Page 15 of Just Between Us

I can’t do this.

I had a job to do, a job Ineededto nail without my emotions getting in the way. My mind spun as my apartment tilted on its axis.

I knew he was my secret fantasy—there was absolutely no way he wasn’t—but he definitely hadn’t known me.

The tiny spark of hope that my secret remained safe grew brighter. There was only one solution to keep my secret life and my real life from intersecting—the only way I could think of to keep my shame and secret buried.

With a resolute breath, I turned off notifications and removed Pulse from my phone.

Wednesday nights in Outtatowner,Michigan, were nearly as busy as any populated city. Despite the busyness of what I assumed was tourist season, the town held a cozy atmosphere that the cold, unattached city lacked. Restaurants were dotted with people eating alfresco. Parents herded sandy kids into cars. I walked the sidewalk of Main Street, and friendly faces smiled and waved.

Laughter floated across the warm, coastal air.

“Veda!” a woman’s voice called out.

My eyes searched for the source, and I spotted JP’s sister MJ waving wildly and cutting across traffic.

“Sorry!” She wound around the car, grinning and waving to the driver. She came to a stop in front of me with a deep exhale. “Hey! Hi.” She cleared her throat. “I thought that was you.”

I pressed my lips into a small smile. “It’s me.”

“What are you doing?” Her smile was bright as she looked up at me.

I glanced around. “Just walking ... getting my bearings.”

She nodded. “So nothing. That’s perfect.”

A laugh pushed through my nose. MJ was direct, but in a humorous way that wasn’t quite in my skill set. I liked that about her.

Her arm looped into mine. “You’re coming with me.”

I walked with her but was hesitant. “Where are you taking me?”

MJ paused in front of a darkened bookstore. “It’s Wednesday night.” Her eyes blinked innocently. “It’s Bluebird Book Club night.”

I looked at the small wooden sign that read “Closed for the Bluebirds.” I peered through the window at the charming vintage shop. A few figures could be seen moving around at the back of the store.

I looked at MJ and frowned, unnerved by her pitifully hopeful face. “I’m not really theclubkind of girl.”

“Ah, come on. There’s alcohol andsometimeswe actually talk about a book.” She grinned. “Though not often. Mostly it’s for us to talk shit about people and untangle the messes my idiot brothers and the Sullivans create.” Her slim shoulders bounced. “It’s fun.”

“Sounds charming.” I swallowed hard, still unconvinced I would fit in with that crowd.

Without allowing another word, MJ pushed through the glass door. “Come on.”

In the back of the quaint store, small groups of women sat in haphazard seating arrangements. Mismatched chairs, a velvet settee, a love seat, and a tufted ottoman all dotted the area like an eclectic, bougie reading nook. Each of the women were chatting with drinks in their hands, and soft music played in the background. The fluorescent shop lights had been dimmed, and table lamps flooded the space with warm, cozy light.

A large side table had an array of drinks—both alcoholic and not—and small plates of appetizers were arranged for book club guests to help themselves.

My stomach growled.

MJ leaned in. “Let’s get you introduced, and then you can grab something to eat. Just stay away from the praline pecans. Ms. Mabel is a terrible cook and can somehow make butter and sugar taste like dirt.”

MJ stifled a giggle, and I couldn’t help but laugh along. “Noted. Thanks.”

“Aunt Bug?” MJ called to an older woman near the back. “Come meet Veda.”

The woman had a commanding presence that I instantly admired. Though there were plenty of people milling about, she stayed still and allowed the commotion to come to her.

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