Page 108 of Happily Ever After

Paige went to the door.

Gigi DeLuca stood on the porch, shoulders back, hair styled carefully, lips painted in a berry pink that couldn’t be missed. She clutched the assigned book in one hand and held a covered plate out with the other like an offering.

“Hi,” Gigi said with a tentative smile. “I brought mini-quiches. I hope that was okay?”

“That’s great,” Paige replied, stepping aside as she took the plate. “Come in.”

Gigi crossed the threshold and paused just inside, her eyes moving around the space. “Thank you for having me,” she said, her tone softer than usual. “And thank you for…giving me a chance.”

Paige nodded before carrying the plate to the counter. “We’re glad you came.”

“Hi, Gigi,” Cece said warmly, standing first. She crossed the room and hugged her. It was brief, but seemed genuine. “I’m glad you’re here.”

That broke something open. Blaise, who was sitting next to Althea, patted the cushion next to her. “Come sit by me.”

Maude gave a small wave. “Hey.”

Essie smiled softly. “Welcome to book club, Gigi.”

When Gigi didn’t move, Althea said, “Sit down already. You’re making the room nervous.”

Gigi blinked, then laughed, a real laugh, clearly surprised and a little shaky. “Okay. Sorry.” She got a glass of water and sat near Blaise.

The small talk started up again and Paige felt some of the tension ease. When everyone had drinks and plates, and had taken their seats in the living room, Paige sat in her usual chair, facing them.

“All right,” she said, hands lifted slightly as if conducting. “Welcome to book club.”

“Couldn’t be happier to be here,” Blaise said, popping a pistachio into her mouth.

Paige’s gaze went to Gigi. “Before we get into everything, I want to say something. Gigi, we’re glad you’re here. There are no expectations, except that you treat us how you want to be treated. Other than that, just be here.”

Gigi’s throat moved as she swallowed. “Thank you.” She set her glass down carefully on a coaster. “And I want to say something, too. I’m grateful you invited me. I know I’ve caused upset. I know things have been complicated and I came on too strong. I’m sorry for that. I had some wrong ideas at first and now that I’ve been here a little bit, I have a much better understanding of, well, everything.”

Paige watched her face, looking for any hint of deception, but Gigi looked honest in her discomfort. Like apologizing wasn’t easy for her, but she was doing it anyway. That earned her points with Paige.

“I also didn’t realize,” Gigi continued, choosing her words carefully. “What I was getting into with Darcy. I really thought her group was about inclusion and fairness.”

Maude’s expression stayed neutral, but Paige saw the flash in her eyes.

Gigi went on. “I know better now. And I’m sorry about that, too.” She lifted her gaze and made eye contact with all of them. “I broke ties with her. Completely. I’m done with her.”

Paige felt her breath catch. Not because it was shocking, but because it was brave. Gigi had put herself on the wrong side of something without realizing it, and now she was fixing things. How many of them had already had to do that?

“For real?” Paige asked, keeping her voice calm.

Gigi nodded. “I told her I wasn’t interested in being part of anything that was built on tearing other people down or destroying what they’d built. She didn’t take it well.”

Althea made a sound that might have been amusement. “That’s because she’s not used to being told no.”

Gigi’s lips pressed together. “Apparently.”

Maude nodded. “Thanks for telling us that.”

Gigi’s shoulders eased, as if she’d been waiting for that exact response.

“Okay,” Paige said. “Because it’s been such a crazy week, I want to go around the room and have everyone share how their week has been. Good news, bad news, whatever you want.”

She pointed at Althea first. “Althea. You’re up.”