immaculate. Lots of family pictures decorated the walls. Most of the furniture looked new, but Paige spotted a few antiques.
“How do you take it?” Althea asked. She was in the kitchen, filling the kettle.
“Just a splash of cream and sugar,” Paige answered. She set the flowers on the kitchen counter, then carefully removed the box holding the vase. “We missed you at book club last night, but of course, everyone understood.”
“Maybe I’ll read the book anyway. Just in case I can make the next meeting. I was looking forward to it. Lester even thought it was a good idea.” She took two cups down out of the cabinet and started to cry softly.
“Oh, Althea, he’s going to be just fine.” Paige came around and put her hand on the woman’s shoulder.
“I don’t know if he will be,” Althea said, sniffling.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” If it was something big, she’d call the book club girls, her sister Queen Bees. She was sure they’d step up if they were able.
Althea took a breath, looking very much like she wanted to say something.
“Anything,” Paige said. “I’m here for you.”
“I was with him all night. It makes me feel guilty to say this, but I need a few hours of sleep or I’m afraid I’ll get sick myself. Would you be willing to go sit with him this afternoon? I was planning on reading to him.”
“Not only would I be willing, but I bet I could organize a few other women to go do the same. We can come up with a schedule even. Make sure he’s not alone until you’re ready to be there.”
Her eyes widened as the kettle steamed, and the lever flipped off to indicate the water was ready. “You’d do that?”
Paige gave Althea a quick hug, unsure if the woman would welcome the contact, but it felt appropriate. “Let me send a text.”
While Althea dropped tea bags into the cups, Paige took out her phone and sent a group message, mentally thanking Essie for setting up the group chat.
At Althea’s. Her husband is still in the hospital.
Hoping we can help her. Anyone up to sit with him a bit today and read to him? Althea needs to rest.
Unsurprisingly, Essie was the first one to answer. Happy to help! I can leave in an hour. What book are we reading? I’ll stay until one of you spells me.
Blaise was next. I can leave right now. Just tell me where to go and what to read.
Paige’s phone vibrated with Maude’s text. Hey. Just woke up, but I can go too. Give me a time. And a place.
Cece followed, also asking for the same thing—time and place.
Paige’s heart filled with joy. This was exactly what she’d hoped for. The kind of friends who were willing to help out and be supportive, no matter what the situation. She smiled and looked up. “Althea? What book would he like to hear?”