Captiva Book Club (Captiva Island #13)

Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

M aggie Moretti curled up in her chair and stared at the tiny Christmas tree. Much to her dismay, her husband, Paolo, insisted they decorate the Carriage House and the inn’s main building.

Since moving to Captiva Island, her Christmas spirit had disappeared, and she understood the reason. She missed her children and grandchildren who lived in Massachusetts.

She always knew the holidays would be the most difficult for her, but she didn’t realize how hard it would be. Although fortunate to have her daughter Sarah nearby, memories of her entire family gathered around the Christmas tree at their family home tugged at her heart.

Looking around the living room in their over-the-garage apartment, she said a silent prayer of thanks for her blessings. It had been four years since she had her entire family under one roof. Christmas was still another three weeks away, but there was much to do in preparation for the holiday. This year, the whole family would once again be together, and the travel arrangements baffled Paolo.

“I don’t know where we’re going to put everyone,” he complained. “I’m thrilled to have them all here, but how is this going to work?”

Maggie smiled. “Have you forgotten we own a bed & breakfast with several bedrooms? Between Chelsea’s place, Becca’s family and the inn, we’ve got plenty of room.”

“I understand Chris and Becca staying with her family, but who’s staying with Chelsea?” he asked.

“No one at this point, but she offered to be a backup if, at the last minute, we needed another room or two. Stop worrying.”

“So much for her and Steven having a romantic holiday, with our family showing up on her doorstep,” he said.

Maggie laughed. “It will be fine. Those two are so in love, I don’t think they see anyone around them when they’re together.”

Maggie looked at the sad little tree. “It’s a nice tree, honey. I’m sorry if I’m always being such a Grinch.”

Paolo knelt in front of her. “Do you want to explain why you’re so pensive this morning? I feel like there’s something you’re not telling me.”

She looked down at him and put her hands on both cheeks. “How do you know me so well?”

He shrugged. “I pay attention.”

“I found another lump,” she said, as calmly as she could. “It’s under my armpit.”

His smile was now gone. Maggie wanted to spare him this pain, but there was nothing she could do to stop it. She did her best to soften the blow.

“It might be nothing,” she said, trying to convince herself more than Paolo.

He nodded. “Of course it might be nothing, but we need to call the doctor immediately.”

She shook her head. “No. Not yet. After the holiday. I don’t want this Christmas ruined.”

His face stern, he refused. “Not this time, Maggie Moretti.”

He got up from the floor and stood in front of her.

“In case you’ve forgotten, this family is a team. We survive by working together to accomplish whatever is in front of us. We don’t go it alone. We stick together. We’re telling the family, and that includes Chelsea.”

Maggie could feel the tears starting to build, so she took a deep breath to keep from crying.

Paolo knelt back down and took her hands in his.

“I know you want to protect everyone from worry, but that’s what family does when someone they love is hurting. It’s wonderful that the entire family will be here for Christmas, because this time all of us can take this journey with you, every step of the way. You’ve been there for your children. Let them be here for you now.”

She fell into his arms, and let the tears fall. She wasn’t crying out of fear, but rather, immense gratitude for her blessings, and the embrace of a family who continued to support and lift her up no matter what. It was the truest meaning of love and sacrifice, and it was Paolo who gave her hope that she had nothing to fear because he would be by her side through it all.

Chelsea Marsden sat on her lanai, the warm Captiva Island breeze gently ruffling her hair. She sipped her iced tea and enjoyed the peaceful view of the ocean in the distance. The sound of footsteps on the gravel path made her look up. Her long-time friend and co-owner of the Key Lime Garden Inn, Maggie Moretti, walked toward her with a determination that usually meant she had news to share.

"You look like you're on a mission," Chelsea called out, a grin spreading across her face.

Maggie chuckled as she dropped onto a chair.

"You won't believe what the women at the community center asked us to do."

“With Linda St. James at the helm, it could be anything. Do tell," Chelsea said, leaning forward with interest.

"They want us to join a book club," Maggie replied, rolling her eyes.

Chelsea burst out laughing. "A book club? Do they know how our last attempt at that went?"

"Apparently not," Maggie said with a smirk. "But it's not just anyone asking. It’s not Linda who’s asking, it’s Claire.”

"Claire, Kristin's sister?" Chelsea asked, raising an eyebrow. “How did that happen?”

Maggie sighed, taking a seat next to Chelsea. "Apparently, she loves to read and thinks it would be a great way for us all to stay connected and discuss something meaningful. Since she and Kristin are new to the area, they thought it would be a great way to meet people.”

