by Cindy Kirk
Each time she attended a meeting and members told her how happy they were that she’d come to Holly Pointe, the sick feeling that had taken up permanent residence in the pit of her stomach flared.
Stella feared that no matter how fair she tried to be, Jane would push her to make the story more salacious. But if she told Jane right now that she wouldn’t skew the story, the managing editor would likely fire her and send someone else up here. Or just have them write the story from Miami.
As she strode down the street toward the courthouse on this Friday afternoon, with Christmas less than three weeks away, she told herself that by the end of the weekend, she would deal with the Jane situation.
The temperature was reported to be in the midtwenties, but with the sun shining brightly, it felt almost balmy.
Of course, she was dressed for the weather with her coat, boots, and hat. The new mittens she’d ordered from L. L. Bean had arrived yesterday. The sky was clear, and despite the chill in the air, the sun warmed her face.
One more event to get through before she’d spend the evening with Sam. She hoped he’d had a chance to speak with Kenny. She was eager to learn what he’d discovered.
The courthouse steps were only a few feet away when Lucy descended the steps and stopped directly in front of her.
Striking in a royal-blue boiled-wool coat, she wore a plaid beret and leather gloves that were as sleek and elegant as the woman herself. Next to the stylish blonde, Stella suddenly felt as clunky as a bull in a china shop.
“Hi, Lucy.” Stella would have started up the steps, but the blonde didn’t move an inch.
“I thought you’d be at Lit-n-Latte.” Lucy cocked her head, and her blue eyes narrowed. “I’m the facilitator of the discussion group this year. Faith informed me you were coming to participate and take pictures. Our members were looking forward to it.”
“I’m headed there now.” Stella gestured toward the Courthouse. “My event list says the meeting is in conference room 112.”
Lucy started shaking her head even before Stella finished talking. “We met there last month because the Busy Bean was hosting a dominos tournament at our normal meeting time. Faith must have forgotten to change the location on your list.”
“It’s lucky I ran into you.” Stella wanted to like Lucy, truly she did. But it felt as if Lucy had erected this invisible wall between herself and the world that never let anyone get too close.
Or it might simply be that Lucy didn’t want to let her get too close.
Stella could empathize. She continually had to fight the urge to not lean, not depend on anyone else too much. It didn’t take a shrink to tell her that she feared being hurt again. Perhaps, because of Kevin’s death, it was the same for Lucy.
As she and Lucy strolled down the sidewalk crowded with shoppers, Lucy slanted a sideways glance in Stella’s direction. “I hear you and Sam are dating.”
“Sam is a wonderful guy.” Knowing the relationship that existed between him and Lucy had Stella carefully choosing her next words. “I’m new in town, and he’s helping me get acclimated.”
“You’re the first woman Sam has shown an interest in since Britt.” Lucy offered a warm smile to two older women who were hurrying down the sidewalk in the opposite direction, then added, “The historical preservation society is having a meeting at the courthouse this afternoon.”
Another club, er, organization. Stella had to smile. Her friends in Miami had warned her that life in a small town such as Holly Pointe would likely be tedious. But it had been anything but boring.
“The women—and men—in the group have done a fabulous job collecting and researching the town’s history.” Lucy’s eyes blazed with surprising passion. “We got lucky when Olive Stanhope returned to Holly Pointe.”
There were a dozen questions hovering on Stella’s lips. The more she learned about Holly Pointe, the more she wanted to learn. It would be easy to be drawn into a discussion of what the members of the historical society actually did, but Stella couldn’t let herself be distracted.
Other than Sam, Lucy was the first person to mention Britt, at least within her hearing. She wouldn’t be a reporter if she didn’t seize this opportunity.
“Sam told me a bit about him and Britt.” Stella kept her tone conversational. “Did you have a chance to get to know her when they were dating?”
Lucy hesitated for a barely perceptible moment.
