It’s a beautiful May afternoon, but Jillian is with her mother in Dr. McIntosh’s, (their dentist’s) waiting room. But Jillian is fine. It’s her mother’s appointment, not hers, and thank goodness for that. Jillian is nine. She’s wearing a pink linen spring dress that her grandmother made for her, and her white patent leather Mary Janes. She wasn’t told to dress up, she just wanted to. But the best thing of all is that Jillian brought her own book to read. No old magazines for her. She’s on chapter twelve in Little Women. This book was also a gift from her grandmother. So far, she identifies with youngest sister, Amy, the most. Her hair and eyes match Amy’s, but she’s not nearly as spoiled. Then again, secretly Jillian wishes she were like Jo. Jo is practical; outspoken, like her grandmother. Next to her, Katherine Porter, Jillian’s Mom, ohhhs and ahhhs, not very quietly, over the latest fashions in this month’s Vogue Magazine. It’s embarrassing, and Jillian rolls her eyes and cringes a little, goes back to her book. After a few more minutes, her Mom is called in for her cleaning. Jillian is relieved. Now she can read in peace. Probably at least three more chapters.

*

Diane waits for her lunch at her favorite restaurant, O’Farrell’s. It’s a family restaurant, but Diane likes to eat in the small bar. It’s a Wednesday, and her day off. She’s ordered shepherd’s pie and an old fashioned. Only one old fashioned, because she’s driving. Diane brings a book to read, and loves to lunch alone. She knows it’s odd that she likes to sit in a bar alone. She doesn’t care about meeting a man, or anyone for that matter. She just wants to eat and get lost in the story. Right now, she’s reading Bleak House. It’s a chunker, but she’s loving it. It’s about three hundred pages longer than her typical read. But it’s meaty, wonderful, and Dickens. So, there you go. Diane doesn’t stop reading when her lunch arrives. She’s got the book in one hand, heavy as it is, and a fork in the other. She does; however, have to put the fork down to turn the page. When she gets to the good parts of whatever book she’s reading, she tries not to miss her mouth. But Diane is a regular here, the wait staff all know her, and so they bring extra napkins, always. At least two.

*

Belle is at the most boring party she’s ever been to in her life. No exaggeration. She longs for escape. But her best friend, Sylvia is the host. Belle can’t leave, but maybe she can hide for awhile? Maybe she can find Syl’s kitty, Roxane. Roxane is a better conversationalist than any of these humans; well except for Syl, but she’s busy. Belle knew she wouldn’t know another soul, but she promised her friend she’d show up. The guest of honor is a retiring co-worker of Syl’s.  — Then, and what a stroke of luck, Belle remembers there’s a book in her bag. It’s The Moonstone! And The Moonstone is a big book, but Belle has a big bag. Almost like a small suitcase. People like to kid with her, and say Belle, whatcha got in there anyway? If she can just find a secluded spot where she can read for just a few minutes. But this is a party. It’s louder by the minute. And they just started playing country music. Belle might barf, but that’s the music that Carl, the guest of honor, loves. To each their own. Belle gets that, but… Wait! She remembers the upstairs linen closet is roomy, not full of stuff, and has one of those pull string lamps on the ceiling. Perfect..

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