Page 12 of The Nicest Thing
They'd never understood the pleasure that comes from reading a book.It was a shame really.They were good guys, if a little overprotective.But I knew they just hadn't found the right story yet to spark their interest.It was why I was always getting them paperbacks I thought they'd like for Christmas—whether they read them or not.
Ana hung back."I'm still curious about that offer," she said.
I nodded."I'll let you know if anything comes of it."
"I think you should say yes."
"But you don't even know what it's about."
"True," she said."But you should follow your gut."
"What if my gut leads me into trouble?"
"Grandma Rose always says life is meant to be lived.Take chances.No regrets."
"Thanks, Ana."
"Don't thank me," she said."Thank Grandma Rose."
I knew she was right.
Grandma Rose was always dropping her wisdom on us.Another thing she liked to say?
Family takes care of family.
And I would do that.
Even if it meant asking my best friend for the favor to end all favors.
#
"So, did everyone have time to read the book?"
Total silence.
I glanced at my fellow book club members.With the exception of Emmy and Maisie, pretty much everyone avoided my gaze and/or squirmed in their seats.Maybe they were just nervous.We'd gotten a few new members recently.
I decided to try again.
"Don't you guys think Sabine and Torin's chemistry jumped off the page?" I said."Enemies-to-lovers is so satisfying, but I feel like Romantasy does it best.Any thoughts on the story or characters?
Crickets.
"Or the romance genre in general?"
Slowly, one of the girls raised her hand.
"Oh awesome, Lavender!" I said."No need to raise your hand.What'd you think ofA Heart of Fire and Ash?"
"Um, actually, I had a question," she said.
I nodded.
"When’s Finn going to get here?"
I gave a mental sigh.It wasn't the first time I'd heard those words.Probably wouldn't be the last.Our new members seemed more interested in Finn than the books we were reading.But that was no reason to make the girl feel bad.
"He said he would be late," I replied.
