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“Oh, sorry. Stephanie, this is my sister, Saylor. Saylor, this is my friend Stephanie,” Hallie says.
I transfer the last bag into the trunk and turn around. “Nice to meet you.”
“Oh my goodness, I can’t believe I’m meeting the famous Saylor!”
“Famous?” I look at Hallie.
“Your sister talks about you all the time at our meetings,” Stephanie informs me.
“Meetings?” I echo.
“Yes, we’re in the same book club.”
I bite my bottom lip to keep from laughing. “Really?”
“Hallie’s our newest member, but she contributes a lot.”
“She usually does,” I reply.
“Well, I’ve got to get going, but great to see you, Hallie. Nice to meet you, Saylor,” Stephanie says before she keeps walking down the line of cars.
I head to the passenger side, and Hallie climbs in the driver’s seat.
“You’re in a book club?” I laugh.
Hallie glares at me. “It’s my one night out of the house, okay?”
“I wasn’t judging.” I totally was. “I just find the thought of you in a book club amusing.”
“It’s fun, okay? We have interesting discussions.”
“Oh yeah? What was the last book you read?”
Based on Hallie’s expression, that is the last question she wanted me to ask. “The Duke Who Defiled Me,” she mutters.
“I’m sorry, what?” I giggle. “Are you serious?”
“I didn’t choose it.”
I’m laughing too hard to reply.
“We can’t all have thrilling lives in reality, Saylor.”
The serious note in my sister’s voice is the only reason I’m able to regain my composure. “My life isn’t thrilling, Hallie.”
She snorts, dubious. “If you say so. Just don’t judge my life.”
“I wasn’t, Hallie.”
But I have. I’ve always viewed quiet and settled as the antithesis of everything I ever wanted mine to be.
She’s still doubtful. “Sure.”
“Just because I don’t see myself with a husband and kids doesn’t mean I judge you for choosing those things. You’re my sister. I’m happy for you.”
“I know you don’t. I—I shouldn’t have said anything. I’ve just been stressed making sure everything is all set for the wedding.”
I grasp the peace offering. “Well, I’m here now. I want to help.”
