Page 40 of Pierced Pages
Kim and Melanie simultaneously leaned sideways so their arms pressed against each other.
“We’re thrilled to hear that,” Kim said. “It’s why we want to do this. Bring a little joy to people through books.”
“Just let me know the date you pick. Thanks again for today.”
As Danielle opened the door, Lila twisted her head and looked up at her. “Did you hear me? I said I can stay home by myself.”
Danielle let out a heavy sigh as she shut the door behind her, grateful for the book club and the end to that conversation about Morgan, but less grateful for the discussion she was about to have on the car ride home.
Chapter 17
Morgan
Pins crashed against the far wall of the building while balls knocked to the floor in irregular patterns. Morgan was glad she’d taken some preemptive ibuprofen along with a heavy supply of water.
Oakview didn’t have a lot in the way of entertainment, but it loved its bowling, evidenced by every lane being full with a waiting list that Friday night.
A woman in a tight blue T-shirt and even tighter jeans returned to the tables with two more pitchers of beer. She tapped a perfectly manicured finger on top of the pitcher nearest Morgan and said, “Time for a refill!”
Morgan waved a hand over her mostly empty mug. “I’m good, thanks.”
She was hoping to sneak away soon, and didn’t want to down another beer in case her opportunity presented itself.
The woman shrugged. “Suit yourself.” Then, she poured herself a mug and sashayed over to the loudest cluster of people gathered for Felicia’s bachelorette party.
It wasn’t that Morgan didn’t want to be there.
Okay, that was a lie.
But she at least wanted to be there for her sister. She was doing a crap job of that so far.
In all fairness, she knew exactly no one in that bowling alley. It was all of Felicia’s old sorority sisters and a couple of coworkers from the bank. They all had people to talk to, and she didn’t have anything in common to talk to any of them about.
“You’re making me sad out here.”
Felicia plopped into a chair across from Morgan at the small table holding the pitcher and several forgotten empty mugs. She wore a white bride-to-be T-shirt and wobbled a little as she sat. Morgan hoped one of those friends would be sober enough to drive her sister home, or at least smart enough to pay for a ride.
“Don’t be sad.” That was the last thing she wanted. And probably a good reason Morgan should disappear soon. “I’m fine. I’m enjoying watching you have a good time.”
Felicia leaned across the table, definitely wobbly, and poked a finger at Morgan. “But I wantyouto have a good time, too.”
“I am, I promise. Didn’t you see me bowling?”
Morgan hadn’t bowled in years, and that actually was a fun bit of the night.
“I also saw you miss picking up that split. I don’t care how long it’s been, you could pick that up in your sleep.”
She wasn’t wrong. Morgan had fudged the swing just a little, so she was close but missed the 3 pin. She was already the odd one out at this thing. No point in making everyone think she was a show-off on top of her awkward social skills.
“It was good to be on a lane again,” Morgan said, ignoring the comment. “I’m glad you picked this place. And everyone looks like they’re having a blast.”
She gestured at the group of giggling and cackling women and smiled at their joy. It really seemed to be a good choice of event.
“So,” Felicia said. “How’s my nephew?”
“Reginald is the same as always. A big, sometimes-cranky baby.”
“Okay, I can’t take it anymore, and I’m not sober enough for subtlety.” Felicia scooted in her chair and leaned over the table to whisper above the noise of the bowling alley. “Who is this mystery date you’re bringing to the wedding?”
