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

“That’s not fair. And possibly not even true. About breast implants or Trina’s body,” she added in a reasonable tone.
    â€œThink what you like. I know reality from illusion, ladies. And I can tell synthetic enhancements, let us say, from Mother Nature’s natural blessings,” she added, tugging her sweater down.
    â€œThanks for keeping it real, Suzanne. We can always count on you for that.” Lucy laughed and patted her pal’s shoulder.
    Trina had finished posing and slowly sauntered down the sidewalk, then down the brick path toward the shop, still waving and smiling, flanked by her bodyguards. Who looked like a doo-wop trio from the sixties in their matching outfits, Maggie thought.
    â€œSpeaking of keeping it real, how about some real food? Lunch at the Schooner?” Maggie suggested as the redheaded bombshell disappeared into the knitting shop.
    â€œThe panda poo tea and kale chips weren’t enough for you?” Lucy teased.
    Before she could answer, Dana interrupted, reading off her cell phone. “Before we dis that nutritious snack, I just Googled the tea. It’s one of the most expensive blends in the world, next to tea leaves covered in gold leaf,” she added with a little laugh. “While the health benefits are hotly debated, each tiny cup of panda poo brew cost about fifty dollars to prepare.”
    â€œSo Jennifer Todd isn’t exactly a hometown girl with simple, unspoiled Lipton tastes?” Lucy surmised.
    Suzanne shrugged. “If I was raking in zillions of dollars a day making movies, maybe I’d go all the way for the gold leaf stuff. It doesn’t mean she’s not a nice person. I bet she comes to our meeting Monday.”
    â€œDo you really think she will? Or is she just too polite to refuse?” Lucy asked. “She did seem interested in asking you more questions, Maggie.”
    â€œI suppose it depends on her schedule and how tired she is after a day of working on the movie. What’s the worst thing that could happen? We’ll all get together and do some knitting.”
    â€œGood point,” Lucy agreed.
    The rest of her friends did, too. And none wanted to miss a chance to hang out and knit with Jennifer Todd.

Chapter Three
    O n Monday night, five minutes before nine, everyone but Suzanne seemed to accept that they’d been stood up. But Maggie could have guessed that.
    â€œMovie stars are always late. It’s part of their mystique,” Suzanne reminded her friends.
    â€œTwo hours is a lot of mystique.” Lucy yawned and covered her mouth with her hand.
    â€œStop that, Lucy. It’s not that late,” Suzanne snapped. “You’ll make us all sleepy.”
    â€œAt least we’re being productive,” Dana pointed out.
    â€œYes . . . but it’s distracting, waiting for her. I’m not getting much done,” Phoebe admitted.
    â€œNeither am I . . . though this pattern is so simple I could make it in my sleep.” Maggie shrugged and set her work aside. She had started the group on a ribbed summer tank. It was hardly warm enough out yet to wear it, of course, but no one seemed to mind that. They all liked the flattering style and squared-off neckline, and thought it would look fine with most any summer outfit, and even under a blazer. She’d also pulled some patterns for Jennifer’s baby booties and a hat.
    â€œI’ll make coffee and bring out Suzanne’s cupcakes.” Maggie rose, knowing dessert would cheer her friends.
    â€œWhat kind?” Phoebe asked with keen interest.
    â€œChocolate, gluten free. I wasn’t sure if Jennifer was on a GF diet, but it seems likely,” Suzanne added. Maggie knew Suzanne was the last one to worry about healthy ingredients. She obviously wanted to please their guest of honor. Now she felt doubly bad for Suzanne, about Jennifer failing to keep her promise.
    â€œIf you have chocolate, who