It’s a long night with my thoughts and Aunt Mimi’s words, not to mention with sounds that I really,reallycould do without.
Even with my TV volume pretty loud, my parents’ bedroom isn’t as soundproof as I thought it was. I’m happy for them, truly, so relieved they’re as together as they’re supposed to be. But I really could do without hearing their reunion.
38
BAILEY
Arriving at the library to a group of eager-looking females standing in the lobby was not what I expected, but I’m also not shocked.
Ivy, Stacy, Audrey, Leona, and Roxy are looking at me expectantly.
“Um, good morning,” I greet. “What are you all doing here so bright and early?”
“We’re here to start a new book club with you,” Ivy announces. “It’s called theWe Must Chatbook club. And for our first meeting, we must chat about your very first date.” She flashes a big smile.
“What does that have to do with books?” I ask.
“I have no idea,” Ivy admits with a sheepish grin.
“Your sister’s not here,” I note. “Is she on her way?”
“Well, it was her brainchild, actually, and she was supposed to pick me up, but she’s busy barfing, so I’ll be filling her in. She wants you to know, though, that she reserves the right to phone you if she requires clarification. Or… if any of the rest of us miss any important questions she reserves the right to request a repeat in-person meeting.” Ivy flashes an even bigger smile and adds, “Erica would be here, but she’s doing a family breakfast in town with her great aunt. So, we’ll brief her later, too. And Jase’s sisters, the nice ones, they want a report but they’ve asked for a PG-rated version.”
“There’s no other version of last night,” I inform.
All their expressions drop.
“I’m not looking to join a book club,” Roxy announces. “I’m just here to find out how last night went. So, we’ll call me a non-reading member who participates occasionally, depending on the discussion topic.”
“Guys,” I mutter, pressing my fingertips to my temples.
“Nuh uh. Nope!” Leona denounces. “Not okay. You’re always in the thick of everything, because you need to know, right? Well, so do we. So. Do. We! Ivy and Stacy are newcomers, but if they’rethisinvested in the Jase and Bailey love story, imagine how the rest of us feel! You can’t hold out on us, girlfriend. Spill!”
“Yikes!” I say.
“Well, I’ve watched this show for what? Twelve or thirteen seasons? And the latest season has been the most exciting.”
“Clearly,” I mutter, “Since you’re hosting watch parties on your front lawn.”
“Well… I’m not about to let you leave me on a cliffhanger for any longer than necessary.”
“Besides…” Stacy speaks up, “Since your group chat book club friends are being less than supportive, you need a new book club. A non-virtual one and this one includes treats. And a little bird told me you got a whole lot of new books. Didn’t you?” She wiggles her eyebrows.
“How is this news spreading already?” I ask.
Stacy answers. “Grey and Jase swapped vehicles this morning for some repairs Grey’s gone to make on one of their rental units. Jase told him to use the bed of the pickup only, not the backseat because you guys filled it with books last night on your date. Theway Grey told me, Jase was very protective over your new books not getting dirty or bent. Care to explain?”
“Yes, explain!” Ivy chimes in, loudly.
“Wow, Ivy. Aggressive much?” I quip.
She glares at me with her pretty violet eyes. “We’re invested. All of us. We saw the emotion all over you. The way you looked at him when I first got here? The love that oozed from you? We all saw it. I hoped he’d pick you. And then he did and you were so, so crushed. It was hard to watch all that hope turn to that much hurt. We all wanted to be mad at him forever. But we’ve seen him suffer. And everyone loves Jase.”
“How could you not?” Audrey adds.
Ivy nods. “He’s a lovable guy. He messed up when it came to you. Big time. And I’m on your side, always have been, but I really hope you two work it out, as does my sister. You’ve been there for us both in a big way, including when I was at my very lowest. Love you, girlfriend!”
“You’ve been here for me, too,” Stacy adds. “And I know Erica would say the very same thing.”