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“Which part?” I asked, amused. “The stairwell or the pool?”

Wolfe did groan now, head dropped into his hands.

“The pool was hot,” Nadine gushed. “Right on the ledge for anyone to see!”

I smirked, utterly delighted as they dissolved into their favorite scenes and moments.

“And that man’s mouth!” Lisette crowed, hand pounding against the table.

“Do you mean because of what he said or what he did with it?” I asked, brow arched.

“That’s it!” Wolfe jumped off the counter and I nearly leapt from my seat. “You win. You’re a demon. A menace. A—a torment.”

I wanted to laugh, wanted to double over until tears streamed down my cheeks. It took everything within me to swallow it down, to keep my expression as neutral as possible.

He looked so flustered, so turned around. He bumped into the counter and the box of crackers tipped over. Only Isadora caught it, eyes narrowing to the place the box rested.

“I’m reading your book,” he declared. “I want to know what they know.”

I winked at him, turning my attention back to the table.

We moved off my book, instead swapping recommendations until we each had ten more books added to our ‘to be read’ list. I told Moira about the books I picked up from Nadine and she fanned herself, promising me that I was in for an absolute treat.

They all very shyly asked if we could exchange numbers and I didn’t think twice about sliding my phone across the table.

“You know,” I said, watching Lisette add emojis to her name, “I’m feeling a little upset no one mentioned this club to me before. I’ve been here just about a month, you know.”

Moira went ashen. “Oh, my girl. No, no. We just—you wanted to get away. I didn’t want to impose. I thought—”

“Moira.” I settled my hand on hers. “I’m teasing. I’m just grateful I was able to come tonight. This is really nice.” I glanced around the table at the empty bottles of wine and decimated plates of snacks. “I’ve never—” My voice broke on an embarrassing flood of emotion.

The table went quiet.

I closed my eyes, defeated.

It was too much. Too heavy. Too sad.

Wolfe moved around me, his hands on my shoulders.

“Don’t hide,” he beseeched. “Let them see it. See you. Please, don’t lock yourself away again.”

“We’re happy you’re here.” Nadine reached for my other hand across the table. Lisette, Isadora, and Bianca leaned in until our hands were all stacked together. “And as long as you’re in Ireland—even when you go home to New York—there is always a place for you here.”

“I’d like that,” I managed, sniffling.

“Just like your book Avery, I believe you’ll find your place,” Moira said softly. “And we’ll be here helping you along the way.”

“Thank you,” I murmured. “I’m sorry. I’m supposed to be a romance writer.” I wiped my eyes.

“So?” Bianca said, dark eyes curious when they met mine. “Just because you write romance doesn’t mean you can’t be sad? Or angry? Or lonely? You’re only reduced to being able to feel one thing?”

My throat went dry and I simply stared at her, wondering when I’d shoved myself into such a tiny box.

“It doesn’t make me a fraud?”

She laughed, leaning close. “No, Avery. It makes you real.”

Bianca’s words stayed with me the rest of the night.