Page 36 of Wild Mistake
“Val!” Maeve waves over Ryan’s fiancée. “Sarah, you know Val, right?”
“Yeah.” I lift my beer in greeting. “It’s so good to see you again.”
“Been awhile.” Val smiles. “What is it with this place? We try to leave but end up back here anyway?”
“Right?” I rock from side to side, determined to lull Maeve’s baby to sleep. I’ve always had the magic touch, but it’s been years and this little one is fighting it, rubbing his little fists against his eyes.
“So”—Maeve turns her attention to Val—“I know it’s only been a week, but where are we with wedding plans?”
“Oh, that’s right. Congratulations!” I glance at Val’s ring finger. A pang of envy hits me that’s both unexpected and confusing. I don’t begrudge her happiness. I’m just sad I don’t belong in that club anymore. I’m still figuring out who I am without Jake. Just because my marriage came to an end doesn’t mean I’ve given up on the idea of it.
I’m happy for Ryan and Val. They went through a lot before life brought them back together.Just like you and Aiden,a tiny voice inside my heart whispers.
I stop rocking the baby. No. No way. Aiden and I had our chance. All we’re doing now is rekindling an old friendship and taking part in a little harmless flirting. I do not want a relationship with him. I’m not ready for that.Or am I?
“Sarah, do you work Friday afternoons?” Maeve asks. Her question stops me from going down a rabbit hole of thoughts I do not need to be entertaining.
“Sometimes.”
“Okay, then it’s settled. The next Friday you have off, you have to join us.”
Join her?
“Book club.” She answers the question written on my face. “We rotate houses, so I’ll get your number and text you the details. I think this week we’re at Liv’s.”
“Oh, I’m not sure I have time for reading.” Some nights, I can barely keep my eyes open long enough to get home from work. Besides, I have no budget for books.
“We hardly discuss books.” Val glances over her shoulder to make sure no one is listening in. “It should be called booze club. We just don’t advertise that part or the men will infiltrate.”
“It’s true.” Maeve grins. “You don’t even have to pretend to read the book. Just come as you are. We mostly drink and laugh a lot. It’s a short time out from life.” She takes a drink from her beer. “It’s the thing I look forward to most.”
They’re being so welcoming, it’s disarming. I’ve never had friends like this. Ones who are quick to include an outsider they hardly know. Sure, I’m from Wilder Valley. But I haven’t lived here in years. Besides, the way Aiden and I ended, Maeve should hate me.
“Don’t worry.” Val takes my silence for hesitation. “I was uncertain when Maeve practically kidnapped me to attend my first meeting, but it really is a good time. You should join us. Everyone is so nice.”
I believe her. “Okay.” I nod, warmth filling my chest. “I’ll try.”
“Oh, my goodness.” Val presses her palm to her heart. “Collin’s so cute when he’s sleeping. You’re a baby whisperer.”
I glance down. He is out like a light. I still got it.
“Want to put him down in my office?” Val turns to Maeve. “You brought the pack-n-play, right?”
“Already set it up.” Maeve grins. She finishes off her beer in one long swallow. “Here. I’ll trade you.” She holds her arms out.
Reluctantly, I pass off her baby and take the empty beer from her.
Collin doesn’t open his eyes once in the transfer.
“Thank you,” Maeve whispers before carrying him into the next room.
“I’ll take the empties,” Val says, motioning to the beer bottles I’m holding. “You ready for another?”
“No.” I give her Maeve’s empty, but keep mine. “I’m still working on this.”
“Come grab something to eat. We set up the buffet for people to pick at all night, but at this rate I’m worried we’ll have more leftovers than we can eat in a week, which is saying something when you have a teenage boy in the house,” she says, leading me to the kitchen. “What am I saying?” She laughs. “You understand.”
“I do.” I smile, grabbing a plate.
