In a Book Club Far Away

by Tif Marcelo

  Adelaide cleared her throat, tentative at Regina’s sudden change in demeanor. But she responded with gusto, because she would take any kind of communication from her. “I really like how the author tackled four different strong personalities of women who were there for each other rather than to bring each other down.”

  “See? That’s the thing… toward the end I was ready to just give up on the book—I mean, movie—because each one of the characters, despite their differences, was sometimes too stubborn for her own good. It was frustrating that they couldn’t see what they could do to improve their situation.”

  “It’s never that easy, though,” Sophie said.

  “I know. It isn’t.” Regina turned off the stove, and grabbed her plate, already piled with food. She joined them at the kitchen table. “Because it takes a while to really understand who and what the real problem is. Back then, it was Logan’s affair—and now, my intent on blaming someone else for it.”

  “Regina,” Adelaide started, because she had more to say, too. “This is not on you. This was on me. It was my fault then and it’s my fault now. I always so much want for things to be fine, when I should have allowed things to simply be, and accepted as such. I’m so sorry.”

  “No, no, no,” Sophie said. “It was also on me. Back then, I should have gone to you immediately, Regina. But I wasn’t sure if I should intrude. If it happened today, it would have been different. I would have called everything out right there and then at the festival. I wouldn’t have hesitated.”

  Regina clasped her hands together. “Adelaide, I’m still mad. I still have feelings, lots of them. But I also moved on long ago, and after this week, as painful as it has been being with other type A–ers in this little house, I realized that I can’t keep going without you both. Sophie, I know I said that I’d never forgiven you, but spending time here with you proved that not only was that not true, but I shouldn’t have written you off. It was wrong, but I can’t go back in time to fix things, though I wish I could. When it comes down to it, I missed you.”

  Sophie pressed her lips together. “I really missed you, too.”

  Adelaide’s eyes filled with tears.

  “I can’t say it will be smooth from here on out, but I don’t want to miss anyone anymore. I don’t want to lose time,” Regina said.

  “Really?” Adelaide asked. Her chest heaved with relief, with gratitude.

  “We have years to catch up on,” Sophie said.

  “Years together.” Adelaide said, “But can we really try again?”

  Regina nodded. “We can. Try.”

  Sophie sniffled. “Damn it. Why are you making me cry into my waffles?”

  Regina put a hand in the middle of the table, and Adelaide clasped it. Sophie laid a hand on top of theirs.

  It was their old tradition in a new age, tested by time, and strengthened by a book club far away.

  EPILOGUE

  Regina

  One Year Later

  Regina stepped down from her rented moving van and slipped the sunglasses off her face. The wind whipped with the start of spring, and she tightened her scarf around her neck. She stared at the red brick of an eight-hundred-square-foot town house in Old Town Alexandria.

  The door on the passenger side opened, and Miko bounded out.

  “Here she is,” she said. “Home sweet home.”

  “It’s like Baby Bear.”

  “It is.” She tousled his hair, and laughed. The town house, a Georgian, was situated in between two taller town houses, like a Mama and Papa Bear. “It’s perfect for the three of us. The school is two blocks down, and Ninang Adelaide is only three blocks South. Your dad is only two miles from here. And, bonus, parking spaces on this street are only for residents.”

  Speaking of. Regina turned and put a hand over her forehead to block the sun. Shortly, she detected the rumble of Baby and then the shine of her bumper as it crested the small cobblestone hill. It parked a street down, at an open spot. “Lola just parked, Miko.”

  They waited patiently for Gloria to walk up the street. She had a visor over her head, expansive so it shaded the sides of her face. Still, her smile was bright, matching her pink windbreaker and blue jean capris. “I can’t wait to see your new house.”

  “Our house, Ma,” she reminded her.

  It had been a whirlwind since she returned to Columbus after her trip to Adelaide’s last year. After a thorough review of her business, Regina indeed had had no choice but to close, but it wasn’t going to be for long. “After all,” Regina reminded her mother, “you helped with the deposit for this and for the new business. We have a bedroom with your name on it, and fully expect you be here all the time.”

  “No more talk about money. What’s mine is yours and Miko’s. This is a good decision. New place, new opportunities. It’s what I always hoped for you.” She climbed the steps with them. “It’s very cute. I can’t wait to see inside.”

  “Wait till you see the kitchen.” But when she jiggled the key into the door, it didn’t work. “What the heck?” She inspected the key, then flipped to the other on the ring, and while the key slipped into the keyhole, it didn’t turn.

  “Maybe Missy gave you the wrong key?”