“Whenever Britt was in town, we often did activities as a foursome.” Lucy’s tone stayed equally casual. “Britt is a lovely person. I miss seeing her.”
Now came the tricky part, Stella thought. These were murky waters she was negotiating. One wrong step could have her going under in seconds.
Stella kept her gaze focused ahead. “I don’t know the particulars, but it seems odd that Britt could be all about Sam until an amazing role in a Broadway play opened up.”
When only silence greeted the comment, Stella slanted a quick sideways glance and found Lucy staring at her through narrowed eyes. Her stomach somersaulted. Perhaps that comment wasn’t as tactful as she’d hoped. “Of course, that could just be me, looking in from the outside.”
The hurriedly added disclaimer didn’t erase the frown that now furrowed Lucy’s brow.
“If you’re implying that Britt used Sam to cozy up to his parents, you’re wrong.” Lucy’s tone could have frosted glass.
“That wasn’t what—”
“If anyone did the using, it was Sam.” Lucy clamped her lips shut and picked up the pace. “One thing you need to know about me, Stella. I don’t gossip about my friends, especially to strangers.”
The last part held a bite and had Stella’s cheeks burning as if she’d been slapped. Then again, she’d known the dangers in pushing for information from a woman she barely knew.
What had she meant about Sam being the one who’d done the using? Stella couldn’t imagine the man she was getting to know using anyone. Lucy had to be mistaken.
The second they stepped into the Busy Bean, Stella heaved a sigh of relief, knowing the tense silence filling the space between her and Lucy would end. She let her gaze scan the room, noticing two things right off. Norma was back behind the counter, her cheeks a healthy color. And the entire back of the shop was taken over by women, ribbons, and children’s books.
“There she is.” Faith wove her way in between tables to greet Stella with a warm hug. “I worried you’d forgotten.”
“You gave her the wrong location.” Lucy’s tone was matter of fact, not at all censuring. “I found her wandering around the courthouse. She’d likely still be there if I hadn’t seen her.”
Stella shot Lucy a look as Faith made a sound of distress.
“I’m so sorry, Stella. I didn’t mean—”
“No worries at all. I hadn’t even gotten inside when I saw Lucy and she told me the meeting was here.” Stella offered Faith a reassuring smile. “It was no big deal.”
Without giving either woman a chance to say more, Stella took off her coat and tossed it on a nearby table with everyone else’s. “I see ribbon and books and a huge glass jar with money inside. Tell me what’s going on so I can be part of the fun.”
Lucy opened her mouth, but Faith gestured to the group. “We are the Lit-n-Lattes Book Club. There is also another book discussion club that has been active for over forty years, the Holly Pointe Bookies. As many of their members are elderly, the Bookies don’t meet over the winter months.”
“Bookies and Lit-n-Lattes.” Stella smiled. “I love the names.”
“Do you like to read?” Kate asked with barely concealed eagerness.
“I adore books. There’s very little that compares to getting lost in a story. Unfortunately, once I graduated from college and went to work, there wasn’t a lot of time.”
Faith and Kate exchanged a pointed glance.
“If you end up staying in Holly Pointe, I think you’ll find the lifestyle here is more relaxed and conducive to being in clubs. You may
rediscover that joy of reading.”
Kate’s words had Faith nodding in agreement.
“If that happens, we’d love to have you join us,” Kate said. “Mel is planning on joining us once her mother is back on her feet. She desperately wanted to come today, but the new cook flaked out, so she’s working at the diner today.”
“I don’t know if—” Stella began, then realized she wasn’t sure how to properly end the sentence.
I don’t know if I’m going to stay.
I don’t know if you’ll still want me once you read the article.
I don’t know what to do with my life, and I’m confused.
“Think about it.” Faith placed a hand on her arm, and those soft brown eyes behind cherry-red eyeglasses met Stella’s. “The offer remains open. There’s no expiration date.”
