The Book Club Hotel(42)

“How is your hair always so shiny and healthy-looking?”

“It’s because I live a sin-free life, full of fruit and vegetables and wholesome thoughts.”

Erica shuddered. “I’d rather have dull hair.”

“I’m just kidding.” Anna reached for a napkin. “It’s a fancy hair pack. I treated myself.”

“You did something for yourself? I’m impressed.”

“I often do things for myself.” Anna glanced between them. “What? Why are you looking at each other like that?”

“Because you never do things for yourself.”

“I think never is a bit strong. It’s true that there are some occasions when I don’t make my needs a priority but I’m working on that. The hair pack was my first attempt. And given that you like my hair, I’d say it is working.” She smiled. “I love our book club week. Has anyone actually read the book?”

“Of course.” Erica pushed her plate away, her food half-eaten. “That’s the whole point of our book club.”

Anna put her burger down. “Since when have we only talked about books? The whole point of book club is that it gives us a chance to talk about life. And isn’t that why we read anyway? To learn about someone else’s life?” Anna’s phone lit up and Claudia grabbed it and read the message on the screen.

“He remembered about Meg’s appointment. Oh, and he loves you. That’s good to know, because we were all starting to doubt it. Can I reply?”

“No.” Anna retrieved her phone and Erica reached for her purse.

“If you two have finished playing phone games, we should get going. Heavy snow is forecast and my car doesn’t love snow. I don’t love snow, either. Remind me again why we’re not in the Caribbean?”

“I adore snow,” said Anna. “Especially when there is no pressure to be anywhere. There’s nothing better than curling up by the fire and watching snow fall.”

Erica finished her water. “I can think of plenty of things that are better.”

“I love snow. I’ve missed snow.” Claudia dug in her purse for money but Erica waved her away.

“Forget it. This one is on me.”

Claudia felt her face burn with embarrassment. “I can’t—”

“Yes, you can. I’m not giving you a choice. Remember that time you spent the day in my apartment preparing a meal for my date in the evening? I still owe you for that.”

“Your date was scared away by your cooking abilities, so does it even count?”

“It counts. You saved me from a dating mistake.” Erica extracted her card. “He was intimidated by a woman who ran her own business, enjoyed sex and could also cook. He said to me, Honey, is there anything you’re bad at?”

Anna laughed and exchanged glances with Claudia. “And you said, Yes, honey, I’m bad at relationships,” Claudia finished the sentence, “and then you kicked him out the door.”

Erica shrugged. “What could I do? Apparently, I shriveled his ego.”

“As long as that is all you shriveled.”

“Anna! I’d forgotten how shocking you are when we peel you away from Pete.” Claudia wriggled out of the booth and they walked back to the car as Erica paid. “Does she seem more tense than usual to you?”

“Erica?” Anna snuggled deeper inside her coat as the wind licked across the parking lot and a few flakes of snow swirled around them. “Yes. But it’s probably a work thing. She works too hard. It always takes her a while to unwind. She needs a vacation.”

Claudia didn’t think that was it, but since she didn’t have evidence to support her theory she simply smiled. “I’m sure you’re right.”

Anna opened the car door. “Do you want to sit in the front for a while?”

“No, you go in the front. I wouldn’t know what to do with my legs if I had more room. Also, I know you get carsick.”

They drove north, and Claudia gazed out the window, enjoying snow-dusted forests and quaint New England villages full of old-fashioned holiday charm that seemed almost too pretty to be real. Stores and homes were festooned with lights and greenery, and for a brief moment she was transported back to childhood, and the magic and wonder of it. She drifted, remembering, and was brought back to the present by Erica’s voice.

“This is it. We’re here. Next turning on the right if the directions are correct.”

Claudia shook off her sleepiness and leaned forward to get a better look.

A fresh layer of snow covered the streets and people hurried along wrapped in thick coats and scarves, the bulging bags they were carrying suggesting a flurry of last-minute shopping.

The trees that bordered the street glowed with thousands of tiny lights, creating a festive walkway.

“Slow down.” Claudia gripped the back of Erica’s seat. “They have a bookstore!”

“Great. I can finish my Christmas shopping.” Anna turned her head to look as Erica drove past it. “It’s called The Read-a-While Bookstore. It’s cute. I love the window display. And they have sofas. Shall we stop and visit?”

“Yes!” Claudia felt a sudden urge to go inside. Bookstores always reminded her of her mother, and right now she could do with that warming and reassuring connection. “It would be the perfect start to the vacation.”