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

Gabi.”
    My little girl rolled onto her back, fluttered her lashes, and smiled. “Hi, Mommy.”
    In a household full of night owls, Gabriella was my morning glory. While the rest of us didn’t hit our strides until well after noon—and often only after massive infusions of caffeine—my baby girl always greeted the day with a smile.
    A pang of conscience struck my heart. In minutes, I’d remove that happiness from my child’s face. From the majority of my children’s faces. Only Luke, lucky baby, would remain unscarred by what I was about to say.
    I forced a smile. “Up and at ‘em, pumpkin. It’s Friday.”
    “Pizza day!” she exclaimed and squeezed Baby Dumbo while twisting her midsection back and forth.
    Oh, cripes. I’d forgotten about that. On Fridays, we got together with the Boyds: Charlene and Joe and their three kids. Charlene and I took turns hosting the weekly pizza party, which included making fresh dough and tomato sauce from scratch. Then each family member would create different varieties of pizza with assorted toppings. This week was our turn to host the event. And I hadn’t prepared the dough, the sauce, or the toppings. I’d have to cheat, rush over to Marino’s Pork Store after work, and buy all the ingredients ready-made. Provided, of course, the twelve bucks left in my checking account would cover the expense.
    Or I could always call Charlene and cancel. There was a good possibility no one in this household would be in the mood for fun and games once they all heard about Freckles.
    I winced at my insensitivity, but shoved the guilt aside. With Gabriella dancing in front of me while singing, “Pizza day, pizza day,” I headed down to the kitchen with the same enthusiasm I’d show a pack of rabid wolves.
    I found Mellie already seated at the table, gaze glued to her cell, probably texting Amanda. A glum-faced Corey traced circles into the scarred Formica tabletop with a mound of sugar. Ordinarily, I’d scold him, but I had more pressing matters to address. Gabriella climbed into her chair, and I took a deep breath before sinking down at the head of the table.
    I clasped my hands in front of me. “Okay, guys, listen. I’ve got some sad news.”
    “I knew it,” Corey mumbled. “He’s dead, isn’t he? Freckles is dead.”
    There was no reason to deny the truth, but I did confirm his fears as gently as I could. “Yes. He didn’t feel any pain.” I had no idea if that were true or not. Even Dr. Herrera didn’t know. But the kids needed solace right now, not doubts. “He just drifted off to sleep and didn’t wake up.”
    Around the table, three pairs of wide eyes welled with tears. If I could lengthen my arms by about ten feet, I’d hug them all.
    “Freckles?” Gabriella asked. “He’s not coming home?”
    “We’ll bring his ashes home so he can always be with us, but he won’t be coming home to play anymore.” I enveloped all three of my kids with my heart in my eyes. “I’m sorry.” I glanced at the clock. Once again, time had slipped away from me. I sighed. “Okay, gang. I hate to say it, but it’s time to get ready for school.”
    “I’m not going to school,” Corey announced.
    “Me, neither,” Mellie agreed. “I’m gonna text Amanda right now and tell her to forget about picking me up.”
    I reached across the table and cupped her cell against my palm. “No, you won’t. All of you will go to school, and I’ll go to work. And tonight’s pizza night.”
    “Forget it.” Corey shot to his feet, tall and sturdy as his dad, despite his youth. “You think I care about pizza right now? Or Mrs. Scoffield’s algebra test?”
    “We can talk about pizza night,” I offered. “If no one wants to do it tonight, I’ll call Mrs. Boyd and tell her we’re not up for it. But school is a must. And you might even want the distraction of pizza night later, so I think we should wait before making any decisions.”
    “What happens now?” Corey asked. “With