A Cherry Cola Christmas by Ashton Lee Read Free Book Online Page B

have a fireworks display at dusk to get everyone out to the lake to ooh and aah and carry on in general. I mean, can’t you just see it—hot dogs, ice cream, apple pie, sparklers, the works? And people crowded out on the deck of the library to watch it all. It’ll be the start of a new era of participation and support!”
    â€œThat’s a spectacular idea!” Connie McShay added. “I really hope the timing works out, and you know you can count on me and Douglas to help you with the planning, of course. You could even use our deck for your staging area if you need it.”
    â€œThanks. I look at it this way,” Maura Beth said. “If nothing else, the new library will be at least one bright spot on the Cherico horizon.”
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    When the sheriff had finished his second helping of food and finally left smiling and patting his stomach, Maura Beth took her place behind the podium and reminded the club of their upcoming review of The Member of the Wedding . “We’ve got a little more than three weeks to finish our October read, people. It’ll be our last of the year since we’ll recess for the upcoming holidays. We’ll decide what to read next year at that time. And please remember to check with Becca about your potluck assignments, if you’re someone we always depend upon.”
    Becca briefly waved her hand from side to side. “Yes, I haven’t heard from some of you on your preferences this time around. As usual, we don’t want too many entrées and no desserts—or vice versa.”
    â€œI’m halfway through The Member of the Wedding, and I just don’t see any food theme in the story,” Miss Voncille said. “Unless it’s a wedding cake. I mean, our Forrest Gump review was a natural with the shrimp dishes some people fixed. But that little mixed-up Frankie Addams girl in this one—well, she doesn’t eat a thing Berenice Sadie Brown puts in front of her. You can tell Berenice is one of those good, down-home Southern cooks the way she takes the time to shell her peas instead of pouring them out of a can like so many people do these days. She’s the sort of help who’s fallen by the wayside, unfortunately. I always had a good appetite when I was growing up, and I never went through a period like Frankie did where she didn’t fit into anything. And I can’t imagine not scrubbing my elbows and then getting all my hair cut so short you look like a boy. What Frankie really needs is the tender, loving care of a mother.”
    â€œBut she doesn’t have one. That’s the whole point, Voncille,” Mamie Crumpton pointed out with a haughty stare. “Her father is widowed and works hard, so she’s on her own all the time. Aren’t you paying attention to what you read, or is that too much to ask?”
    Maura Beth stepped in once again. “I appreciate your comments, ladies. You’re both obviously very involved with the plot, and that’s terrific. But maybe we should save these insights for our actual review. And there doesn’t have to be a food theme for us to read any work of literature, you know. I realize how important the potluck dishes have become to everyone. They’re a big part of the club’s success. Today’s little feast was a great example. Sheriff Dreyfus raved about everything, and I really thought he was going to help himself to thirds. But references to food are not why we select our books. Anyhow, you can still fix those biscuits of yours if you want, Miss Voncille. I know everyone loves them.”
    â€œI sure do, and I’ve even put on a few pounds eating them since we got married,” Locke Linwood added, pointing to his waist.
    â€œI’ve already told Becca I want to bring my world-famous chocolate pudding this time,” Mamie said. “I sprinkle lots of slivered almonds on top for a little change of pace. It was Mother’s basic