  The red front door opened, and a rush of people yelled. From around her, Regina felt the flutter of confetti. Henry swept her into his arms and kissed her. Adelaide and Matt and Genevieve followed, greeting Miko with a hug. Then came Sophie and Jasper, and Missy. They each had a plastic cup in their hand, filled with a pink bubbly drink.

  A wave of nostalgia crashed over her so strong that she felt it deep in her chest. “Oh my goodness. What are you all doing here?”

  “You think you’re the only one who can throw a surprise party?” Adelaide said. “Actually it was Sophie who had the out-of-this-world idea to fill your fridge with food and make sure your bathroom’s stocked. I only had the key.”

  “What can I say?” Sophie said. “Since we were visiting the girls in college, I thought, why not swing by to welcome you, since I suppose I owe you for all of those meals you cooked last year.”

  “Your girls go to school in North Carolina.”

  Sophie shrugged. “Like I said. I was in the neighborhood. Besides, I didn’t want to miss out on meeting Lola Gloria. This is the woman who had to put up with Regina for at least eighteen years.”

  “Twenty-three now, because she was a boomerang.” Her mother laughed.

  “Hello. I am right here.” Regina’s face heated. “Seriously, I’m so surprised, and oh my God!” Regina walked through the living room, gawking at the newly painted walls. She spun to face Adelaide. “You did this?”

  “I did. It’s the least I could do, for helping me last year. And because I know you like white on white. And to quote Sophie, what good am I as an interior decorator if I can’t help the people I love?”

  “Thank you. Thank you, everyone. I admit. It was tough leaving Georgia.” She nodded toward Miko, who was now playing with Genevieve. He was showing her how to press the buttons on his handheld video game. “And I know we’ll have some moments, but I’m excited to start anew. The Perfect Day personal chef, opening May 2022.”

  A round of applause ensued.

  “Speaking of,” Missy said, gesturing toward the rear of the home, “your documents and extra keys are on the kitchen counter, along with my phone number so you can add me to your friend list. I don’t know what strings I have to pull, but I want in on this online book club you all started.”

  “Thank you, Missy, for finding this place for me.”

  “Of course!” Missy returned a stiff smile. Regina glanced at the others, and they, too, were silent.

  “What’s going on?” she asked.

  “Go to the kitchen, iha,” Gloria said.

  “Okay.”

  Under everyone’s watchful eye, Regina passed through the darkened hallway, into the kitchen, which was brightly lit by the back windows. On the marble island was a little black box. Regina halted, st
unned.

  From behind her, hands on her shoulders gently nudged her forward. The sun through the window warmed her face, and along with it came energy and hope. She watched Henry get down on one knee.

  Inside, she had expected this. Much like their kisses, their dates. Nothing was surprising or scary. Everything was tender and momentous. Like their conversations, their love flowed with ease, buoyed by trust the whole length of its journey.

  His proposal was heartfelt. It was beautiful and tearful and perfect, and only made better that it was in the kitchen where she would, in the future, cook meals to show her love to her new husband, her growing son, and the new baby in her belly.

  But today was for partying. After another round of applause, the wine flowed.

  “Regina, Sophie! We need a selfie,” Adelaide said, tipsy, cheeks pink.

  “Yes!” Sophie said. “I have my phone right here.”

  “Soph, I’ve seen your selfies—might want Ad to do it,” Regina teased.

  “Listen, don’t get all cocky just because it’s your day.”

  “You don’t know how to angle!”

  “Hush, y’all! Dang.” Adelaide extended her arm. On the phone screen, three women looked back, eleven years older, a little broken, a lot wiser, and inexplicably still surrounded by love.

  “Say ‘book club’!” Regina shouted, a spontaneous request at realizing what they had all overcome.

  Their voices rang through the crowded kitchen. “Book club!”

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  In a Book Club Far Away brewed inside me for so long that I wrote the first draft in about six weeks. But as with all first drafts (and even its consequent revisions), it didn’t become a final book without being read and treated with care by an entire village of fantastic book people.

  First, the inspiration: the military spouses and book club ladies (sometimes the combo of both depending on duty station) I’ve met during the last two-plus decades who have given me the foundation of friendship in my adult life. My life is richer because of your insight, love, laughter, and acceptance. You taught me to make friends quickly, to speak up, to help without reservation, to start anew with each fresh chapter. From you I nurtured my love of adventure, storytelling, and a glass of wine.

  Sending thanks to these special readers (milspouses and avid book people) who have given me their points of view and who were brave enough to traverse my horrible typing skills in an earlier draft: Kim Cousins, Robin O’Sullivan, and Stephanie Winkelhake.

