Chapter 25
Satisfied that Kitty was keeping her word by reading Pride and Prejudice, Riva tried to reassure her other tenants that Kitty was opening up to change.
Of course, Laurel doubted this. “She’s just manipulating you, Riva,” she said over coffee the next morning. “She knows how to work people. It’s all in that book I told you about.”
“Maybe you should be reading a different book,” Riva suggested.
“Or maybe you need to read it for yourself. It’s a real eye-opener.”
“Well, I’m glad it’s been helpful to you, Laurel. Books can be wonderful tools.” Riva stood and excused herself into the house, then went straight to the library. She wanted to find just the right book to give Laurel another perspective. But what was it?
Suddenly one spine seemed to shine out among the others.
Riva reached for Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.
She knew this story well, but she skimmed the copy on the back anyway.
A western retelling of an ancient story with a gripping theme of grace and forgiveness .
. . Would Laurel be willing to read it? She put the book under her arm as another spine caught her eye.
A title she’d enjoyed years ago, and read twice, one of her favorite novels.
In the book the protagonist, a dear older woman named Penelope, reflected on her life, had a love of gardening and cooking, and in some ways reminded Riva of Windy.
As she pulled out The Shell Seekers, a light bulb went on in her head!
She would give all her tenants a reading assignment—just like she’d done with Kitty!
And since they’d all agreed their book group wouldn’t start until autumn, they should have plenty of time to read something else.
Plus, during their hiatus from entertaining males, the women could focus on reading instead. Why not? Now she needed one more book.
Fiona was the busiest of the bunch so she wanted to pick a quick read for her.
Spotting Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan, she knew she’d found it.
Well, unless Fiona had already read it. Fiona had just mentioned feeling a bit homesick so she hoped the familiarity of the Irish setting might be uplifting.
Tonight at dinner, she’d make her recommendations.
She’d use Kitty’s enforced reading as her inspiration.
What was good for Kitty was probably good for all of them.
Kind of a restart perhaps. Hopefully they wouldn’t balk at the idea.
But if Kitty could stretch herself to read Jane Austen, the others should be willing to step up too.
It would be like book group therapy. Maybe she could claim it was a prerequisite for housing.
She could even change the rental agreement to include a book clause, requiring them to read more. Or would that be going too far?
Riva removed the orange-glazed salmon from the grill, then set it on the oversized platter alongside the grilled veggies and ears of corn.
“It’s ready,” she called out to her friends seated at the patio table.
“Looks lovely,” Fiona said as Riva set the platter in the center of the table.
“I’m so glad you could join us tonight,” Riva told her.
Laurel reached for the bowl of fruit salad. “Yeah, it’s not often you have the night off.”
Fiona nodded. “We’ve gotten some brilliant gigs since playing The Brewery.”
“That’s not surprising.” Windy reached for an ear of corn.
When their plates were all full, Riva suggested she say a blessing. They didn’t always pray before a meal, but with all the ups and downs in the house lately, Riva had decided it was time to switch things up or maybe to calm things down.
After the blessing, Laurel snickered.
“Was that funny?” Riva asked as she dished out some veggies.
“It’s not you,” Laurel said quickly. “I was just thinking it’s good that Kitty is stuck in her room or she might protest the prayer.”
“She’s not a complete heathen,” Riva said.
Laurel took a piece of salmon. “If she’s not, I’d like to know who is.”
“Fortunately, God loves us all, heathens included.” Riva gave Laurel the same stern look that she used to reserve for her children when they were acting out.
“Speaking of Kitty, I saw that she was more than half finished with Pride and Prejudice,” Windy said. “I was impressed.”
“I talked with her about it for a bit yesterday,” Riva told her. “I was surprised at how well she seemed to be following the story, especially for a nonreader.”
“That’s only because she’s afraid you’ll kick her out if she doesn’t,” Laurel added.
“Riva wouldn’t do that,” Fiona told Laurel.
“Don’t be too sure,” Riva said. “Although, to be fair, I was about to ask her to leave for other infractions of household rules.”
“And the list is long,” Laurel said.
“No one could blame you for giving Kitty notice,” Windy told Riva.
“And if Kitty moved on, we could probably put the brakes on our male moratorium,” Laurel added.
“I miss those little shindigs we were having.” She pointed her fork at Fiona.
“Your music was so lively, and those dancing lessons—so fun. That is, until Kitty would blow in and ruin everything. I sure don’t miss that. ”
“I have to agree,” Windy said cautiously. “Even now, it’s nice with just the four of us here peacefully dining together. To be honest, I don’t miss Kitty either.”
