“We’re still on for tennis Wednesday?” Luke asks.
Dorian nods. “Of course.”
Well, that explains the forearms.Thank you, tennis.
We talk with Luke for a few more minutes before climbing into Dorian’s car so he can drive me home.
A beautiful girl.
I spend the entire time trying to find a way to get us back to the conversation. I’m hungry for more information, for a better explanation of his college behavior. But the moment has passed, and I don’t know how to get back to it.
By the time he pulls up in front of my store, I’ve given up. We talked about food we love—me, Mexican, and him, anything breakfast—and argued about whether the books or movies are better when it comes toThe Lord of the Rings.
“See you Tuesday,” he says, putting the car in park.
I take my time picking up my bag and sliding my phone into it, then unbuckling, just in case he wants to say anything else.
But he remains quiet.
A beautiful girl.
At what point do I take a leap? My heart hammers in my chest. I don’t have the guts.
I climb out and lean down to look at him. “Thanks for the ride.”
His brown eyes trace my face in a way that makes me feel truly seen. “Good night, Piper.”
My phone buzzes twenty minutes later.
Dorian
I saw the book club flyer on your Instagram page.
He follows the store? He’s looking at it now? Does that mean he’s thinking about me? I’m suddenly self-conscious, but I don’thave to be, because Natalie covers social media and she does an excellent job of it.
Piper
7 p.m. if you want to join. But be warned. You think I’m defensive? Some of those ladies take their books very seriously.
Dorian
I’ve survived worse.
Piper
I’ll prepare an escape route just in case.
Dorian
I’m not afraid.
I’ll be there.
Book clubat the shop is one of my favorite nights. Each month rotates to a new genre to add a little variety, and I do my best to keep away from the books chosen in the national book clubs, because those are already on everyone’s to-be-read lists.
But I just can’t help myself sometimes, and tonight we’re sitting in a circle of folding chairs, discussing the most iconic romance of all time:Pride and Prejudice.
Yes, I love Austen. Who doesn’t?
