It was a low blow, but it did the job. Larry winced and looked away. “No.”
Then I felt like shit for bringing it up, even as a distraction.
I reached out and pulled Larry into a hug, squeezing her hard. “I’m sorry,” I mumbled into her shoulder.
After a moment, she returned the embrace, hands below my shoulder blades.
“I gave you a chance,” she said softly before releasing me and stepping back.
“What?”
“Nothing!” Then she opened the door and went inside. “Let’s get in there before Candace eats all the pizza rolls.”
Confused and disoriented, I followed.
Larry had been right. It was a small group gathered for our monthly meeting. Only Becca, Chloe, Larry, Bonnie, Candace, and Joan were in attendance.
I felt a little weird being around Brady’s sisters. But it wasn’t like they knew about us. Plus, maybe they’d mention him, and then I’d?—
Never mind. I needed to stop that train of thought before it derailed and killed all the passengers.
There were approximately six pepperoni pizza rolls left, and Larry and I split them. We settled next to each other on the small patterned loveseat in Will and Becca’s living room just off the kitchen.
The ladies talked about the book. I stayed quiet since I didn’t have anything helpful to add. It was a little difficult to do, seeing as there were only seven of us, but Becca was good at directing the conversation, and Candace had big feelings about this one, so she talked a lot.
“I think it’s really interesting,” she was saying, “how irresponsible the hero comes across. Even at the end of the book, it was like his character arc hadn’t really changed. He was the same good-time guy who didn’t take responsibility for his own actions and forgot things and meant well, bless his heart.”
“I agree.” Chloe nodded. “You can be as charming as you want, but there has to be something behind it. Something meaningful or the effort is hollow.”
“And he was super immature,” Joan added dispassionately.
“Yes!”
“Oh my God. So immature!”
“Definitely.”
The chorus of responses had Candace giggling. “You know, he actually reminds me of Brady.”
I shifted a little in my seat.
Joan whacked her sister on the arm. “God, you’re right. Just the general air of doesn’t-give-a-fuck. The selfishness and the way he lets everyone do everything for him.”
I could feel my brows drawing together.Wait, just a minute.
“Exactly! That.” Candace nodded emphatically and then reached for her drink. “I mean, he’s not a billionaire like the guy in the book, but other than that, identical.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Glancing around the seating area, I was shocked to see Becca, Chloe, and Bonnie nodding along.
“That’s a little harsh,” I blurted without meaning to.
Candace paused, the punch cup halfway to her face. “What’s that, Mac?”
I swallowed, feeling my face heat. “I just think that comparing Jeremy?—”
“Gerald,” Larry corrected from my side.
“Right, Gerald.” I blinked, aware that everyone was now staring at me, waiting for me to elaborate. “I don’t think Brady is how you described that guy ... Gerald. I disagree.”
