Emery's eyes widened in panic. “I don't… I mean, I'm not sure I…”
“Come on,” Zara said, tugging at Emery's arm. “Everyone needs to hear this.”
As Zara pulled a reluctant Emery back toward the group, Eveline found herself wondering about the contradictions of this woman who'd tumbled into her shop and, somehow, into her carefully ordered life. There was more to Emery Parker than met the eye, Eveline was becoming increasingly certain of that.
And despite her better judgment, she was increasingly determined to discover exactly what it was.
“Everyone,” Mrs. Hampton called out as they settled back into their seats, “I have wonderful news. Since we're only halfway throughWhen a Bride Meets a Groom, I've decided that The Turned Page would be the perfect place for our next meeting as well. That is,” she turned to Eveline with a pointed look, “if our gracious host agrees? And, of course, we mustn’t forget that our tenth anniversary meeting is coming up. And what better place to spend it than right here?”
All eyes turned to Eveline, who found herself trapped between the eager expressions of the club members and Emery's wide-eyed gaze.
“I suppose that would be acceptable,” she said finally. Not that it would be her preference. But behinds in seats meant book sales.
A cheer went up from the group, and Maya clapped her hands in delight.
“Wonderful!” Mrs. Hampton beamed. “And Emery, you simply must co-host with us again. Your insights into Pearl's work are remarkable.”
Emery's face had gone pale. “I, um, that's very kind, but…”
“Emery will be delighted to help,” Eveline interrupted, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. There was something entertaining about watching Emery squirm at the prospect. “After all, she does know so much about romance.”
Emery shot her a look that was part panic, part resignation. “Of course,” she said weakly. “I'd be happy to.”
As the club resumed their spirited debate about Edward's potential redemption, Eveline couldn't help but feel a small thrill of satisfaction. Whatever Emery Parker was hiding, having her run the Romance Book Club was certainly proving to be illuminating.
Chapter Ten
Emery arrived at the bookshop early, hoping to prepare for the day before Eveline appeared. She was still a little shaken about the whole book club ordeal. But it hadn’t been like she could say no. Still, she was almost certainly digging her own grave. On the bright side, her manuscript was finally taking shape, and she'd been up half the night typing furiously, afraid the words might abandon her again. Her protagonist, a guarded bookshop owner with a mysterious past, was developing wonderfully, and if she bore certain similarities to a real-life French bookseller, well, that was purely for authenticity's sake. Right?
She was shelving new arrivals when the phone rang. Seeing no sign of Eveline yet, she picked it up.
“The Turned Page, how may I help you?”
“So it's true. You do actually work at a bookshop now.”
Emery nearly dropped the phone. “Domi! How did you—”
“Please, darling. I'm your agent. Finding wayward authors is my specialty.” Domi's tone was dangerously silky. “Though I'll admit, when Jax finally told me where you've been hiding, I thought she was joking.”
“I'm not hiding,” Emery said, lowering her voice and glancing toward the door to ensure Eveline wasn't about to walk in. “And I'm not neglecting my writing. I wrote five thousand words last night.”
“Five thousand words of what, exactly?Ways I've Destroyed My Career by Playing Shopgirl?”
“It's good, Domi. Really good. The book is working now.”
“Mmm.” The skepticism in Domi's voice was palpable. “Send me pages. Today.”
“I will, I promise.” Emery tucked the phone between her ear and shoulder as she continued arranging books. “The writing is flowing again. This job is helping, believe it or not.”
“What would help more is if you'd show up to the events I arrange for you. Do you have any idea how much damage control I had to do after you missed that signing?”
Emery winced. “I know, I'm sorry. It was…”
“A disaster,” Domi finished for her. “But what's done is done. Now I need to know you're taking this seriously, Emery. Your publisher isn't exactly thrilled with the delays, and they're expecting something spectacular to make up for it.”
“They'll get it,” Emery said with more confidence than she felt. “I just need a little more time.”
“Time, I can give you. What worries me is this… distraction.” Domi sighed audibly. “Tell me honestly. Is this about the woman? The bookshop owner?”
