The Cherry Cola Book Club - By Ashton Lee Page 0,10

financial problems the City of Cherico might be having, they were clearly not reflected in the opulent décor of the head honcho’s office. It had the aura of one of those upscale designer showrooms with Persian rugs covering the floor, as distinguished-looking as the touch of gray at Councilman Sparks’s temples.

Maura Beth drew a deep breath as she leaned forward and handed over the flyer. “I’d appreciate it very much if you would read this, please. It will explain everything to you.”

He quickly accepted the paper and commented immediately. “My, my! Is this color supposed to be some shade of gold?”

“The printer called it goldenrod, I believe.”

“Cutesy name. But a little loud, I think.”

“The other choice was bubble gum pink. I don’t know what happened to everyday white.”

“Aha! You were caught between a rock and a hard place! In that case, you chose wisely. Color is such an intriguing part of life. Myself, I’m partial to bright, flaming red.”

After making quite a production of holding up the flyer and thumping it noisily a couple of times, Councilman Sparks chose to read out loud, his tone deliberate but managing to impart a hint of mockery at the same time:

Announcing the organizational meeting of The Cherico Page Turners Book Club! Be one of the first in town to review classic Southern literature and sample delicious potluck dishes with your friends and neighbors. Circle the date. Friday, July 17, 2012, at 7 p. m. in The Cherico Library Meeting Room. Let us know you’re coming by signing up today at the library or at The Twinkle, Twinkle Café on Commerce Street. We hope to see many of you there.

Sincerely,

Maura Beth Mayhew, Librarian, and the

Rest of Your Friendly Cherico Library Staff

“I’d like for you to attend,” Maura Beth said the instant he stopped reading. “And the other councilmen, too, if they’d like. You don’t actually have to sign up and participate. Just drop by and see what we’re trying to accomplish.”

He patiently began folding the flyer several times until it had been reduced to a small square of paper, which he then pressed between his thumb and index finger for an awkward length of time. “Well, first, I’d like to say that the way you capitalized the line about the staff there at the end really made an impression on me,” he began at last. “Just imagine how much more forceful it would have been to have used all caps. I do question whether three people is a staff, however.”

Maura Beth managed to force a smile, refusing to let him get to her. “I’d like to have more personnel, of course. I’d even like to have a whole new library, for that matter. But it all takes money, as you well know.”

“Yes, that appears to be the crux of the matter between us, doesn’t it?” Then he abruptly switched subjects. “As for your invitation to the other councilmen, I think Chunky would definitely show up for the free food. He’d be the first one in line. But I know he wouldn’t sit still for the rest of it. There are times I could swear he can’t even read his utility bill. But he comes in handy with bringing certain voters into the fold. As for Gopher Joe, he’d come if I told him he had to, but you wouldn’t get a peep out of him all evening. No, I think maybe I’d better make this a solo appearance on behalf of the Council. Just call it an executive decision.”

“Then you’ll come?”

“I enjoy keeping an eye on you, though I have to admit, I didn’t expect something like this to pop up. You’ve been a busy little honeybee since we last got together, haven’t you? Doing your frantic little dance to show the way to the pollen, it appears to me.”

Maura Beth was feeling emboldened now and pressed on. “According to what you’ve told me, I have nothing to lose except my job.”

“You have spirit, Miz Mayhew. I like the way you stand up for yourself. It’s a very attractive quality among so many.”

“Thank you for saying so. Oh, and you don’t have to bring a dish with you, by the way.”

“I assure you, I hadn’t planned to. I can’t boil water, and my wife’s not much better. Evie and I eat out as often as we can. But I do appreciate you giving me a heads-up about this club of yours. The truth is, I detest surprises of any kind, especially successful ones.” Then