Book club is exactlywhat I expected, a dozen women crammed into Chloe’s living room with wine flowing freely and everyone talking over each other about the book.
“The MMC is an idiot,” Elliot is saying. “He had one job. ONE JOB. Don’t kiss your ex. And what does he do?”
“He kisses his ex,” Goldie finishes. “In his defense, she showed up at his apartment uninvited.”
“That’s not a defense! You don’t kiss your ex when you’re dating someone else!”
“He didn’t know she was going to kiss him.”
“He should have pushed her away faster.”
They argue good-naturedly while I sip my wine and try to work up the courage to ask.
Finally, during a lull in the conversation, I say, “Can I ask you guys something?”
Everyone turns to look at me.
“Of course,” Chloe says warmly. “What’s up?”
“Do you know Sienna?”
The temperature in the room drops about twenty degrees.
“Yes,” Elliot says, her voice flat. “We know her.”
“She used to date Romeo,” Goldie adds. “Briefly.”
“Very briefly,” Elliot emphasizes. “She was awful. Clingy. Possessive. When he broke up with her, she lost it.”
“Lost it how?”
“Showed up at games. Texted him constantly. Cornered him in the parking lot once.” Elliot’s expression is disgusted. “Brody said security almost had to escort her out.”
My stomach churns. “When was this?”
“Last year. August, maybe.” Chloe’s watching me carefully. “Why? Did she show up again?”
“She DMed him. Said they had coffee yesterday and she wants to see him again.”
“Absolutely not,” Elliot says immediately. “He did not have coffee with her.”
“How do you know?”
“Because Rodriguez isn’t stupid. He knows she’s crazy. He wouldn’t—” She pauses. “Did you ask him about it?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t want to seem insecure or paranoid or?—”
“You’re not being paranoid,” Goldie interrupts. “If Sienna’s reaching out, that’s a problem. She’s not just going to go away.”
“What do I do?”
“Talk to him,” Chloe says gently. “Just ask. Maybe there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation.”
“Or maybe he’s hiding something,” Elliot says.
