Chapter 41
Chapter Forty-One
By late afternoon on Thursday, Paige’s house had taken on that familiar hum of anticipation that she loved so much. It was the kind that came from knowing her friends were about to fill the space with voices and opinions and laughter.
Book club night. Queen Bees night. She didn’t think it would ever get old. She hoped it didn’t.
Paige moved through the house with purpose.
The coffee table had been set with coasters and a stack of small napkins, just so they’d be handy.
A bottle of wine breathed on the counter beside a bowl of good olives and another of roasted almonds with salt and rosemary.
A pair of vanilla and jasmine candles were lit, just for a touch of soft atmosphere and fragrance.
She wanted the house to feel like the kind of place where people felt welcome to sit down and stay awhile.
She checked her phone, more out of habit than anything else. There were new comments on the day’s posts, but nothing she needed to deal with immediately. Nothing more from Darcy and no texts from any of the Queen Bees, either.
That was good. That meant they were all still coming.
Outside, the early evening light slanted across the street, the sky already starting its slow drift toward dusk. Paige adjusted one of the throw pillows on the couch and stared in the direction of the Community Hall. Where Darcy’s meeting was also about to happen.
Before she could think about that too much, the doorbell rang.
Paige opened the door to find Blaise standing there with a tote bag slung over one shoulder and a familiar, bright expression on her face. She was energized in a way Paige recognized. Paige couldn’t wait to find out more.
“Please tell me you brought those amazing brownies again,” Paige said.
Blaise laughed as she stepped inside. “I did.”
They hugged, then Blaise went into the kitchen to add the brownies to the spread on the counter. She looked happy to be here, which mirrored exactly how Paige was feeling.
The doorbell rang again just minutes after Paige had closed the door.
Maude stood there, carrying a bag of ice, a tub of grapes, and wearing her usual observant expression that held just a hint of a smile. It was as if she’d already figured out how valuable her ever-present sense of humor was to this gathering.
“Hi,” Maude said. “Smells good in here. What is that?”
“Vanilla and jasmine candles,” Paige said, taking the ice. “Now come in before I put you to work.”
“I wouldn’t mind,” Maude replied. “As long as it doesn’t involve doing dishes.”
“Not yet,” Blaise called out, giving Maude a wave.
Behind Maude came Essie, a little flushed from the walk over, her smile soft and genuine. Paige noticed immediately how relaxed she looked. Lighter somehow. It was a real testament to her strength of spirit that she could remain calm, even with everything that had been happening in her life lately.
“You look happy,” Paige said as she hugged her.
Essie’s smile deepened. “I am. Maple has been a blessing.”
“She’s such a beauty. I can’t wait to meet her in person,” Paige said.
Then Cece arrived with a meat and cheese tray. She greeted Paige with a one-armed hug. “Did you get those interview questions I sent?”
“I did and they’re great. I have a few suggestions that I’ll send you tomorrow.”
Cece nodded. “Sounds good.”
Althea followed, surveying the spread with approval. “You’ve all outdone yourselves. I should have brought something, but I was feeling lazy.”
“We have plenty,” Paige told her.
Everyone started filling plates and getting drinks.
Soon the house held that familiar blend of sounds.
Overlapping conversations, laughter, the clink of glasses.
Paige had some light jazz going but she’d turned the volume down quite a bit.
They all settled into their usual spots, which had become their own without ever having agreed on them.
Paige stood back for a moment, watching them all, her heart filling with love and admiration.
These were her people. These women who understood what it meant to go through hardships, to reinvent themselves, to not accept defeat.
This group was more valuable to her than any of her material possessions.
All because of how quickly they’d shown up for her.
She loved how supportive, willing to listen, and willing to speak honestly in return they were.
Whatever else lay ahead, whatever complications or confrontations or new beginnings waited just beyond the horizon, this part of her life felt steady.
Book club night had begun.
Paige took her seat. “All right,” she said, smiling as she looked around the circle. “Before we even talk about the book, I want updates. You know how I’m doing. You’ve heard about Darcy and Luminelle all week. How’s everyone else doing?”
There was a brief chorus of good and fine followed by a few knowing looks. Paige lifted a brow. “Okay, then. Who wants to go first?”
Blaise surprised her by lifting her hand. “I will.”
Paige’s smile widened. “All right, Blaise. The floor is yours.”
