The Postman Always Purls Twice by Anne Canadeo Read Free Book Online

It’s already been a huge help. And I didn’t even get to ask you any of my technical questions about running the shop. Or what you all do in your knitting group. Can we talk some more later?”
    â€œAbsolutely,” Maggie said graciously.
    â€œWould you like to come to a knitting group meeting? You’ll get some great material touches for your character,” Suzanne solemnly promised the movie star.
    Maggie sat back, stunned by Suzanne’s nerve. She could see her other friends felt the same. Who would ever imagine inviting Jennifer Todd to one of their humble meetings? The thought would have never crossed Maggie’s mind.
    Maggie sometimes wondered why Suzanne wasn’t selling million-dollar properties every day with her just-do-it—or say-it—philosophy.
    Of course Jennifer wouldn’t come, though Maggie expected a polite excuse.
    â€œI’d love to. When is it?”
    â€œWhen can you come? That’s when we’ll have the next one,” Suzanne promised, moving in quickly to seal the deal.
    â€œLet’s see . . . Alicia, do you have the schedule handy?” Jennifer turned to her assistant, who had quickly brought up another screen on the tablet.
    â€œMonday night looks possible.” Alicia nodded and glanced at Jennifer.
    â€œYes, that looks good. I can come for a little while on Monday night, around seven. Does that work out for you?”
    Maggie wasn’t sure what to say. She couldn’t recall whose turn it was to hold the meeting. They usually rotated between their homes and the knitting shop. But Jennifer probably wanted to visit the shop. She probably had questions about her character’s job as the proprietor and all that.
    â€œWe can meet at seven in the shop, provided the movie crew isn’t there,” Maggie added with a hopeful smile.
    â€œWe’re filming at the beach house most of next week. Didn’t you get a schedule from Lyle?” Alicia asked.
    â€œNo . . . I didn’t. Is that who I should ask for the particulars?”
    â€œHe must have emailed it. Maybe he had the wrong address. What’s your email address, Maggie? I’ll send you one right now.” Alicia looked down at her iPad, fingers poised.
    Maggie told her, grateful for the young woman’s efficiency. “Thank you so much.”
    â€œSo we’ll meet on Monday night and help Jennifer prepare for her role?” Maggie looked around at her friends, who nodded eagerly, though she suspected Monday night was not ideal for all of them. But she was also sure they would cancel any previous commitments to hang out and knit with Jennifer Todd.
    Maggie rose from her seat. “This has been lovely. Thank you both.”
    Her friends stood up, too, and also thanked their hostess and Alicia.
    â€œIt was great meeting you. I’m really looking forward to Monday night,” Jennifer replied.
    Dana took a last sip of tea before setting down the cup on the tray. “This tea had such an unusual flavor. What kind is it?”
    Jennifer seemed pleased by the question. “A special blend of green tea. It’s very difficult to find. I purchase it through a contact in Australia. It’s just chock-full of wonderful vitamins and antioxidants that come from bamboo,” she enthused.
    The brew did have a distinct fragrance and a smooth taste, Maggie had noticed, one that didn’t seem at all familiar. “Is it made from bamboo leaves?”
    â€œNot the bamboo exactly. It’s the panda poo. It’s used to fertilize the tea plants,” Alicia explained. “Pandas eat only wild bamboo and hardly digest their food, so their excrement is filled with amazing nutrients.”
    â€œI feel so vitalized after a cup or two . . . and strangely calm at the same time,” Jennifer added.
    Phoebe nodded. As if this all made perfect sense. “Pandas are very calm animals. Playful, too.”
    Suzanne