Page 36 of Play the Field

With a nod, I gently closed the door. Hopefully, they’d unwind a little once we hit the road.

I walked in front of the car and took a deep breath before hopping into the driver’s seat.

Once the door was shut, Cleo looked over at me. “Seriously, where are we going?”

Putting the car in drive and zipping down Main Street, I smirked. “To the city.”

Cleo smacked my arm. “What the fuck?”

23

CLEO

My jaw dropped.“What do you mean the city? That’s so far away.”

“I promise it’s worth it.” Cat’s charming smile took over her entire face as she turned onto the highway on-ramp.

Shaking my head, I couldn’t believe I’d let myself get in the car with my ex. Cat hadn’t necessarily earned that trust back. But something about the way she looked at me, was enough for me to ignore every red flag.

Unsure how to handle this surprise, I turned toward the window and watched the scenario change. Cat’s phone played a collection of songs, anything from older alternative rock to current pop.

As I watched the scenario shift from the rural woods of New Winford to the suburbs of the lower Hudson Valley, my mind reopened all of the memories of driving with Cat over the years.

When she first got her license, she took me for a long drive into the mountains to sit in the open trunk and watch the sunset over the valley. But now, I watched the sun sink under the ridgeline as we drove south.

Before I knew it, the suburbs transformed into large apartment complexes and the George Washington Bridge.

Cat navigated the traffic like a pro, one, veiny hand on the wheel as she danced to the music. The orange glow of the sun made her look even more beautiful. As much as I wanted to pretend like she wasn’t just as stunning as I remembered, it was undeniable.

We flew down FDR Drive on the East side of Manhattan until Cat pulled off into the East Village.

“Almost there.” Cat smiled as she turned down East 3rd Street. Clicking her tongue, Cat pumped her fist. “That’s lucky.”

A parking spot opened right in front of a shop called Book Club. Cat swooped in and parallel parked in one try. A part of me wasn’t surprised, the world seemed to move around Cat Collins like it was expecting her.

Before I could move toward my door, Cat was flying around the car to open my door.Checking for traffic, Cat pulled open the passenger door and gestured for me to stand up. “We’re here.”

Pulling myself out of the low car and onto the curb, I looked up at the painted signage over the entrance. “What is this?”

“You’ll have to see.” Cat held out her arm one more time, hoping this time the parking luck might just follow her. But until I saw what she had in store, I wasn’t quite ready to give in. I’d already caved and kissed her. She still had plenty to make up for.

Taking the hint, Cat crossed the sidewalk and pulled open the door to Book Club for me. I walked past her and inside the store.

My jaw dropped at what awaited me. A dimly lit bookstore was packed wall to wall with shelves. To the right of the entrance, a wood bar that stretched half the store displayed a selection of wines and coffees.

In the back, rows and rows of chairs were lined up in front of a small microphone stand.

Behind me, Cat moved toward the bar and placed an order.

I walked up to a woman browsing the shelves, holding a copy of Fingersmith in her hands. “Sorry, what event is happening tonight?”

Smiling back at me, the woman looked up from the book. “Oh, the poet Liv Butler is doing a reading from her latest release.”

My forehead wrinkled. There was no way it was a coincidence. “Thanks,” I said as I turned around.

Before I could say anything, Cat handed me a glass of red wine. “You still like Cab, right?” In her other hand, a bottle of non-alcoholic beer glistened.

“Yeah.” I took the glass, barely able to process what was happening. Cat guided me to the back of the store, holding out her hand. Grabbing it, I swallowed hard. Her grip was firm, like she was afraid to lose me in the nonexistent crowd.

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