Reunion in October (The Calendar Girls Book 2) Read Online Free Page A

us.”
    Bootsie. Good grief. I slipped out of the office into the crisp autumn air, and after a deep breath for courage to face the rest of my day, strode to my minivan for the trip to work. A day full of keys locked in cars, fender benders, and the occasional vandalism call waited for my placid intervention.
    Later, I’d have to intervene with Roy and the kids.
     
    ****
    Francesca
     
    After work, I sped home, my mind focused on the contents of my closet. What exactly should I wear to Promises, Promises? With Josh Candolero. My wardrobe consisted of work scrubs, a few dress slacks, and a silk dress or two—grown-up clothes that didn’t fit my date or my destination with him. I’d never considered myself vain, but I was human. I didn’t want anyone to mistake me for Josh’s mom, for God’s sake. I only had one option and I dreaded it. Swallowing my pride, I called my younger sister, Claudia, aged twenty-five and close enough to my size to make a clothing swap possible.
    By eight forty-five, I looked like nobody’s mother. Claudia had rushed over with a dozen different alternatives. I’d finally settled on a pair of black jeans, a beaded silk top in shimmering forest green that scalloped around my waist, and my own shoes—a strappy pair of black spiky heels I’d nicknamed my gladiator sandals.
    “Perfect,” she confirmed as I stepped into the living room.
    “Thanks,” I replied and did a little hip wiggle.
    Claudia, curled up on my sofa, tucked one bare foot under the opposite thigh. Her sneakers cluttered my carpet. Clearly, she had no intention of leaving just yet. I glanced at my watch. Josh would be here any minute.
    “So you and Josh Candolero, huh?” she said with a smirk. “I gotta admit I didn’t see that one coming.”
    I stiffened in my sassy heels. “Why not?”
    “Well, for starters, I thought you would have married what’s-his-face by now.”
    What’s-his-face? Nice. I’d dated the man for ten years before we became engaged, and she couldn’t even say his name. Annoyance heated to outrage. “Michael. His name is Michael.”
    “Well, of course I know that.” She shrugged. “You haven’t said his name since the day he left. Mom told us all to tread carefully, that you were still hung up on him.”
    “Mom is the one who’s hung up on him. She keeps holding out hope he’ll come back and things will return to what they were. For God’s sake, she’s got my wedding dress hanging in her closet, waiting for the day he and I finally say, ‘I do.’ He won’t come back, I’m not going to marry him, and I’m not going to fall apart if you mention his name.”                           
    “Okay, then. I’m glad we got that settled.”
    “Yeah, me, too.” When she stretched her legs across the cushions, I added, “Thanks for your help. You can go home now, Claudia.”
    “Nuh-uh.” She fluffed up the throw pillow at her neck and propped her elbows behind her head. “I wanna see him.”
    My bones sagged in defeat. “You what?”
    “You heard me. I have to make sure he’s good enough for you.”
    “We’re going to a club, not a justice of the peace.”
    “Doesn’t matter.” She waved a hand in dismissal. “I’m the only member of the family who knows about this momentous occasion so it’s up to me to approve him before I spring the news on Mom.”
    “You are not going to ‘spring the news’ on anyone. And it’s not a momentous occasion, either. It’s a few drinks and a couple of dances.”
    “Yeah, right. That’s why I had to drive over here at the last minute to help you pick the right outfit.” She sat up and leaned forward. “You haven’t dated anybody since Michael left. Now I look at you, and you’re all aflutter. You’re blushing, for God’s sake!”
    Maybe the power of suggestion played a part, but I swear my cheeks caught fire the minute she mentioned my blush. “Knock it off. I’m a big girl. I don’t need you to check out