Book Clubbed Read Online Free Page B

rushing forward. “Russ and I are having a baby!”
    Stunned, Tricia stood rock still with her mouth agape. Ginny, the poor soul, burst into tears.
    Nikki appeared unsure of herself. “Isn’t anyone going to say anything?”
    â€œCongratulations,” Tricia managed, but Ginny made a break for the door Nikki had just entered. She and Tricia watched as Ginny slammed the door behind her.
    Nikki frowned. “She could have at least pretended to be happy for us.”
    â€œI’m sure she is,” Tricia said, “but Ginny is pretty upset this morning. If you’d told her the moon was made of green cheese she probably would have had the same reaction.”
    Nikki stared at the closed door, miffed, then turned back to Tricia. “And what do
you
think about my news?”
    Tricia forced a smile. “I think it’s terrific. How far along are you?”
    â€œTwo months.”
    â€œHave you picked out any names?” she asked, trying to sound thrilled.
    â€œWe won’t even consider names until after we find out the baby’s gender.”
    Tricia nodded. She wasn’t sure what to say next.
    â€œSince I found out earlier this morning, all I can think about is selling the Patisserie and becoming a stay-at-home mom.”
    â€œOh,” was all Tricia could think of to say.
    â€œYou don’t think I should?” Nikki challenged, not sounding at all sure herself.
    â€œYou should do whatever makes you happy. But are you sure you want to do that? You trained so hard to become a pastry chef. You worked so hard to take possession of the bakery.”
    â€œNothing is more important to us than giving our child the most nurturing environment. And that means devoting my entire life to him or her.”
    The door opened and an older man entered, his cheeks chapped from the wind. He paused, pulled off a pair of brown leather gloves, and retrieved a slip of paper from his coat pocket. “Can someone help me find these books?”
    Pixie was about to get up from her chair, but Tricia shook her head and she sat back down. Likewise, Mr. Everett, who’d been about to bound forward, did an abrupt about-face.
    â€œI’d be glad to.” Tricia turned back to Nikki. “I’m sorry, but I’ve got a customer—and as I’m sure you already know, they seem to be a rarity these days. Congratulations to both you and Russ. You’ll make fine parents.”
    Nikki frowned and turned for the door without another word. She’d obviously expected a more enthusiastic reception to her announcement. Shoulders slumped, she left the shop without another word and quietly closed the door behind her.
    Tricia sighed. Two women, two announcements—two very different reactions. And Tricia found she didn’t envy either Ginny or Nikki.
    *   *   *
    The morning’s only customer turned out to be a good one. After browsing for just under an hour, he’d purchased nearly three hundred dollars’ worth of books. Since it was nearly their lunchtime anyway, Mr. Everett and Pixie helped carry the books to the customer’s car before they headed off for the Bookshelf Diner to eat.
    Tricia settled behind the cash desk, determined to battle the pile of paperwork before her when the shop door opened once again. This time, it was not a customer but Christopher Benson, Tricia’s ex-husband, who’d taken up residence across the street in the apartment over the Nigela Ricita Associates office where he worked.
    â€œWhat brings you to Haven’t Got a Clue?” Tricia asked, looking straight into Christopher’s mesmerizing green eyes. She always thought they were his best physical trait. Dressed in jeans, a bulky sweater, and a ski jacket, he looked like he might be about to pose for a spread in an L.L. Bean catalog.
    â€œI happened to be looking out my office window when I saw Pixie and Mr. Everett go out for lunch. I thought you