Page 75 of The Midnight Book Club
“Actually, I was going to stay in tonight.But maybe we can meet for a coffee?”
“You do realize I never see you outside of daylight hours anymore?Every time I suggest dinner, you’d rather do lunch or coffee.Don’t think I didn’t notice you saying you haddinnerwith Oliver.”
“I did meet him for dinner—one time,” Aurelia admitted.“But I’m trying to keep up progress on the book, and it’s easier to write at night.There’s a lot to do if I want to get it published this year.”
“This year?Is that even possible?”
“I don’t know… I hope so?”
“What did Oliver say?”
“He said we could try.”
“I’m proud of you, you know that, but why the rush?You’re like a thing possessed.”
“I’m not possessed.It’s just something I’ve set my heart on, that’s all.”
Aurelia hoped he’d leave it at that, as they were veering dangerously close to all the reasons she couldn’t explain for wanting to get Vronsky’s story ready to test out as soon as possible.
David sighed.“Not possessed, then.Obsessed, maybe.”
“Yeah, I’ll give you that.Can we meet for coffee or lunch this week?I want to see you—I do.”
“Alright, I’ll call you for lunch later this week,” David said, sounding temporarily placated.
After ringing off, Aurelia sat for a moment, feeling as though she’d dodged a more serious telling-off that she probably deserved.She stood up and was about to head into the bathroom to shower when her phone rang.
“How could you tell I needed you?”she asked, knowing it would be Antonia.Moving back to the armchair, Aurelia sat and nestled in again.Fezz strolled over, jumped up on the chair, and settled in next to her.
“If you need me so badly, why haven’t I heard from you in days?I tried calling last night, and when you didn’t answer I started to worry.”
“I’m sorry, I’ve just been busy with the book.”
Aurelia hesitated.She didn’t want to tell Antonia that David had just scolded her for not wanting to go out at night.And her recent argument with Vronsky wasn’t something she could mention either.It seemed she was walking a very thin line with everyone these days—precariously balancing between what she could share on one side and what she needed to hide on the other.She decided the safest bet was to focus on her dinner with Oliver, which she was sure Antonia would find just as tantalizing.
“You remember I told you about my editor?”
“Yes—Oliver.”
“Right.Well, we had dinner on Friday.”
“Dinner?Indeed,” Antonia said roguishly.
“Yes, his aloofness is dropping,” Aurelia acknowledged.“He hinted that he’s open to a relationship.”
“Good—so are you.”
“I am not.”
“Yes, you are, Aurelia!You’re single, and you’ve said he’s cute.”
“He is.”
“Alright, then.”Antonia’s tone suggested the matter was settled.
“I’m not going to call him up and ask him on a date right now!”Aurelia said, exasperated.
“Why not?”
