Read to Death Read Online Free Page B

divorce, I found out he mortgaged our house to the hilt and borrowed against our retirement fund. That was the end.” Then she brightened. “Second husband is a dreamboat. Most of you have met him . . .”
    The instant response was a general “nice man” and “such a gentleman” buzzing throughout the van.
    Angeline finished in triumph. “And he has never so much as played bingo at church.”
    Sonja clapped Angeline on the back and shouted, “Goodfor you,” which started the rest of us cheering, mostly in relief that the story had a happy ending.
    As the noise died down, Oscar said, “I still say some of you gals look familiar. I’m inclined to think there are a few former chorus girls in this van. Who’s willing to show off her high kicks when we get back to the Read ’Em and Eat?”
    Amidst the general laughter, Ophie said, “I will, if you will.”
    Margo Wellington had her face pressed to the side window and was staring at the traffic in front of us. “I see the problem. A car broke down up the road. The tow truck is hitching it up right now. This snarl should clear in a jiffy.”
    Between Angeline’s story and Oscar’s jokes, I’d completely forgotten that we were creeping along at two miles an hour.
    Tammy said, “I love the beach in Atlantic City. I wonder if folks still ride bikes on the boardwalk in the early morning. Oscar, I never was a chorus girl.” She slapped her thigh. “Don’t quite have the legs for it.”
    Oscar said, “Are you sure about that? What with all the bike riding . . .”
    Tammy giggled. “I’m sure.” She turned to Margo. “What about you? Have you ever vacationed in Atlantic City?”
    â€œNo. I told you. I only come to the United States to head south for the sunshine and balmy breezes.”
    â€œYou should really try the Jersey Shore in the summer. Sassy and I went there all the time when we lived in Brooklyn.” As though she was the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism, Bridgy signaled for me to add my two cents.
    â€œThe Shore is great fun. Seaside Heights is my favorite. They have an outstanding boardwalk, too.”
    â€œOkay, ladies, hold on to your hats, the boulevard is finally clear. We’re going to sail down the road and across the bridge.” Oscar hit the gas.
    In no time at all we pulled into the parking lot of the Read ’Em and Eat and tumbled out of the van.
    Sonja lifted both hands, one holding her ever-present alligator tote filled with visors, sunscreen, protein bars and water bottles. In her other hand she was holding several bags from the museum gift shop. “I know I overbought, but I couldn’t help myself. Twice I left the gift shop, and twice I turned right around and went back for one more thing. I’ll put my things in my car and meet you inside.”
    â€œBrilliant.” Tammy looked around. “I’m going to put my stuff in my trunk. Why drag it all inside when we’ll have to drag it out again?”
    While the clubbies scattered around the parking lot, Bridgy bundled up our supplies, left two iced tea jugs at my feet and headed into the café with Ophie. I settled up with Oscar, picked up the jugs and followed along straight to the kitchen.
    A few minutes later, carrying a fresh pitcher of lemonade, I came into the dining room and was pleased that the clubbies were organizing themselves for what I hoped would be a brief meeting. I grabbed a sleeve of paper cups from under the counter and set the lemonade and cups on the Dashiell Hammett table, next to the book club circle.
    Bridgy came out of the kitchen and started poking around by the register. I held the sleeve of cups over my head. “Don’t worry, I have them.”
    Bridgy shook her head. “No. I’m looking for my sunglasses. I don’t know what I did with them. First time I wore my brand-new