Chelsea nodded thoughtfully. “”Have you told Linda about this? She’s been fussing at us for the last couple of months to start one.”

“Yes, I know, and we’ve been putting her off. If we join this, Linda will most likely think we’re doing it behind her back.”

Chelsea shook her head. “I’m not so sure about that. She and Claire’s sister are friends, I’m pretty sure she likes Claire.”

“Be that as it may, Linda has a hard time letting anyone else run things. She always has to be in charge.”

“Maybe it’s time she learned the world doesn’t revolve around her whims. Besides, a book club isn’t owned by one person. It’s a collaborative endeavor. If she can’t get on board with that, maybe we should buy her one of those t-shirts with the words ‘Doesn’t play well with others.’”

Maggie laughed. “I like that.”

“So, how do you feel about joining a book club again? We were miserable book club failures,” Chelsea asked.

“I wouldn’t say that. As I remember it, I made several good friends and one, in particular, has become my best friend.”

Chelsea loved what had developed between Maggie and her over the last ten years. There wasn’t anyone she loved more than Maggie Moretti and was certain they’d be best friends until the end.

“I love making new friends and I suppose if we’re actually reading the books this time, it makes more sense to call it a book club,” Chelsea added.

Maggie grinned. "Yeah, who would've thought we'd finally become proper book club members?"

Chelsea chuckled. "Life has a funny way of surprising us. I assume Kristin is joining as well?”

"I think so," Maggie said. "Kristin seemed excited about it. Ciara is always up for something new, we could ask her. I bet Millie would want to join. Maybe I’ll ask Sarah. She could use a bit more social interaction outside of work and the kids. The jury is still out on Linda, but I think I’ll let Claire handle that one.”

Chelsea smiled. "It does sound like it could be fun, especially if we're all a bit more motivated this time. And it’s not like we don’t enjoy each other’s company.”

Maggie nodded. "Exactly. Claire's enthusiasm might be just what we need to actually make it work this time. Plus, it’s a great excuse to meet up regularly."

“The important question is will there be wine or really good coffee?” Chelsea joked.

“I can’t tell if you’re joking or not.”

“Only half-joking, but that goes along with food. There has to be delicious food. Where is this book club going to take place?”

“My understanding is that each woman hosts the gathering at her or his place.”

“His? Are men invited?”

Maggie shrugged. “I have no idea. I never asked. What’s the protocol for book clubs?”

“Beats me. I’m no expert on these things.”

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of a car pulling in Chelsea’s half-moon driveway. Sarah, Maggie’s daughter, got out of her car and waved. Walking up the path toward Maggie and Chelsea, she had a bright smile on her face.

"Hey, Mom! Hey, Chelsea!" Sarah said.

“Hi, sweetheart," Maggie replied, standing up to hug her daughter. "What brings you here?"

Sarah hugged her mother before turning to Chelsea. "I went to the inn, and Iris told me you were here. I wanted to see if you'd be interested in going Christmas shopping with me. With the whole family coming to Captiva for Christmas, I thought it would be nice to get a head start on the gifts."

"That sounds like a great idea. When were you thinking of going?"

"How about tomorrow morning?" Sarah suggested. "We can make a day of it. I thought it might be fun to get the grandchildren their gifts first and then maybe do a gift swap for the adults. If you think it’s a good idea, we should let everyone know.”

Maggie nodded. "That sounds like a wonderful plan.”

“How many grandchildren do you have now, Maggie?" Chelsea asked, trying to count them on her fingers.

Maggie's eyes twinkled with pride.

"Nine, with the tenth on the way. I can’t wait to see Christopher and Becca, she must be showing by now. They'll be coming home to Captiva a few days before everyone else. It's going to be a full house this Christmas."

Sarah laughed. "It sure will. That's why I thought it would be nice to organize the gift giving a bit. The kids can get their presents, and we adults can have a fun gift swap."

“Sounds good to me. We can set a price limit and make it a game. Everyone picks a number, and we draw gifts accordingly,” Maggie said.

Chelsea smiled. "I love that idea. It keeps things simple and fun. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure everyone gets something they’ll enjoy."

Sarah grinned. "Exactly. I thought it would also take some pressure off everyone having to buy individual gifts for every adult. There are too many of us now. This way, it’s more about the fun and less about the stress."

