3
I'm on the second floor finishing set up, when George calls up to ask if I need a hand. It’s the second time he has called up. I shake my head and call down a polite decline.
A low coffee table holds most of the treats while a long narrow table against the wall holds the rest of the food and some bottles of water.
I peer over the scrolled metal balcony, noticing a few people moving about the store. Mickey and her sister Cookie who show up every month are flirting shamelessly with Jude while they order a couple hot drinks. I know for certain they’ve met Mark, but both enjoy a bit of harmless flirting.
I turn from the balcony to walk down the curved staircase a few steps and announce to any newcomers where the meeting will take place.
Mickey and the small group of my regulars flow up the stairs talking animatedly about what books should be next. Mickey is fighting to finish the series, but Linda is adamant that if we discuss the first book, then the others would become redundant.
"Oh, Mickey just read them, and enjoy them. No need to beat it to death," the old bird cackles at her intended joke. I smirk thinking the eighty-year-old woman had to have been something to see in her youth.
I turn and make my way back up the stairs. I notice a slightly familiar looking large man loitering near the staircase; the ball cap pulled low over his face is a give away. It takes a moment, but I realize it's my stranger from the grocer.
My heart rate speeds up.
Is he following me?
Did Darryl send him to find me?
I dismiss my reaction as quickly as it comes. I'm being ridiculous. I'm only a block from the the market. He's just looking for a book, and I'm connecting things that aren't there. Seeing a man twice in two days doesn’t mean he’s stalking you.
A few others pass me on the stairs, so I move back up to the second floor. I look around the sitting room still standing by the stairs. There are about twelve others finding seats or helping themselves to a snack. I smile thinking this is the best turn out yet.
I hear a deep voice say, "Excuse me." A hand touches the small of my back, and then let's go as he moves past. The touch was casual like he was simply keeping me in place so he could move around me, but I can feel the heat from his palm linger through my sheer shirt. I blow out a breath as I watch him take a seat.
Mickey and Cookie make room between themselves for him to sit.
He grins at them, his face hidden but what can be seen easily is perfect, every member of the book club sits a little straighter. My gaze follows the shadow created by the brim of his hat; a strong jaw with light stubble runs down a nice thick neck. I gulp as my eyes take in his wide set of shoulders and a trim waist. He looks like a giant squashed between to the two cougars. He's trying to make himself as small as possible, his shoulders pull inward, and his long legs seam together. His shrinking is in vain, because both women are leaning unnecessarily close. Mickey, the brazen hoochy, reaches over and squeezes his bicep in a poorly concealed welcome gesture. Judging from his body language, he’s starting to look very uncomfortable.
I take mercy on the poor man and get things started.
I clear my throat, "This is our best turn out yet. Just to make sure we're all in the right place, this is the B B & B's monthly book club, and we're discussing Fifty Shades of Gray." I look right at him, but he doesn't acknowledge myget out while you canoffer. "Okay then. I'm happy you could all join us. I'm Samantha, and this is my bookstore.” I gesture around the store, then to the food table, “Help yourselves to a drink or snack, and we will get started in just a few moments.” I am about to end my welcome speech when I remember, “We also will be voting on next months group read from the books suggested last month. So before you leave, don't forget to add the book you'd like to read on the sheet over there for next months voting." I point to a small table where the book sign-up is; a few members turn to look at it. Most are caught up in looking at the new guy. I sigh, ending my speech.
The room falls into chatter as a few women go up to introduce themselves to the man seated between Mickey and Cookie.
After most everyone has grabbed a drink and a plate, I begin with my little introduction, "Since we have a few new faces, why don't we take a moment to introduce ourselves?” No one looks pleased, except Cookie. “How about you start Cookie?".
Her voice is strong and clear when she says, "Well, like our Sam here said, my name is Cookie," she nods her head to the man seated next to her urging him to go next.
"I guess I'm next," he chuckles. "I'm Beau," he says without removing his hat.
I tilt my head, thinking it’s a little rude but soon forget when Mickey starts talking, "Well hello there, Beau. I'm Mickey." She introduces herself to him and him alone. Her dark pixie cut shines as she dips her head a little trying to get a better look at his face. Her large brown eyes lock on mine, and her lip lifts at the corner making her grin a little mischievous. "How'd you find our little store Beau?" she asks, still looking at me. It’s like she thinks I'm the one who’s going to answer.
"Ahh, an internet search?" he asks more than states. She caught him off guard.
I lift my hand and motion for the next person to continue. The rest of the introductions go smoothly, with no other interruptions. I read a little synopsis of the book, then ask, "So who wants to begin?"
A few heads turn looking around the group. Everyone seems to be waiting for someone else to start talking. Mickey’s lips twist up in a small smirk. She has the devil on those lips. I quickly speak up to interrupt her train of thought.
“Let’s start with the genre. What did you guys think? Erotica or romance?” I’m met with continued silence, so I try a different route. “What were your thoughts on the relationship? Did it offend you or not?”
I hear mumbles of both answers being stated, and that’s all it takes.
“I wasn’t offended by the relationship. Honestly, one thing that bothered me about the book was every single man she met was enamored by her, and I couldn’t figure out why!” Cookie’s comment spurs a few responses. Beau’s head bobs like he agrees.
Mickey reaches over and lightly slaps his thigh with the back of her hand, “What d’ya think, Beau? Is Anna every mans fantasy?”