  As always, many thanks to the #girlswritenight ladies, Annie Rains, Rachel Lacey, Sidney Halston, and April Hunt; #batsignal Mia Sosa, Tracey Livesay, Priscilla Oliveras, Michele Arris, and Nina Crespo, who are truly beacons of positivity; the ever-vigilant and supportive Tall Poppy Writers, who I have the privilege of being a part of; #5amwritersclub, my everyday check-in, my early bird inspiration; and finally, innumerable and generous authors such as Julia Kelly, Amy Impellizzeri, Amy E. Reichert, and Camille Pagan.

  Thank you to the team at Gallery Books! Erica Ferguson and Christine Masters for wrangling my words, Ella Laytham (once again!) for a gorgeous cover, and Jaime Putorti for the book’s interior design. Bianca Salvant, Molly Gregory, and Michelle Podberezniak—sending thankful hearts your way!

  LEO PR, thank you for your incredible work, most especially Kristin Dwyer, who is a reed amid rushing water.

  Kate Dresser—we did it again! How did we do this? Thank you for intuitively knowing there was a book in my ramblings. You have a magical touch, but most of all, you are so patient with my process. Your belief in each book, in me, keeps me going when it gets tough.

  Agent Rachel Brooks, the buffer of all of my thoughts, author whisperer. You are hereby dubbed Best Listener of All of Booklandia. You are incredible.

  My loving parents, brothers, and sisters who cheer me on from states away—I miss you all the time.

  My children Greggy, Cooper, Ella, and Anna, resilient and loving Army brats—you all have experienced so much and you inspire every single one of my books.

  To Greg, my husband and partner of over twenty years, all thus far entrenched in Army life, we’ve come so far from the lieutenants we once were, from the marriage we once had, from the tiny apartment we burned our first meals in. I love you.

  Finally, to readers, bloggers, reviewers, booksellers, and librarians: thank you for taking In a Book Club Far Away into your hearts! I hope you saw the love I have for military spouses and dependents, the joy of the Army life despite its challenges, my belief in friendship, and the wonder and magic a book club can bring to a community. I’m grateful for your support.

  More from the Author

  Once Upon a Sunset

  The Key to Happily Ever After

  West Coast Love

  East in Paradise

  North to You

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  © FRANCHESCA COLE

  TIF MARCELO is a veteran Army nurse and holds a bachelor of science in nursing and a master of public administration. She believes in and writes about the strength of families, the endurance of friendship, and heartfelt romances and is inspired daily by her own military hero husband and four children. She is also the author of Once Upon a Sunset, The Key to Happily Ever After, and the Journey to the Heart series.

  FOR MORE ON THIS AUTHOR:

  SimonandSchuster.com/Authors/Tif-Marcelo

  SimonandSchuster.com

  @GalleryBooks

  ALSO BY TIF MARCELO

  Once Upon a Sunset

  The Key to Happily Ever After

  West Coast Love

  East in Paradise

  North to You

  We hope you enjoyed reading this Simon & Schuster ebook.

  Get a FREE ebook when you join our mailing list. Plus, get updates on new releases, deals, recommended reads, and more from Simon & Schuster. Click below to sign up and see terms and conditions.

  CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

  Already a subscriber? Provide your email again so we can register this ebook and send you more of what you like to read. You will continue to receive exclusive offers in your inbox.

  Gallery Books

  An Imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

  1230 Avenue of the Americas

  New York, NY 10020

  www.SimonandSchuster.com

  This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2021 by Tiffany Johnson

  All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, address Gallery Books Subsidiary Rights Department, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.

  First Gallery Books trade paperback edition April 2021

  GALLERY BOOKS and colophon are registered trademarks of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

  For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Simon & Schuster Special Sales at 1-866-506-1949 or business@simonandschuster.com.

  The Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureau can bring authors to your live event. For more information or to book an event, contact the Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureau at 1-866-248-3049 or visit our website at www.simonspeakers.com.

  Interior design by Jaime Putorti

  Cover design by Ella Laytham

  Cover photographs by Getty Images and plainpicture/David Prince

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

  Names: Marcelo, Tif, author.

  Title: In a book club far away / Tif Marcelo.

  Description: First Gallery Books trade paperback edition. | New York : Gallery Books, 2021.

  Identifiers: LCCN 2020017520 (print) | LCCN 2020017521 (ebook) | ISBN 9781982148096 (trade paperback) | ISBN 9781982148102 (ebook)

  Classification: LC
C PS3613.A73244 I5 2021 (print) | LCC PS3613.A73244 (ebook) | DDC 813/.6—dc23

  LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020017520

  LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020017521

  ISBN 978-1-9821-4809-6

  ISBN 978-1-9821-4810-2 (ebook)