Page 104 of Falling for Keeps

But when I’m walking out the door, I get a smile from Emma that proves exactly what’s coming next time I see her alone.

Emma

Book club gets wild sometimes, but I’ve never seen the Ednas go ballistic over a story like they have tonight.

“I was promised romance!” Edna B. says, pushing back her dark hair. “This was terrifying. I didn’t even sleep after reading it.”

Edna G. nods along. “Couldn’t even finish it.”

I exchange a look with Demi. Never have we made any romance-related promises with this book club. I want to know who gave the Ednas a false idea about what they were reading. If they hated the book so much, why are they here? And Then There Were None is an Agatha Christie classic. They had to know what they were getting themselves into.

Instead, we’ve heard about their disappointment for the better part of the evening.

Maggie pops her gum. “If everyone is finished sharing their opinions, could we move on?”

“How about refreshments! I know we don’t always have them, but with the season, Sadie brought some of her new baked goods. You can find them at the table against the wall.”

Ari shuts her copy of tonight’s book, giving me a look. I mouth sorry to her because I know the discussion was lame. Every time we tried to actually talk about the novel, the Ednas took over. No one wins against the Ednas.

“What’s our book for next month?” Ari asks.

Edna B. makes a harrumph sound. “If it’s not romance, I’m quitting!”

“You’re in luck.” I give the group my best customer service smile. “We’re reading Secret Crush by Sunny Palmer and it’s very romantic. I think you’ll both be satisfied.”

“Oh, I love Sunny Palmer,” Sadie says.

Edna G. nods dramatically. “Me too. Good choice, doll.”

The group disperses to have refreshments, and Demi leans in. “I’m pretty sure we just turned into a romance book club. No one’s going to want to sit through that again.”

“I’m fine with it. Maybe now Barb will come full time.”

Demi looks like she’s considering this. “I guess it could be worse. Romance is the most universally appreciated genre.”

“And my favorite.”

“Says the youth services librarian.”

“I can love romance and picture books. Don’t put me in a box.” We head toward the table to snag a treat before the Ednas squirrel the rest of them away to take home later. “Are you still okay giving me a ride home tonight?”

“Of course.” Demi takes a bite. “Where’s your car, anyway?”

“Carson took it home. He was going to work late and hitch a ride with me, since he lent his car to his sister, but he said something came up.”

Demi turns away from me, but not before I catch the smile curving her lips.

“What do you know?” I ask.

“Nothing.”

“I can tell you’re lying.”

“Well, I’m saying nothing. That hasn’t changed.”

I take a bite of my maple blondie, watching Maggie flirt with Seth. “She’s relentless.”

“That’s my sister’s almost-boyfriend. I’m gonna take her down⁠—”