Page 60 of Wild Mistake
Maeve: Yes, I’m going to be that annoying person until I get you to agree to come join us!
I wasn’t going to go because when I have a day off, I prefer to spend it with my children. But they have plans without me. Sure, I need to fill my prescription, but would it be so bad if I did something fun instead of being so damn responsible on my day off?
My mom’s words ring in the back of my head.It’s time to let the light back in. It’s time for you to find what makes you happy. I devoured the book Rosalie lent me, and I enjoyed hanging out with Maeve the night we went line dancing at the bar. Maybe I should stop guarding my heart so closely. Maybe I need to let the light back in and make some friends.
* * *
Book club is a blast.I don’t know what I was expecting. Maybe a polite circle of women, sharing stories and sipping wine while telling cute anecdotes about their husbands and children. I couldn’t be more wrong.
Though, there is wine involved. Lots of alcohol, actually, which adds to the energy of the room. Amazing food too, and not the little finger foods that leave you starving later. My belly is full and I haven’t laughed this hard or this much in ages.
In the last three hours, there hasn’t been any discussion about the book everyone purportedly read, but I have been filled in on their latest television show obsession, the last argument Maeve had with her husband, and Liv recounted the most awkward experiences she’s had teaching this week. Apparently, she’s Parker’s math teacher and one of Maeve’s best friends from college. There are a few familiar faces and some I’m meeting for the first time, but everyone has been so welcoming and down to earth. I feel comfortable in this group. I’m glad I decided to come tonight. If not, I’d likely be making myself crazy wondering what Aiden was doing and if he was still thinking about last night.
“Sarah’s drink is empty!” Maeve calls to Asher, who is apparently the only man invited to book club. I can’t tell if it’s because of his bubbly personality or the fact he plays bartender during their meetings. Either way, I don’t think I’ve ever had sangria this good.
It’s probably why I lift my glass instead of refusing when he comes over to refill my beverage. My body is warm and my tongue a little loose. I’m already tipsy, but a few more and I’ll easily edge over to drunk. “I’m going to regret this tomorrow.”
He fills my glass to the top. “Not as much as I regret letting Rosalie pick our next book.” Asher scrunches up his nose. “Historical?”
“Hey!” Rosalie points at him from across the room. “I heard that.”
“What?” He feigns innocence.
“You better not be talking shit about my book pick!”
“It’s just that traditionally,” Bernadette says, her gaze directed at Rosalie. “The books you select are on the longer side, and they lack—”
“Sex. They lack sex.” Asher finishes.
“They aren’t the only thing lacking sex.” Maeve says under her breath.
Val giggles.
“I can’t do another fade to black!” Asher shakes his head. “I just can’t!”
Jamie groans. “Not this again.”
“Be honest,” Liv says. “Do you pick books without steam on purpose? Because I’ve seen our library’s romance section. It’s pretty damn spicy.”
“Not every story has to be explicit to be good.” Rosalie sighs. “It wouldn’t kill you to expand your horizons.”
“She’s a prude.” Asher holds up his hands. “It’s the only explanation.”
I’m certain the teasing is done in good humor; still, I feel bad that everyone’s piling on Rosalie, especially after the book she gave me this week.
“I don’t think that’s true.” I surprise myself by speaking up. With all eyes on me, I rush to explain, glancing at Rosalie. “The book you lent me the other day was un-put-downable. The sex was hot. The angst had me holding my breath. And that ending?” I shake off the surge of emotion. “So good.”
“You read it already?” Rosalie asks, surprised.
“I devoured it,” I say, then glance around, a little embarrassed everyone is giving me their full attention.
“You little whore!” Asher shouts at Rosalie. “You’re seriously making us read about the dust bowl while saving all the good smut for yourself!”
Rosalie brushes her hair back from her face, laughing.
“I knew it!” Liv laughs along. “You’ve been holding out on us, Rosalie!”
“Think of all the smut we’ve missed.” Asher sighs.
