Page 84 of Just This Once

Tears threatened to spill over my lashes, but I crammed the emotions down and faked a smile. “It’s not.”

I only hoped that was true.

Long afternoon shadowsslanted across the carpeted floor of Bluebird Books. Hours had passed as I sat tucked in a corner at the windowsill. Between searches for work, I watched as life in Outtatowner played out in front of me—couples strolling hand in hand, families trekking toward the beach, friendly smiles and waves.

As the clock ticked, the ambient lighting gradually dimmed, and the once-bustling aisles surrendered to a quieter intimacy. The overhead lights were turned off, leaving the bookstore bathed in the soft glow of table lamps strategically placed around the space. Blankets adorned the cozy reading nooks, inviting patrons to curl up with a good book.

The air shifted as the last customers made their way to the exit, the door chiming softly as it closed behind them. The subtle rustle of pages being turned and the occasional clink of coffee cups echoed in the now-hushed atmosphere. A sense of anticipation hung in the air, as though the bookstore itself was holding its breath, preparing for the arrival of the Bluebirds.

And then, just as the clock struck the evening hour, the familiar faces of the Bluebirds began to trickle in. Laughter and greetings filled the space, punctuating the quiet with a joyful cadence. The women, carrying trays of treats and bottles of wine, moved with an easy familiarity, transforming the bookstore into their meeting place.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself before walking toward the back of the bookstore, where the Bluebirds gathered, with a smile on my face.

“Emily, over here.” MJ smiled and waved from her spot on a high-back chair. “I saved you a seat.” She patted the settee next to her.

“Thanks.” I smiled and sank into the plush seat.

“So,” she said, her eyebrows bouncing up and down. “We have some catching up to do.”

A hot flush crept across my cheeks. Word about Whip and me being found kissing at the carnival had spread fast in that small town way, and our public outing at the Grudge had cemented everyone’s curiosities.

I smiled weakly.

“Give her a break, MJ.” Sylvie stepped up and handed MJ a cup, then turned and smiled at me. “Hi, I know we’ve met before but didn’t get the chance to talk much. I’m Whip’s sister, Sylvie King—I mean Sullivan!” She barked out a laugh and shook her head. “Sorry, I’m still getting used to saying that.” Her smile was soft and genuine. “You looked like you had fun dancing at the Grudge. I’m sorry we didn’t stay long enough to chat. Apparently my husband has a two-dance maximum.”

I smiled, recalling the love in Whip’s eyes when he’d shown me the toy box he was building for his new nephew. I reached my hand out to shake hers. “It’s nice to see you again. Congratulations on your adorable baby boy.”

She smiled sweetly and settled in the chair on the opposite side of me. “He’s over a year old already. I just can’t believe it.”

“He’s the cutest kid,” MJ added. “He’s got his mama’s smile.”

Sylvie laughed. “Yeah, but also his daddy’s attitude.”

The two women shared a laugh as they sipped their drinks, and I couldn’t help but feel the warm sense of camaraderie. As an only child, I had never known what it was like to have asister to share secrets with, or talk about boys, or eventually have someone to raise my children alongside.

As the final women gathered, Tootie Sullivan stood at the front of the group and shook a small bell to gain our attention.

“Good evening, Bluebirds. Before we all get settled in, I just wanted to take a moment. We have a special guest here with us tonight.” Her kind eyes found me as she gestured toward where I sat. “Emily, would you like to come up?”

I shifted in my seat and rose to stand, collecting my thoughts as I made my way to the front of the room.

“Emily asked if she might be able to speak to all of us tonight.” Tootie gestured in front of her. “They’re all ears, dear.”

I nodded at her and smiled. “Thank you. Hi.” I looked out into the sea of friendly smiling faces. “Thanks, everyone. I feel a little silly standing in front of you all.”

A few soft murmurs rippled through the crowd, and a couple of the women hunched together, whispering in secret. I wondered if they were gossiping about me and the news that Whip King and I were officially dating. A firefighter and the chief’s daughter were prime gossip fodder.

I cleared my throat and pressed on. “I really just wanted to say thank you. With the help and generosity of the Bluebirds, the Outtatowner Educational Foundation has raised more money in the last few months than they had in years. Thank you.”

Soft claps and cheerful whoops rippled through the small gathering of women. Their friendly camaraderie set me at ease.

“Eat that, Scooter Kuder,” someone playfully called from the back.

A laugh burst from my chest, and the tension in my shoulders dissolved.

“Next year we can go bigger!” MJ called out from her seat, raising her cup.

My eyes caught my mother’s, who gave me a soft reassuring smile. She knew what I did—that if the Bluebirds supported the foundation again next year, it would be someone else at the helm instead of me. Confiding in my mother earlier in the day had nearly broken me. Mom reassured me that everything would work out, but as the day wore on, I lacked the confidence she had.

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