Riva looked nervously toward the house. Fortunately, Kitty still couldn’t manage the stairs with crutches.
But the thought of her overhearing them was unsettling.
Kitty’s room faced the front of the house, so there was little chance she’d overhear anything.
Still, Riva didn’t appreciate conversation that felt mean-spirited and gossipy to her.
“Kitty does have problems,” she said quietly, “but if she’s willing to make some changes, I’m willing to give her a second chance. ”
Laurel grunted. “And third and fourth and—”
“Come on, Laurel, let’s not kick her while she’s down.” Riva decided it was time to segue this conversation “Okay, ladies, I have a challenge for you.”
“I like challenges.” Laurel took a sip of her water.
“Good.” Riva took a deep breath. “Since I forced Kitty to read a book, I’ve decided it’s only fair to impose some mandatory reading on you guys too.
Okay, mandatory is a strong word. I obviously didn’t include this in your rental agreement like I did with Kitty.
But as a goodwill effort, I would appreciate it if you humored me. ”
“I’ve already read Pride and Prejudice,” Windy said. “But I’m willing.”
“I’ve read it too,” Fiona added.
“That’s not what I had in mind.” Riva reached for the small stack of books under her chair, then set them on the table beside her.
“I picked out three titles from my library for each of you, just like I did for Kitty with Pride and Prejudice. I tried to choose books I thought you might like.” She picked up The Shell Seekers.
“This is one of my favorite novels, Windy. You may have already read it.” She handed the thick hardback to her.
“The Shell Seekers?” Windy studied the front. “Pretty cover.”
“You haven’t read it?”
“No. I’ve read other Rosamunde Pilcher novels, and I adore her writing style, but I’ve never read this one before.”
“The main character is named Penelope,” Riva said with enthusiasm. “She’s about our age. She loves gardening and cooking, and she is looking back on her, well, somewhat dysfunctional life and family. But she’s a good, kind, and strong woman.”
“Sounds like my kind of book. Thanks, Riva.”
Riva had expected Windy to be an easy sale. Now she handed the small hardback novella to Fiona, but before she could explain it, Fiona lit up.
“I wanted to get this when it came out, Riva. It’s set in the same era as when I was growing up. I’ve heard it’s absolutely brilliant.”
“You won’t mind a little Christmas in July?” Riva asked.
“Not at all. I hope it snows in the book. That’ll cool me down on my lunch breaks at the bistro. It gets miserable hot in the kitchen.” Fiona hugged the book to her chest. “Thank you, Riva. I can’t wait to start it.”
“I suppose that one’s for me.” Laurel reached for the last book on the table. “Redeeming Love?” She snorted. “Looks like a romance novel.”
“There is a romantic thread,” Riva conceded.
“Well, I suppose I could get into that.” She tapped a knuckle on the cover. “It’s pretty thick though.”
“I read it years ago but want to read it again.” Riva held back from describing the premise about grace, forgiveness, and second chances. She’d let Laurel discover it for herself.
“I’ve read it too,” Windy told Laurel. “It’s a beautiful story.”
“I’m so glad you’re all on board.” Riva beamed at them.
“I hope we can all finish our books and meet before long. Then we can share what we thought about our books. I think I might even have some questions. It’ll be kind of a premiere to our book group in the fall.
And to sweeten the deal, I’ll provide some special treats. Something cool involving chocolate.”
“Count me in,” Windy said.
“I hope we can work around my schedule.” Fiona refilled her iced tea. “I don’t want to miss it.”
“Just let me know what day’s good for you.” Riva smiled with satisfaction. Her book project was off to a solid start. Well, other than Laurel who was still scowling down at her book. “So when is your next music gig?” she asked Fiona.
“We’re booked for Saturday night,” Fiona explained. “A friend of my brother’s is having a barn wedding. It’ll be craic.”
“Crack?” Laurel looked worried. “As in drugs?”
“It’s an Irish word that means great fun,” Riva told Laurel.
“So when’s your next gig that’s open to the public?” Windy asked Fiona.
“Not for nearly a fortnight. I think we’re booked at The Brewery again.”
“Be sure and let us know.” Riva helped herself to more fruit salad.
She missed Fiona’s cheerful music and looked forward to hearing them perform again, but that could wait for another day.
For the time being, her priority was restoring peace and order to her home.
Like the four of them were enjoying tonight.
There was no denying that Kitty’s absence from their table, albeit temporary, improved the general atmosphere dramatically.