“Carlie? Is that you?” Tasia calls out from the book nook.
I step up onto my tiptoes, trying to get a view of them. But the shelves are too high.
“Yep,” I call out.
“Can you lock the door?” she fires back.
I nod, more to myself, since she can’t see me. “Sure thing.”
Locking the door behind me, I attempt a smooth turn only to fumble with the book in my hand. It clatters to the floor with an echoing thud that seems to announce my arrival more effectively than any words could.
I don’t know why I’m still surprised.
Bending down to retrieve it, I mutter under my breath, “Smooth move, Carlie. First rule of the book club—don’t break the book.”
Straightening up, I can’t help but let out a small chuckle, hoping no one noticed my little mishap, but in the back of my mind, I know everyone heard. How could they not?
As I walk through the rest of the store and step into the cozy warmth of the book nook, I tuck the rebellious book under my arm, reminding myself that the night is about relaxation and camaraderie—not about how gracefully I can walk.
The lively chatter and the comfortable clutter of books and cushions immediately set me at ease. It also helps that there’s wine being poured.
Oh yes, come to momma.
Per usual, Tasia and Vivian are sitting in two of the three cushy wingback chairs, while Lily and Anna are nestled on the loveseat, deep in conversation.
Lily, with her ever-present sense of calm, is flipping through the pages of her book, while Anna’s face is buried in her phone, her brows knit in concentration.
As I approach, Anna glances up. “Hey, Carlie,” she greets casually. Then, her demeanor shifts as she sets her phone in her lap and turns to Lily with her jaw clenched. “JoelfuckingPrice is playing at Nocté next month? Did you know about this?”
Lily looks over at her, a flicker of interest crossing her face before she shrugs nonchalantly.
But I caught that look.
She definitely knew.
“Um, who’s that?” Vivian asks, her gossip radar clearly on high alert.
Anna takes a deep breath through her nose and from here, it looks like she’s fighting hard not to roll her eyes. “Only the most obnoxious musician on the planet.”
“Joel Price? I think his music is pretty good,” Tasia admits, her focus narrowing in on Anna.
I take my seat quietly observing and accepting the glass of wine Tasia offers.
“Thanks,” I whisper to her with a grin.
Anna picks up her phone, shaking her head in disgust. “He’s so …irritating.”
“Isn’t he from Duluth?” Tasia asks, taking a sip of her wine.
Anna practically snorts. “Yeah. That matters why?”
Vivian leans in, her head tilting slightly. “Dish, Chang. What’s got your panties in such a twist about this guy? He an ex or something?” she asks, her eyes sparkling as she starts tapping her knees with her fingertips.
“Anna has exes?” Tasia quips, a knowing glint sparking in her gaze.
Anna’s eyes narrow and she practically spits venom. “Fuck no. I wouldn’t touch that man with a barge pole.”
“That’s not what it sounds like,” Vivian counters with a smug grin.