Page 18 of A New Chapter

Chapter 10

Emma didn’t hear from Zack for the next few days, and she decided that it was for the best. Their last interaction had been a little too close for comfort, and a break was just what she needed. Besides, she had a particularly busy schedule at A New Chapter that week. On Tuesday, there was a local author coming in to do a book signing, and on Thursday, Emma was hosting the store’s first ever book club meeting.

Emma was constantly generating ideas on how to keep her store alive, and reaching out to the community was one of them. She had advertised in all of the local papers and participated in a live interview on Clarkston’s independent television channel to encourage people to join the new book club. Anyone who joined would receive a discount on that month’s book selection. This month’s book was The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, which was one of Emma’s favorite reads of the year.

Emma and Kelly were setting up chairs at the back of the store when Emma’s cell phone buzzed in her pants pocket. She was annoyed at herself for carrying the darn thing around instead of leaving it in her purse. Before Zack, her phone hadn’t been blowing up with personal calls so she had let it be, but now…

“Hey, Em. What are you up to?”

“I’m in the process of setting up for a book club meeting at the store, so I only have a few minutes.” Emma held up her index finger to Kelly, who was attempting to move a large table by herself.

“I won’t keep you, but I have a favor to ask. Now, I’m not sure where this appears in the friendship handbook, but… “

“Just get to the point, Zack,” Emma said, suppressing a smile while she rolled her eyes.

“Ok. A coworker of mine invited me to his wedding reception on Saturday. I know it’s short notice, but I wondered if you would go with me. I hate going solo to weddings, and we wouldn’t have to stay long, unless we’re having a good time… “

Emma turned her back on Kelly, who was making obnoxious hurry up faces at her. “I don’t think so, Zack. Sorry.”

“Why not?”

She should have known that he wouldn’t give up that easily. The bell chimed at the front of the store, and a couple of women walked in toting their book club books. Emma motioned to Kelly to greet them.

“Zack, I really don’t have time to talk about this right now. I just don’t think it’s a good idea, that’s all.”

“Even if I promise to be on my best behavior? No repeats of the last time we were at a wedding together. I swear.”

Say no, Emma, just say no! “Oh, alright, but I’m holding you to your word.”

“Cool, thanks. You’re the best!”

“Yes, I know. Call me tomorrow with the details.”

Emma put all thoughts of Zack and weddings aside when she began the book club meeting. She gave a brief synopsis of the novel and then initiated some discussion questions, and the group took over from there. Emma felt right at home among the lively group of women and one brave guy, who shared her love of reading. During the meeting, Kelly went around with a tray of punch, cheese, and fruit. At the end of the hour, Emma announced the book selection for the following month and passed out a store coupon for twenty percent off.

After the last person left the store, Emma and Kelly turned and gave each other a double high five. If only I felt this elated about going to the wedding with Zack, Emma thought while she drove home.

Emma had just crawled under her covers and was about to switch her phone off when it rang. She glanced at her bedroom clock—nine thirty—and then back down at Zack’s name on the display. Why is he calling me now? She debated about whether or not to answer for all of five seconds before she tapped the green button.

“Hello?”

“So, I was lying in bed thinking about you and decided I had to call.”

Oh boy. “Why were you thinking about me in bed?” Emma asked as she pulled the covers up to her chin. She pictured him lying under his new brown and blue plaid comforter that they had made his bed with on Saturday. Would he be wearing boxers, briefs, or nothing at all?

“Well, knowing how women are, I thought you might want a little more information about the wedding on Saturday. In case you need time to buy a new dress or get your hair done or whatever.”

Wow, he really did know women! “Ok, why don’t you start with the reason you were invited to this wedding on such short notice.”

“The invitations went out long before I started working at the company, but Justin—he’s the groom—didn’t want me to feel left out. Most of my coworkers will be there, so I feel like I should at least make an appearance.”

“And you didn’t want to go alone.”

“Exactly.”

Emma heard him rustle around and tried not to picture him bare-chested with his defined biceps, wavy black hair, and devilish grin. “I usually work until five on Saturdays, so what time do I need to be ready?”

“Is seven o’clock ok?”