Page 168 of How To Not Need You

Not just a table. A table far too big for the space she has available.

It’s wedged into the back corner of the bakery, surrounded by a collection of mismatched chairs and close enough to the wall that whoever gets stuck in the back is going to need at least three people to move before they can pee.

There’s even a little chalkboard sign in the middle.

RESERVED: REWRITE CLUB

Luca sees it. His hand flies to his chest. “Oh my God.”

“Don’t overreact,” Adrian says immediately.

“She named it.”

“It's just a sign.”

“SHE NAMED THE TABLE AFTER US.”

“Luca.”

“This is our table.”

“Yes. That's generally what reserved means.”

Luca turns to Natalie, looking dangerously close to tears. “I love you.”

“Sit down.”

“I want one at Page & Grounds.”

“You own Page & Grounds,” I remind him.

“Exactly. Why don't I have one?”

“Because you don't need to reserve a table from yourself.”

He points at me. “Negativity like this is why you nearly weren't invited to the club.”

“You invited me before the club existed.”

“And I've regretted it ever since.”

“Children,” Adrian says. “Sit.”

Somehow, we do. All of us. Which is impressive considering Natalie appears to have invited half of Seabrook.

Jake drops into the chair beside me, Tilly immediately squeezing herself into the gap between us because apparently chairs are more of a suggestion when you're five. Wren takes the other side of me, smelling faintly of sunscreen and whatever animal she dealt with before coming here. Ben is opposite us. Elsie and Noah are trying to contain Milo and Maisie. Harper has Grace in her lap while Alexander attempts to stop Leo dismantling a croissant to prove something about dinosaurs.

Freya and Sophie have somehow ended up together at the far end.

Luca, naturally, has claimed the chair that gives him the best view of the entire bakery.

“Why do you look like you're holding court?” I ask.

“Because I am.”

“You're eating a cinnamon roll.”

“Kings have eat.”