Page 9 of When We Break

Bee and Dani are my tightest friends. Dani’s twin sister, Alex, and Millie Wild, the owner of the coffee shop next door, are also wonderful.

But I enjoy all of the ladies who have joined. So many of them have known each other most of their lives, thanks to living in a small town, but that didn’t stop them from graciously welcoming me into their fold and making me feel right at home.

“I brought chocolate cupcakes,” Jackie, the owner of The Sugar Studio, announces as she walks through the door. “And I actually read the book this time.”

With a laugh, we all gather around to talk about this month’s book club read,Love, Utleyby S.J. Tilly. We started reading a mafia series by the same author last winter and loved her so much that we decided to keep going. I’msoglad we did.

“This book was a masterpiece,” I tell the group. “It was so heart-wrenching and sexy, all at the same time. But my favorite bit was early in the book when she had the wee fender bender after lunch with her coworkers. She’s frightened and having a moment, and Maddox doesn’t even look her way. He simply puts his hand out for hers, and she slides her palm into his. My heart gave such a heavy sigh at that moment.”

“Hot as hell,” Bee agrees, as the others nod. “We love a man who takes charge. Who knows what he wants and doesn’t play any bullshit games.”

As long as it’s consensual, yes.

But I don’t say that out loud.

We spend the next hour discussing the book and eating cupcakes. It’s always so wonderful to spend time with these girls.

As is typical, once most of the other members have left, our group remains for any last-minute gossip.

“I have some news.” I smile when I see that I have everyone’s attention.

“Tell us,” Alex says, leaning toward me. “Don’t leave anything out.”

“I had an interesting encounter the other night.” I briefly tell them about meeting the Blackwell brothers. “You have an impressive family, Bee.”

“They’re all a major pain in the ass,” Bee replies.

“Hey, one of those is my husband,” Dani reminds her.

“I stand behind my statement.” Bee shrugs.

“Well, Beckett asked for my number.” I press my lips together, and I can feel my face flush as the others watch me.

“Did you give it to him?” Millie asks. “Do you have a date? Oh my God, we need details.”

“No, I turned him down.” I shake my head, still feeling the regret in my chest.

“Why?” Dani asks.

Even though this amazing group of women has been my friends for so many months, I haven’t confided in them about what happened in New York City. Maybe now is a good time to share a few details because I need some bloody advice.

“You all know that I used to be a dancer in New York City.” It still stings to use those words.Used to be.“Well, it’s true that I can’t dance anymore, professionally anyway, because of my ankle. But I also left because I had, well, a situation.”

“What kind of a situation?” Bee draws her eyebrows together.

“A stalker. An unhinged man, who I datedverybriefly. When I told him it wasn’t going to work for us, he wouldn’t take no for an answer. He’s unstable but smart enough not to break any laws.”

“For fuck’s sake.” Millie scowls. “What a piece of shit.”

“Yes, he is. I haven’t heard a word from him since I got here, so I hope that’s a good omen.”

“But what does that have to do with Beckett?” Alex asks.

“My instincts for choosing men are broken.” I reach down to pet Riley, who nudges my hand. “I’m a bad judge of character, obviously. That experience did a number on me, so in addition to not choosing good men, I can’t imagine anyone wanting to take on my baggage. Baggage I won’t bore you with here, but let’s just say it’s hard-sided luggage you have to pay extra for because it’s always over the weight limit.”

Baggage that includes nightmares and a fear of being in the dark so badly that I need an emotional support dog to help me through.

They’re quiet for a moment, then Bee says, “Well, I can tell you for certain that Beck isn’t an asshole. If you tell him no, the answer’s no, and that’s the end of it.”

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