14
By the next week, chatter about the book club was circulating through town, and most everyone who could was eager to meet again. Ivy was glad that Paige had whetted people’s appetite for books.
That afternoon, Ivy had dressed in a new pair of white jeans and snake print loafers. She’d added a thin, beige mock turtleneck with a zebra print denim jacket. Turning back the cuffs, she added several bangle bracelets. Satisfied with her look, she made her way to the kitchen.
As she was preparing for the meeting, Bennett strolled into the kitchen. He wore a white polo shirt and khakis—his frequent beach mayor attire—and his closely cropped hair was growing more streaked in the summer sun.
“Another gathering tonight?” he asked, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.
“The book club has been t