“I’ll keep it in mind.” Stella picked up a roll of candy-striped ribbon and gestured wide with one arm. “My inquiring mind wants to know what you’re doing with all this stuff.”
“The money in the glass jar is for donations to buy even more books.” Lucy stepped forward and took control of the conversation. “Our goal is to provide every first grader in Holly Pointe with three books for Christmas. We have a couple of fundraisers during the year, and the community is very generous.”
“Our December meeting is always dedicated to putting an assortment of three books together, then tying them with a pretty ribbon,” Faith added.
“The rest of the year, it’s about reading and discussing books. We see it as our club’s mission to provide lifelong learning for our members as well as a place to build social connections.” Lucy offered Stella the first authentic smile she’d seen since they’d ran into each other by the courthouse. “Not only do we share and discuss ideas regarding the book of the month, the meeting affords us a way to stay connected.”
“And enjoy yummy lattes and scones,” Krista Ankrom said, slipping off her cashmere coat and adding it to a pile.
Then the former model handed Lucy a shopping bag filled with books.
“Dustin and I heard you were short of books this year, and we wanted to help out.” The warmth in Krista’s voice when she said her husband’s name had Stella’s ears perking up.
“That’s so kind of you.” Lucy took the bag from Krista and set it on a nearby table. “I didn’t think you were going to be able to make it. Wasn’t today when you and Dustin were speaking with the television producers?”
“It was.” Krista brushed a lock of hair back from her striking face, the large diamond on her left hand catching the light and sending rainbows of color scattering. “Our meeting got rescheduled. Jim, that’s the producer, had a family emergency.”
“Your family is so precious,” Faith said with heartfelt sincerity. “I can’t imagine that the producer will find anyone better than you and Dustin and the boys.”
“Oh, Jim is certain we’re the right couple.” Krista gave a little laugh. “It’s me who isn’t convinced. Opening our home life to cameras is a big step.”
“What does Dustin think?” Faith asked, her brows pulled together in concern.
“He was all for it initially. And he’s still more on board than me, but we’ve had a lot of discussions these past few weeks, some of them heated—” Krista stopped abruptly, then smiled radiantly. “That’s not important. What’s important is getting these books wrapped for the children.”
Lucy, Stella quickly discovered, had a vision and was determined to stay the course to bring it to completion. Each three-book package had to hold a variety of books that would appeal to any young reader. They couldn’t all be about cars or dinosaurs or princesses. There had to be a variety in each pack.
Stella took pictures as Lucy instructed newer members in how to tie a perfect bow. When Norma came over with a tray of lattes in festive Christmas cups and plates of colorfully decorated sugar cookies, Stella got it all on camera. Including the tears that filled Norma’s eyes when everyone applauded.
Kenny remained behind the counter, tending to customers and directing them to the large glass jar in the back of the room for donations.
Once Stella felt she had enough pictures, she settled down beside Faith at the long rectangular table. Lucy had set up an assembly line, some members tasked with putting books together, others tying the ribbons, and still others placing them in boxes ready to go to the elementary schools.
“I assume I’ll see you at the movie marathon tonight.” Faith kept her voice low as she tied a gingham ribbon in green, gold, and red around a stack of books.
“I am going, but I’m not sure what to expect.” Stella had been pleased when Sam had called to invite her to the event at his house. “Sam told me there would be a group of friends there, but he was still in New York, and we didn’t have much time to talk.”
Faith grabbed another precut ribbon, this one with a snowman pattern on only one side. “It really is a movie marathon. It starts off with A Christmas Story.”
“That’s the one about the kid and the Red Ryder BB gun.” Stella watched with interest as her friend gave the ribbon a double twist so the pattern faced up as she wrapped it around the other side.
Faith brought the ribbon up, rather than down as Stella often did, to make the bow. After it was tied prettily, Faith grabbed another ribbon and moved to the next stack of books. “After Ralphie gets his BB gun, It’s a Wonderful Life—”
“Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.” Stella’s delivery of the classic line had Faith chuckling.
