Page 93 of Too Good to Be True

“Our next book club meeting. I sent you an email.” Right after she said it, Stacy realized her mistake.

Jenna grinned. “That’s right. We need to discuss the juicy book we just read.”

Nick eyed Stacy curiously. “You didn’t tell me you were in a book club.”

She flapped her hand dismissively. “It’s no big deal. Just a few women who get together to discuss books.”

“Romance books,” Jenna corrected.

“So, what’s this juicy book about?”

Stacy sprang off the couch. “I’ll walk you out, Jenna.”

Jenna didn’t budge. “It’s a romance between an older woman and a much younger man.”

Stacy plunked back down and settled for throwing darts at Jenna with her eyeballs.

“Hmm. Sounds interesting,” Nick said and squeezed Stacy’s knee again, his grin rivaling Jenna’s.

Looking immensely pleased with herself, Jenna stood up. “Well, I guess I’ll get going now. You two have a good evening!”

Stacy didn’t bother walking her out.

“Nice meeting you,” Nick called as Jenna slipped out the door.

After Stacy heard Jenna’s car start up, she finally turned and met his gaze.

“In my defense, we started reading the book before I met you.”

He chuckled. “No need to explain. I just have one question.”

“What is it?”

“Do they end up together?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t read the ending yet.”

Twenty-Two

Stacy glanced around the living room at her friends. She usually looked forward to book club meetings, but tonight she felt a bit apprehensive.

Initially she’d selected the novel because she’d been intrigued about the romance between an older woman and younger man. Now she was living it! Since she related to the story on a personal level, she was curious and anxious to hear her friends’ opinions.

Her friends were chatting and drinking wine when she called the meeting to order. “Okay. Who wants to start the discussion?”

“I will,” Karen said, raising her hand.

Stacy nodded, and everyone quieted down to listen to the oldest woman among them speak.

“I enjoyed the romance between Samantha and Jason, and I empathized with their struggles. However…”

Uh-oh, thought Stacy.

“My son is around Jason’s age, and now, I’m wondering if my friends are secretly attracted to him!”

Everyone laughed except for Paige, who sank down in her seat. “Mom…”

“Well, I’m just being honest. He’s a handsome boy, or man, really. I guess it’s possible some of my single friends might think he’s hot.”