Page 39 of Searching for Sadie
Poppy giggled. "I was just as surprised when he made them for me on one of our first dates."
"He's an amazing cook. He did all the cooking growing up," said Lexi.
Sadie looked between the two in confusion looking for the connection.
"I'm married to her brother," Poppy said.
"That still doesn't explain why you left your job," Hannah said, bringing the conversation back around.
Sadie sighed. "Well, I'll just say my story line ended in a way they didn't think would be a good look for them. So, they fired me."
"What?" Kate asked with indignation. "So, you had a terrible experience on the show, and from the ones I've watched, I'm guessing you left heartbroken, only to be fired."
"Pretty much," Sadie said. "And now I have to watch it all play out in front of a million viewers before I go back for the reunion show in six weeks."
The mouths of all the women at the table dropped around her. Hannah shook her head and poured her another glass of wine. "I think you're going to need this. Maybe even another bottle."
"We're here for you," Kate said with a genuine smile.
"Thank you, it means a lot."
"Don't mention it. If you want to watch the shows together for a little moral support we're here," Poppy said.
"I'll think about it. Now, aren't we here to talk about the book," Sadie asked, ready to be out of the spotlight for a bit.
And as the woman all started talking about the book, Sadie relaxed into her seat. Once again, coming to Mystic Falls had proven to be the right decision. But now she had another one to make. Did she want to watch the show with them or curl up and watch it in the safety of her own bed snuggling the world's best cat? She didn't know what the answer to that was yet, but it might be nice to have support. On the other hand, it might be better to lick her wounds in peace.
As the night went on, they discussed the book but mostly they all just chatted and drank wine and ate yummy food. It was just the kind of night she needed, and Hannah had kept her glass full all night. The way her head swam told her probably the better part of a bottle of wine to herself, but at least she walked here.
"So, let me see if I got this right," Sadie said, clearing her throat. "You are married to her brother, Josh," she said to Poppy. "And your brother, Sam, works with her husband, Graham," she said to Hannah who nodded. "And you play hockey with Sam and Lucas and are engaged to Wes Darling who plays for the Glendale Magic with your brother," she said to Kate.
"That about sums it up," said Kate.
"Small town life," Poppy said with a smile. "There was a time I wanted to get away from it, but now I would never leave."
Kate's phone vibrated on the table. She picked it up and looked at it as she bit back a smile.
"I love how happy Wes makes you," Poppy said. "I swear I've seen you smile more since you've been with him than you did in the whole time I've known you."
Kate didn't say anything, she just nodded in agreement before saying, "It is getting late though, what you do say we wrap this up until next month."
They all started clearing away their mess.
"When does the show air?" Lexi asked.
"In two weeks," Sadie said as the dread set in.
"If you decide you want company, you can all come watch it at our new place. We can watch it, and I can show you all around. And I can introduce you to Liam, and he can tell you more about the studio."
Sadie's mouth fell open. Liam James. She'd worked with some stars in her day, but none of them were as big as Liam James.
"I'm not sure I can say no to that," Sadie said.
"Well, if you decide you want to watch it on your own, I'll still have you all over and introduce you to Liam."
As they all finished up and walked out of the store Sadie was feeling lighter than she had in a while. With her head a little swimmy from all the wine and a smile on her face from enjoying herself she set off on her way home. Only when she got close, she decided she wasn't quite ready to go home yet.
She climbed the stairs of a familiar porch and knocked on the door.
