California Girls(120)

“I always thought I wanted to be alone,” she admitted. “That the pairing up thing was for everyone else.”

His humor faded. “I know. You made that clear.”

Was that disappointment in his voice? Did he want more? Did she?

She wiped her hands, then sucked on her milkshake. The combination of ice cream and chocolate and just plain goodness was magical.

“Can you sneak in wine later?” she asked.

“I thought we’d wait until you were discharged, then I’d bring over a nice dinner and a bottle of wine.”

“I’m so getting drunk. And drinking coffee. And going in a Jacuzzi.” Although she was pretty sure she couldn’t do the latter until her stitches were healed, but absolutely right after that.

She looked at him, at his familiar face, and thought about how much she liked him and how she didn’t want to lose him. She thought about kissing him and touching him and wondered if the problem hadn’t been lack of interest but not realizing she needed the right person.

She put down the milkshake. “Clark, will you go out with me? On a date?”

Instead of answering, he stood up and moved close to the bed. Seconds later, she realized he planned on kissing her.

“I just ate raw onion,” she murmured, more flustered than she would have expected.

“I genuinely don’t care.”

He pressed his mouth against hers. She waited, wondering what, if anything, she would feel. And then it happened. A little quiver down low. A need to put her arms around him and hang on. Desire flickered and grew and before she knew it, he’d pushed the tray aside and somehow they were both in the bed, kissing and holding on and wow, she just never wanted to let go.

When they came up for air, she was smiling.

“So yes on the date?”

“Yes.”

“I can’t have sex for six weeks.”

Clark chuckled, then shifted so she could rest her head on his shoulder. “You can’t have intercourse for six weeks, Zennie. There’s a difference.”

“Really. That’s an interesting notion.”

“I was hoping you might say that. So about Italy. I think we should go together.”

“I’d like that.”

“Me, too.”

*

Read on for an extract from SUMMER OF SUNSHINE & MARGOT by Susan Mallery.





      CALIFORNIA

GIRLS

   Susan Mallery

   Reader’s Guide





California Girls Stuffed Scones

Treat your book club to these super-delicious scones as you settle in for a cozy chat about the book! Best when served with hot tea or coffee. Or, if you’re feeling wild, serve them with fresh strawberries and a side of bacon for a decadent breakfast.

With all these almonds and raisins, these scones were inspired by my great home state of California.

Filling:

4 oz cream cheese, room temperature





2 tbsp sugar


1?4 tsp vanilla Scones:

2 cups flour

3 tbsp sugar





1 tbsp baking powder


1?2 tsp salt 4 tbsp very cold butter, in 16 small pieces 3?4 cup heavy cream 1 egg, beaten

1 tsp almond extract





2 oz sliced almonds


1?2 cup raisins Combine filling ingredients and mix well. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 425o F. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. I did this with the flat paddle attachment of a stand mixer. You can also use a pastry blender or two knives. I don’t recommend you use your fingers, as that will warm the butter too much.

Add the cream, egg and extract and mix by hand or by machine on low speed just until a dough forms, then gently fold in the almonds and raisins. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly 5–10 times, just until the dough is smooth. Do not overwork.

Divide dough into two balls. Pat one ball into a 9-inch circle, smoothing the exterior edges. Plop half the filling in the center and spread into a circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Fold the circle in half and press the borders together. Cut into 6 wedges. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the other ball of dough. Bake until golden brown, about 12–14 minutes.





Questions for Discussion

These questions contain spoilers about the story, so it’s recommended that you don’t read them until after you’ve finished California Girls.

        Finola was the first of the sisters to be dumped, and in a truly jolting way. What did you think of the way she reacted to her husband’s pronouncement, then Treasure’s? How do you think you would have reacted in those circumstances? Did you admire Finola’s professionalism,

or did you wish she had reacted differently?

    What were the similarities and differences between each of the three sisters’ breakup moments and the days that followed?

    How would you describe the sisters’ relationship? How did it evolve as the story developed?

    At the start of the book, Zennie is annoyed that the world seems to insist that people pair up two by two. Do you think that a romantic relationship is essential to a happy life? Why or why not? Do you know people who are happily single? By the end, of course, Zennie has found true love. How did you feel about that?