Page 11 of No Angels

“I have a lot of lemons, and I think Mike Callihan might be one of them,” I say as I tip back my glass of wine.

Taren leans forward, her chin in her hand. “Maybe he’s a lemon meringue – those are a lot easier to accept.”

“Once upon a time I thought he was.”

Now Farrah leans forward. “So you two have a history?”

I gulp the rest of the wine and push my hair behind my ears. “Ancient history.”

“Okay, now you have to tell us the whole story,” Emma demands.

Sarah gives me a troubled look and I think she senses how uneasy I am with the direction of the conversation. “Maybe it’s not something she wants to talk about.”

I toss her a grateful smile. “Sarah’s right. I’m not ready to talk about him yet. I didn’t even know he stayed in Willow Creek.”

Taren sighs dreamily. “I’m a sucker for a second chance romance.”

“They hardly ever work,” mutters Sarah.

“You and Zane just got lucky,” Farrah says.

Taren raises a brow. “Why are all of you such skeptics?”

“They’re not skeptics. It’s usually true. Most of the time whatever heartache caused the breakup is too defining to sweep under the rug.”

Taren tilts her head and studies me. “So you had a defining heartache with Mike Callihan?”

“Not really, but I think I may have been his.”

“Oof,” Emma exhales. “Guys usually hold grudges longer than women. I don’t think there are going to be any make out sessions behind the curtains.”

Farrah snorts. “I wouldn’t be so sure. You should see the way he stares at her when her back is turned. Like a hungry puppy.”

A hungry puppy? I don’t know why the thought of him pining turns my bones to mush. And I can’t use wine to brush it aside because my glass is empty.

I reluctantly rise to my feet. “I think I should call it a night. I have errands to run in the morning.” Tomorrow is Mom’s last bout of treatment for the week.

Farrah, Emma and Sarah all rise as well.

Taren jumps up and gives each of us a hug. Even me.

“Let’s do this again soon. Maybe after bookclub this month?”

“Bookclub?” I was in one with a bunch of my fellow actors in the city and I miss the discussion and the camaraderie.

“Yeah, bookclub. You have to come to the next meeting.” Taren insists.

“What do you guys read?”

“I never thought I’d be a fan of historical romance, but it’s my jam now.” Emma chimes in. “We’re working our way through Julie Anne Long’sPalace of Rogueseries right now.”

“Do I have to read them in order?” I don’t know of I’ll have the time to catch up to wherever they are.

Sarah shakes her head. “Nope. We’re reading the third one right now,I’m Only Wicked With You. The hero, Hugh, is a lumbersnack. You’ll love it.”

“Is there an audio version available?” That way I can listen while I do farm and house chores.

“That’s how I usually finish the books. The librarian, Ms. Bromwell, always makes sure the audiobook is available in the catalog.”

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