I hear a throat clear and a few of the women lean closer, waiting for his response.
Beau hums, his mouth is a tight grimace, but he seems to really be thinking about his answer. “Well that’s the idea with reading this type of story, right? Leading with enough information that the reader can use their own imagination to fill in what really does it for them, what turns them on.” The corner of his lip turns up as he gives a slight shrug, “I thought her character was sexy. I liked how confident she became.”
More than one of the ladies’ cheeks turn pink, and the room falls silent.
It takes Mickey to break the spell, “I need a drink.”
Damn her. She is the main reason why we don’t have wine at these meetings anymore.
Two hours later, the snacks are gone, and everyone has shared their questions and opinions on the story that has sparked so much media coverage. A few people seem to have made friends, as a group of women are exchanging numbers and making plans to meet outside of bookclub.
Beau, who I now know as the owner of the Facebook account, has stayed relatively quiet. Being the only male in the group, he was asked tons of questions about his perspective on the story. I admit it was great to have a male perspective and not just because his voice sounded so good saying words like bound and sexy. I'm still surprised he's read the story, though his input makes it very clear he has.
I overhear him tell Mickey he hasn't read the next bookyet. I'm not totally surprised when he goes downstairs to buy a copy from George, but I find myself hoping he comes back next month.
Linda was the only one who didn't want to read the second book in the trilogy, so Fifty Shades Darker is what's on the table for next time. I haven't looked at the suggestion sheet, but I’m betting Fifty Shades Freed is the book listed most for the following month.
George locked up about twenty minutes ago. As everyone is preparing to leave, I go downstairs with the majority of the group. "We ran a little long tonight guys, so I'll let you out," I say and am met with a chorus of thank you’s from the group and a few requests to have the spinach dip become mandatory at every meeting.
I return upstairs to find Beau and three young women cleaning up the tables. One of the women is new. I think she said her name is Celia. I sigh happily, because I've never had anyone stay and help me. Beau's presence is a great motivator. Everything is done except cleaning and returning the crockpot to the lounge.
"Wow! Thanks guys, but this is totally unnecessary. You know I don't mind," I say slyly looking at Lisa and Amy to let them know I’ve caught on to their unusual helpfulness. Amy looks embarrassed, while Lisa just smiles and winks. "Well since you've all taken care of everything. I can let you out if you're ready," I comment while placing the empty trays into the sack. I pick up the crockpot to take down stairs.
Beau strides over and pulls the pot from my hands saying, "I'll take this down for you." I release it without thinking, and he's down the stairs before I can thank him. I grab the sack and move to follow him.
I stop when the new girl fans her face saying, "Hot, mysterious, and helpful! Has anyone called dibs?" She asks boldly. I snort at the offended looks on Lisa and Amy's faces.
I'm surprised when it's Amy that speaks up, "Not yet, but I am now!" She adds triumphantly.
Lisa's mouth pops open, and she puts her weight to one hip along with her hand. "Nuh-uh! That's not fair!" She looks close to stomping her foot in a fit of anger.
Celia takes a more forward approach saying, "Not if I get to him first," as she starts towards the stairs. Lisa and Amy make a united front as they block the steps. I think I might have a cat fight on my hands if I don't intervene soon. Maybe he shouldn’t come back next month. I already feel a headache starting.
I rub my temples and say loud enough for them to hear me over their back and forth squabbling, "Hey, listen. If you guys want to ask him out or whatever, fine. Just not here. This is a place of business, and I won't have you guys fighting over him in my store."
All three of their eyes are now turned to me and Celia’s look is so scathing it could melt plastic. The other two look apologetic.
"You think you," Celia looks me up and down clearly finding me lacking in some manner, "can stop me from asking him out?" She scoffs.
I shake my head at her antics, "No I don't care if you asks him out. What I asked you to refrain from doing is acting like a spoilt toddler in my store. I think it's time you gather your things so you can leave. I’d like to go home."
She stomps over to her purse, snatching it from the table. Knocking a few books to the floor in the process. Man, I feel bad for the guy, if he ever does go out with this chick.
"Seriously?" I ask with raised brows.
"Yeah. I just did you a favor. You could use the exercise." She sneers. I don't reply, because she just hit below the belt. Insult my business, even my intelligence, and I'll give you a tongue lashing, but say something about my weight, and I'm so taken aback. I'm struck stupid.
"Hey," says a deep male voice. I shrink further. Just great. He heard this woman calling me fat. It's not like he couldn't see for himself, but it's still mortifying.
Lisa and Amy haven't said a word. I think they both realize this girl is out there.
Not looking or acknowledging Beau, I say, "Like I said before I think it's time you leave! Please don't return."
Her eyes are a little wild now that she knows Beau heard her outburst, "Oh you better believe I won't be back. I have never been treated so rudely." Celia sounds hurt. She’s looking at Beau, perhaps hoping for his sympathy.
This lady is a piece of work. Now that I think about it, she didn't share any opinions but just agreed with what a few others said. Did she even read the book? Maybe she just followed him here like a crazy stalker. Now, I’m being judgmental because clearly, I think everyone is a stalker. Can this day end now?
When no one says a word as I motion to the stairs. She huffs, turns, and storms down them.
