“We don’t really. I just…pay attention when she’s here…or when I’m at Bear’s and she glares at her phone because she’s gotten another unsolicited text. August is very easy to read. She doesn’t bother hiding anything. I’ve always admired that about her…and of course I support her work, too. There’s a lot about her in her books, in different ways. Knowing her in real life let’s me see some of the truth that she mixes with the fiction. That’s not…unusual, is it?”
Grandma Beth’s smile warms. “No, sweet girl, that’s not unusual at all.”
Cautious, Mirabelle continues, “We’re friends, aren’t we? We don’t talk a lot, but she came to my wedding. I saw her there. She was busy taking notes, but she congratulated me.”
Leeann’s smile also warms, and she wraps Mirabelle up in a hug. “Of course you’re friends, Mira. I’m sorry. We’re being silly.”
Mirabelle settles. “Clearly.” Her gaze hits me. “He’s in a blond wig in order to emulate anime himbos.Sillydoesn’t exactly encompass it.”
Ah. Well, when she puts it that way…
I say, “You don’t mince your words, do you?”
“I’ve been trying not to. It’s taking practice, but it’s easier in some places. Like here. Why? Did I say something rude?”
“I don’t mind blunt.”
“I prefer to call ithonest. What you’renotbeing, by the way.”
I like Mirabelle. She’s good people. I just wish she were less…correct. “I’ve talked to August about expectations and told her I’m keeping secrets. She’s informed me that she’d rather decode them than be told them.”
Mirabelle lets her attention skim toward the window. “I suppose that’s in character… I’m glad you’ve at least sort of told her.”
“I’m trying my best to be what she wants in a male lead. Would you be able to tell which parts of the information in that binder are genuine and which parts aren’t? It’s vital to my research and the continuation of my efforts to embody her wishes.”
Skeptical, Mirabelle furrows her brows. “Can’t we just ask her directly?” Her finger lifts, pointing out the window. “She just pulled up.”
My heart hits my uvula as I whip my attention toward the window and find August’s vehicle on the curb.
With a crass swear, Leeannsnatchesthe binder off Mirabelle’s lap, jolts to her feet, and grabs my arm, jerking me upright with unexpected strength. “You parked in the visitor section?” she blurts.
“I— Uh.” My heart hammers as Leeann’s nails dig into me. “Yes?”
“Great.” She shoves the binder in my arms, then pushes me into a coat closet on the other side of the room.
Chapter 13
?
Which will unravel first: the mystery, or my nerves?
August
Mirabelle and Beth are acting…out of character. I’m not certain why. Neither of them have ever seemed to mind when I’ve shown up unannounced at book club before, even when I’ve hijacked their book conversation to talk about anime.
Which is what I do.
Almost every time.
The reason I’m here tonight is alittlemore serious than that, but…still.
I have yet to hijack anything yet, and so the odd silence from the two of them is unsettling.
Perched in the single-seater across from everyone else, I nibble on a thumbprint cookie while Lynn and Granee fill the air with talk of their latest racy tale. The scripted tones strike me almost as much as the lack of reaction from the two less-racy readers in the gang.
Normally, Beth chides and Mirabelle flushes when any details get too graphic. I could assume that Mirabelle’s recent marriage has changed her opinion on graphic discussion, but I’m not certain it would. Furthermore, they aredefinitelylooking at each other every so often.
Beth’s eyes carry an edge of warning every time they meet Mirabelle’s. And Mirabelle…well, she looks utterly uncomfortable. Like she might explode. At any second.