Maggie looked at Chelsea. "What do you think, Chelsea? Would you be up for joining us on our shopping trip tomorrow?"

Chelsea's eyes lit up. "I'd love to. I could use some help picking out gifts."

Maggie laughed. “Great. I’ll help you buy mine. I’ll have to think of something very expensive,” Maggie teased.

“Yeah, good luck with that,” Chelsea responded.

“All right then, it's settled. Tomorrow morning, we'll head out for some Christmas shopping. Make sure we include lunch too. Chelsea can’t go more than a couple of hours without food.”

“Very funny. I don’t always need food. We can get iced tea or coffee and that sometimes holds me over until I can get something to eat.”

Sarah clapped her hands together in excitement.

"Great! I'll pick you both up around 9 AM. We can grab breakfast first and then hit the shops. That way Chelsea can start out with a full stomach. I’ll call you later, Mom. Nice to see you again, Chelsea.”

As Sarah made her way back to her car, she turned to her mother. "By the way, Mom, I heard about the book club. Are you going to join?"

Maggie and Chelsea exchanged amused glances. “How did you hear about it?”

“Claire’s daughter Katie told me in yoga class.”

“Katie is joining it, too?” Maggie asked.

Sarah shrugged. “She’s not sure yet. She does so much traveling for her job, she’s not sure she can commit to a book club. She’s going to let me know.”

“What about you?” Maggie asked.

“Me? I don’t know. These days I’m so busy, I can’t imagine finding time to read. I wouldn’t rule it out. Let me think more about it and I’ll let you know.”

“Your mother and I are considering it," Chelsea said. “Claire’s enthusiasm is contagious, and it might be a good way to stay connected with everyone."

Sarah smiled. "I think it’s a great idea. It’s always nice to have something to look forward to.”

“When are Emma and Gareth coming home?” Maggie asked.

“I’m not sure. Her email said that she’d be home for Christmas, but no additional info. I have no idea of the exact date. I’ll email her back and see if she knows her schedule yet.”

“It will be nice to see her and Gareth again. I’ve heard from Crawford that Finn and Jillian will be here for Christmas too.”

“It’s going to be exciting. I’ve got to get back home. I’ve got a million things to do. I’ll see you both tomorrow morning at nine,” Sarah said and then got into her car.

“I’ve got to get going, too.” Maggie added, “I’m interviewing a new chef this morning. I can’t wait to meet him.”

“Him? The Key Lime Garden Inn hasn’t had a male chef. How does Iris feel about that?”

Maggie shrugged. “She’s fine with it, at least that’s what she said, and when I asked her directly if it mattered to her whether she worked alongside a male or female chef, she said it didn’t matter.”

“Who is he? Where does he come from?”

“He’s from the Orlando area. I believe he’s worked there for several years. He’s moving back to Bonita Springs and wanted something close to his home. I’ve seen his resume and it’s impressive. He’s worked in Paris, New York and San Francisco when he was younger. He hasn’t worked in over a year though, and I’m not sure what that’s about.”

“How old is he?”

“I believe he’s forty-one. Young enough to relate to Iris but old enough to have some experience under his belt. Beyond that, I don’t know much about his personal life.”

“Sounds like he’s single.”

Maggie nodded. “Possibly. Anyway, I’ll know more in a couple of hours. I best get home and see if Iris and Riley need anything. Riley is helping us with the interviews and anything else we need before she leaves after Christmas.”

“I still can’t believe Riley is leaving Captiva,” Chelsea said.

“I know what you mean. I feel that way too. I’m happy for her though. She and Andrew make a wonderful couple, and I can’t wait to see what they do with their new restaurant.”

Maggie kissed Chelsea on the cheek. “I’ll catch up with you later. I haven’t forgotten our lunch-bunch video get-together this Friday. I’m looking forward to hearing what’s new with our friends up north. Oh, I forgot, what happened with Steven’s house-hunting? Did he put an offer on that house we looked at?”

Chelsea shook her head. “Nope, and you won’t believe why. He said he’s decided to buy land and build one of his container homes on it. I’m not sure how much land there is on Sanibel, but we’ll see.”

“That’s exciting. I’ll look forward to hearing more about that. I wouldn’t mind watching something being put together.”

“Me too. Well, you better get going. Let me know how your interview goes with this new guy. By the way, what’s his name?”

“Oliver Laurier, why have you ever heard of him?”

Chelsea shook her head. “No, just curious.”

Maggie nodded, “I’ll call you just as soon as the interview is over.”