Blaise laughed softly, then tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “This feels strange to say out loud,” she admitted. “But I booked a photo shoot. An actual modeling job.”
Essie gasped and Maude looked thrilled.
“A real one,” Blaise added quickly, as if someone might assume otherwise. “For a designer in Miami.”
Paige blinked. So did Cece and Althea.
“Wait,” Essie said. “A fashion designer?”
“Yes,” Blaise said, nodding. “It’s for his brand. He reached out through my new website.”
“The one Maude did for you?” Cece asked.
Blaise glanced at her and smiled. “That’s right. He said he found it after listening to your podcast, which his assistant sent to him. He had no idea that I was available.” She made a small motion with her hand, as if the word still felt odd in her mouth. “He didn’t know I was working again.”
The room reacted all at once.
“That’s incredible,” Paige said, leaning forward.
“And fast,” Maude added.
“It’s well-deserved,” Althea said. “I don’t care how long it’s been since you last did the modeling thing. Talent doesn’t expire. And in your case, neither have your looks or your figure.”
“Thank you.” Blaise’s cheeks flushed, but she didn’t argue. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around it,” she said. “I thought the website might lead to something eventually. But this?” She shook her head. “This is amazing.”
“It is,” Cece said firmly. “It’s also proof that the podcast is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.”
Blaise smiled at her. “You bet it is.”
“All right,” Paige said, smiling. “Essie, you’re up. We all want to hear about Maple.”
Essie’s face lit up instantly. “Oh, I’m in love,” she said without hesitation. “Completely. She’s sweet, she’s calm, she walks on a leash like she’s been doing it her whole life, and she already thinks the beach was created just for her.”
That earned a round of laughter.
“She’s been great,” Essie went on. “A little cautious at first, but once she figured out that she was really and truly home, she relaxed. We’ve been taking a lot of short walks, just getting used to each other. I swear she already knows the sound of my flipflops.”
“That’s how they get you,” Blaise said. “They overload you with adorableness and you become putty in their hands.”
Maude nodded. “Ollie’s dog, Milo, is the same way.”
Essie was all smiles. “They’re the best, aren’t they? I’m already planning our mornings around her. Beach walks, then coffee. She’s good company.”
Paige leaned back, so happy for her friend. “How are things with Sophie?”
Essie’s smile faded. “Still complicated,” she said honestly. “I’m watching her posts and trying not to read too much into every single one, but it’s harder than it sounds.”
“Is she okay?” Cece asked gently.
Essie gave a small shrug. “I really don’t think so. She needs to figure out who she is now. Without her mother. Without a plan. Frank and I are both keeping an eye on her, but we can’t force help on her.”
Althea sighed like she understood.
“How is Frank?” Paige asked. “Any word on when he’ll be back?”
“Not really,” Essie said. “He and Chad are still sorting through some things with the new branch out there, but he’s hoping to be home in another couple of weeks. I know he can’t wait to meet Maple.”
Althea smiled. “That dog’s going to have him wrapped around her paw.”
Essie laughed. “I know. And I’m fully prepared for that.”
Paige turned next to Althea, who was sitting with her hands folded in her lap, posture elegant as always.
“And you?” Paige asked. “How are things with Lester?”
Althea’s expression softened. “Much better,” she said.
“He’s nearly back to his old self. Maybe a little slower getting up from chairs, and he complains more than he used to, but then again, so do I.
” That got her a small ripple of laughter.
“All things considered, I’m grateful for how well he’s getting on. ”
“That’s good news,” Cece said.
“It is,” Althea agreed. “There were moments when I wasn’t sure what his recovery would look like. You start to imagine all sorts of futures, most of them unpleasant. But we’re finding our groove again.”
She paused, then glanced around the circle, her gaze lingering on each of them in turn. “And I want to say something, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course,” Paige said.
Althea drew a quiet breath. “I didn’t expect to find myself in a group like this. At my age, you don’t ever assume new friendships are on the horizon.” Her mouth curved into a gentle smile. “But I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Being included. And made to feel so welcome.”
Essie reached over and gave her hand a squeeze.
“It’s meant more to me than I can properly say,” Althea finished. “So thank you.”
The most wonderful warmth settle in Paige’s chest. This, she thought, was exactly the kind of thing she’d hoped for. Real connections.
“Well,” Paige said lightly, “you’re stuck with us now.”
Althea laughed. “I suspected as much.”