“You’re going to fit right in.” Faith turned to Kate, who had apparently been assigned the task of picking up empty latte cups and dumping them in the trash. “Stella is coming tonight.”
Kate paused, a cup in each hand. “Do you need a ride? I’ve got four-wheel-drive and an empty seat. Snow is in the forecast.”
“I really appreciate the offer.” A thrill of excitement shot up her spine. “But Sam insisted on picking me up. We haven’t seen each other since Sunday and—”
“Ooh-la-la. The man is hot for you.” Kate’s voice took on a deliberately sultry edge before she lightened it by laughing. “Is he also going to give you a ride home?”
“I suppose he is.” Now that she thought about it, Stella couldn’t recall him mentioning the drive home. “I hate the thought of him having to drive me all the way home then turn around and go all the way back.”
“I’m sure he won’t mind. I bet he wants the alone time with you.” Faith’s soft voice held a dreamy edge. “Completely understandable considering how long he’s been away.”
“It’s only been five days,” Stella demurred. While five days wasn’t long in the grand scheme of things, it had felt like an eternity.
Stella couldn’t recall the last time she’d missed a guy. But she missed Sam.
“If you end up needing a ride home, we can easily make room for you,” Kate said.
“Who all is riding with you?” Stella asked.
“Faith, Mel, and—”
“Me,” Lucy said. “Now less chatting. We need to be out of here in twenty minutes.”
Stella thought of Kate’s SUV. It was more of a mini SUV. While perfect for four, three in the back would be crowded. The thought of being thigh-to-thigh with Lucy in the back seat wasn’t at all appealing.
She hoped having Sam drive her home wouldn’t be too much of an imposition . . .
Chapter Seventeen
Stella was glad Sam had picked her up early and brought her to his place. Not only because she wanted to help him get ready for the party, but because she’d never been to his farm, and there was much to see.
“My mother loves to cook, so she put in commercial-grade appliances when this was their home.”
Even a nongourmet cook such as Stella could appreciate the double ovens, gas range, and humongous refrigerator. Not to mention the miles of counter space as well as the center island.
Somehow the kitchen managed to look both modern and inviting. She ran h
er hand along the granite countertop. “It’s beautiful.”
“Yes, you are.” Sam’s arms stole around her from behind, and he nuzzled her neck. “I missed you, Stella.”
The sentiment brought a smile to her lips as she turned in Sam’s arms to gaze up at him. On the drive to his house, they’d updated each other on their week. While he appeared truly interested in her daily routine, and she’d been fascinated by the events he’d attended with his parents, it had struck her as very impersonal.
Which was ridiculous. What had she expected him to do? Fling his arms around her and profess undying devotion? Well, okay, a tiny part of her had at least hoped for an I-missed-you kiss.
Of course, if that was really her hope, she shouldn’t have told him she’d be waiting at the coffee shop, where a dozen eyes would be on them.
They were alone now, and she was in his arms. His tongue found the sensitive spot behind her ear, and all thoughts fled in the rush of sensation.
“Did you miss me?” he murmured as he scattered kisses down her neck.
“Yes, yes.” She fought to say more, but thinking became impossible when his hand cupped her bottom and he pressed her against his hard length.
Desire, hot and intense, gushed through her, and she wondered what it would be like to make love on a kitchen floor.
The ringing of the doorbell had them springing apart and Sam muttering a curse under his breath.
“Who could that be?” Stella asked, her breath uneven as she fought for composure. She could still feel his lips on her neck and his hand on her breast.
“Someone who has incredibly bad timing.” He blew out a breath, his smoldering dark eyes meeting hers. “Later.”
“Will that later be before—or after—Ralphie gets his BB gun?”
Sam laughed. His irritation with the early guest appeared forgotten as he slung an arm companionably around her shoulder. “After both the BB gun and the angel getting his wings.”
