The Book Club Hotel(53)

Claudia remembered the first time she’d opened up to them in college. It had been a turning point in their friendship.

Knowing how hard it was for Erica to ask for support, Claudia reached out and gave her arm a squeeze.

“This is a lovely bookstore. Let’s explore.”

Erica finally stirred. “Yes,” she said. “Good idea.”

They stepped farther into the store, away from the conversation. They didn’t need to hear more about Hattie, Claudia thought. They didn’t need to hear that she was exhausted. What was Erica supposed to do anyway? If Hattie’s life was stressful then Erica announcing her existence would surely only add to the stress.

Erica was probably right to walk away. Hattie clearly wasn’t alone and struggling. She had a whole community of people to support her. She had Lynda and she had Noah. Was Noah that gorgeous guy in the truck who had delivered the logs? She didn’t need anyone else.

“There you are!” Anna suddenly appeared. “I was talking to you both for at least five minutes before I realized you weren’t there. I’ve found this stunning art book. I think Meg would love it. And I’ve found a book on battlefields for Pete—are you two all right?”

“Yes,” Claudia said. “We’re fine. Just browsing.”

Anna glanced at the bookshelf next to Erica. “Since when were you two interested in notebooks?”

Notebooks?

Claudia took a closer look at the shelf in front of her. Notebooks. She hadn’t even noticed what she was staring at.

“We thought maybe we’d start journaling.”

“You’re kidding.”

“Yes, she’s kidding,” Erica said. “We’ve been eavesdropping shamelessly. Who knew that the local bookstore would be the perfect place to gain insight into the community? It’s the equivalent of the office water cooler.”

Anna studied her carefully and then gave her sleeve a tug. “Come and see the thriller section. It’s brilliant. All crime tape and blood-spattered walls. You’ll love it.”

Erica allowed Anna to propel her into the next room. Claudia followed.

In normal circumstances she would have admired the business brain behind the store. The whole place was designed to draw people in. She was desperate to explore the cookery section but she didn’t want to leave Erica.

Anna pulled Erica into a corner away from other people. “You’re upset. Tell me about the conversation you overheard.”

“They were talking about Hattie. Everyone seems to know her.”

“Small town.” Anna paused as a woman passed them on her way to the romance section. “Did you learn anything interesting?”

Erica paused. “I learned that life has been tough for her.”

“Right. But you assumed that. It’s why you came looking for her, isn’t it?”

Erica was silent and Claudia wondered if she even really knew why she’d come looking for Hattie.

Anna frowned. “You can change your mind and stay if you want to?”

Claudia held her breath. She so badly wanted to stay but Erica immediately shook her head.

“I don’t want to stay.”

“Are you sure?” Anna was watching her closely. “I wondered if hearing them talk about her might have changed your mind.”

“On the contrary, it’s clear to me that she has a big support network here. There’s no reason to stay.”

Anna hesitated. “You’re her family, Erica. That’s a good reason.”

“We both know there’s more to family than DNA. She doesn’t need me, Anna.”

“Maybe she does.” Anna spoke softly. “And maybe you need her.”

“That’s absurd,” Erica said. “I’ve made it to forty without her in my life. I’m sure I can survive the next few decades.”

“I’m sure you can. But there’s a difference between surviving and thriving. Maybe the risk would be worth it. Maybe,” Anna said, “those decades would be richer for having her as part of your life.”

“I don’t need the emotional complication,” Erica said. “And your problem is that you’re too much of a romantic.”

Anna smiled. “I don’t see that as a problem.”

“How are we friends?”

“I don’t know, but you held my hair back the first time I drank too much and was sick so we’re bonded forever. There’s no escaping me.” Anna glanced at the cover of the book next to them and shuddered. “Why do people read this stuff?”

“Because it allows them to experience the darker side of the world without taking personal risk. And that was the only time you’ve ever drunk too much.”

“It wasn’t an experience I wanted to repeat.”

“Your bad-girl credentials are lacking.” But it was a reminder of how well they knew each other, how deep their friendship ran. “I just want things to go back to the way they were. I wish my mother had thrown that card away. I wish I’d never found it. I wish I’d never acted on it.”

Claudia put the book she was holding back on the shelf. “Do you really?”

“Yes.” Erica straightened her shoulders. “I’m leaving tomorrow. I’ve made my decision and I’m comfortable with that decision. So why do I feel weird?”