Page 43 of Wild Mistake
Maybe this is all for the better. I don’t have the time or energy to give him, or anyone else. I can barely take care of myself. Besides, I’m not even officially divorced.
Irritation thrums in my veins at that.
The last time I brought it up, Jake said he was going to file the paperwork, but that was a month ago and he still hasn’t. I don’t want to nag him because I don’t trust he won’t change his mind about giving me full custody of the boys. It doesn’t help that they constantly complain about living here, especially now that they’re back in school this week. But we left Phoenix over four months ago, and reconciliation isn’t an option. It’s time. Hell, it’s past time. If I had the money, I’d file the paperwork myself.
A gasp from across the diner steals my attention.
Rosalie closes her book, sets it on the table and sits back in her seat, staring at the cover with glassy eyes. She doesn’t finish her meal, or take a drink. She doesn’t even move. She just stares at the book as tears fall down her cheeks.
Shit.
Is she okay? Should I ask?She’s obviously having a moment and I don’t want to make it worse.
I think back to all the times in the past year I had a moment in a public space. What it would have meant for someone to acknowledge my pain rather than look away and pretend it didn’t exist. Rosalie isn’t someone I know well, but I don’t want her to feel alone in whatever she’s going through.
Cautiously, I make my way toward her table. “Hey, you okay? Can I get you something?”
“No.” Rosalie reaches for her napkin and blots the tears from her cheeks. She points at the table and laughs through another sob. “It’s the book.”
The band of worry around my chest loosens.Oh. Thank God.She’s not having a crisis. It’s the book. “That bad?”
“The complete opposite.” She stares at the book again. “That is one of the best books I’ve ever read.” She fans her eyes as if she might start crying again. “Sorry. You must think I’m crazy.”
“Not at all.” I smile. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”
“Do you like to read?” She pulls out her wallet and counts out the dollar bills to cover her lunch.
“I used to. I don’t have much time for books these days.”
She stands, sliding her bag onto her shoulder, but instead of holding the book to her chest, she hands it to me. “Here. You have to read this.”
“Oh, I couldn’t.”
“Please.” She meets my stare. “I need someone else to experience the brilliance of this story.” Her genuine kindness makes it impossible for me to dislike her.
I take the book. “Marley Valentine?” I read the author’s name as I scan the cover. “I’ve never read her before.”
“Oh, you are in for a treat.”
“But is it sad? I don’t think I can handle a sad book right now.”
“It’s the kind of book that breaks your heart and puts it back together in the end.” She sighs. “Trust me, mine were happy tears.”
“Thanks.” That is something I could use in real life. “I’ll give it a try.”
“Are you going to join us for book club this week? Maeve mentioned she invited you.”
“That’s right.” I hope my smile doesn’t betray my indecision. Maeve texted me a reminder this morning. I don’t work tomorrow afternoon, but I’m not sure I’ll go. I should probably spend the time with my boys. I also don’t know if it’s a good idea to get closer to Maeve when I’m not sure where I stand with her brother. “I’m not sure I can make it.”
“You should come.” She waves, heading toward the door. “Hopefully, I’ll see you there.”
“Sounds good.” I tuck the book under one arm and stuff the cash into my apron before clearing the dishes and taking them into the kitchen. I’m loading them in the dishwasher when Marnie pokes her head out of her office.
“Hey, Sarah?”
“Yeah?”
“I hate to do this, but is there any way you can stay and close tonight?” She holds her cell against her chest. “Bethany just called. Her entire family is down with the flu and I’ve got plans later.”
