Page 52 of Best Kept Secret

“The author probably wrote her like that to add drama,” Jenna said. “Although I know it can happen in real life too.”

“I think if you love someone, you’re capable of loving their child too, even if the child doesn’t share your blood,” Stacy insisted.

“So, if you found out Nick had a child with someone else, you’d be fine with it?” Jenna countered.

The room went silent as the sisters squared off. Kelsey shifted in her seat, preparing to jump in and play referee.

“I might not be ‘fine with it’ at first, but with time, I’m sure I would come to accept it.”

Jenna still looked skeptical, and Kelsey decided to intervene. “In this story, I think the main obstacle Julia had to overcome was his omission of the truth, as Debbie called it. Once she got past that, she was able to love his child like it was her own.”

“And they all lived happily ever after,” Karen said with a smile.

Karen’s comment effectively lessened the tension in the room, and the rest of their discussion went much more smoothly. Soon it was time to announce the next club pick.

“Jenna, are you ready to reveal our next read?” Kelsey asked.

“Yes.” Jenna reached into her oversized purse and pulled out a crumpled paperback. Kelsey noticed the bent cover and glanced at Stacy to see if she’d noticed too. Next to Brussels sprouts, there was nothing her friend hated more than damaged books!

Jenna held up the book for everyone to see. “So, this is a second-chance romance. Essentially, the couple was together for a while, and then they split up. A while later, they meet again…”

“And sparks fly!” Paige inserted.

“But at first, she doesn’t want anything to do with him,” Debbie hypothesized.

“You’ll have to read it to find out,” Jenna said. Then she passed the book around for everyone to see.

When the book got to Stacy, she narrowed her eyes at her sister.

“Don’t even say it,” Jenna said.

“Seriously, though? You used to ruin my books when we were kids, and you’re still doing it.”

Everyone chuckled, eyes shifting between the sisters to see how this would play out.

“It’s not your book,” Jenna countered. “Besides, what’s wrong with a bent page or two?”

Her comment sparked a lively discussion about the care and upkeeping of books as the book made its way around the room.

“That’s why I read on Kindle,” Paige said. “My books can’t get ruined that way.”

“I don’t understand how you can read on those things. It’s too techie for me,” Karen said.

“I’m fine with either,” said Cheryl. “As long as I’m reading, I’m happy.”

Some of the women went on their phones and ordered the book club pick in their preferred format. In the meantime, Stacy took out a notepad and pen from her practically sized purse and jotted down the title.

Kelsey smiled, loving her friend, quirks and all.

“Okay, ladies. That’s all for today. Happy reading!”

“Jenna, don’t forget to send out an email about our next meeting,” Stacy said.

“Yes, Mom!” Jenna replied, but she was smiling when she said it.

After a round of goodbyes, Kelsey walked her friends to the door. As usual, Stacy stayed behind to help clean up. They went into the kitchen and got to work, but Stacy seemed unusually quiet, and Kelsey wondered if she was still irritated with Jenna. A moment later, she got her answer.

“Kels?”