Page 100 of Between the Lines

Paige stood back for a moment, watching them all, her heart filling with love and admiration.

These were her people. These women who understood what it meant to go through hardships, to reinvent themselves, to not accept defeat. This group was more valuable to her than any of her material possessions. All because of how quickly they’d shown up for her. She loved how supportive, willing to listen, and willing to speak honestly in return they were.

Whatever else lay ahead, whatever complications or confrontations or new beginnings waited just beyond the horizon, this part of her life felt steady.

Book club night had begun.

Paige took her seat. “All right,” she said, smiling as she looked around the circle. “Before we even talk about the book, I want updates. You know how I’m doing. You’ve heard about Darcy and Luminelle all week. How’s everyone else doing?”

There was a brief chorus of good and fine followed by a few knowing looks. Paige lifted a brow. “Okay, then. Who wants to go first?”

Blaise surprised her by lifting her hand. “I will.”

Paige’s smile widened. “All right, Blaise. The floor is yours.”

Blaise laughed softly, then tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “This feels strange to say out loud,” she admitted. “But I booked a photo shoot. An actual modeling job.”

Essie gasped and Maude looked thrilled.

“A real one,” Blaise added quickly, as if someone might assume otherwise. “For a designer in Miami.”

Paige blinked. So did Cece and Althea.

“Wait,” Essie said. “A fashion designer?”

“Yes,” Blaise said, nodding. “It’s for his brand. He reached out through my new website.”

“The one Maude did for you?” Cece asked.

Blaise glanced at her and smiled. “That’s right. He said he found it after listening to your podcast, which his assistant sent to him. He had no idea that I was available.” She made a small motion with her hand, as if the word still felt odd in her mouth. “He didn’t know I was working again.”

The room reacted all at once.

“That’s incredible,” Paige said, leaning forward.

“And fast,” Maude added.

“It’s well-deserved,” Althea said. “I don’t care how long it’s been since you last did the modeling thing. Talent doesn’t expire. And in your case, neither have your looks or your figure.”

“Thank you.” Blaise’s cheeks flushed, but she didn’t argue. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around it,” she said. “I thought the website might lead to something eventually. But this?” She shook her head. “This is amazing.”

“It is,” Cece said firmly. “It’s also proof that the podcast is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.”

Blaise smiled at her. “You bet it is.”

“All right,” Paige said, smiling. “Essie, you’re up. We all want to hear about Maple.”

Essie’s face lit up instantly. “Oh, I’m in love,” she said without hesitation. “Completely. She’s sweet, she’s calm, she walks on a leash like she’s been doing it her whole life, and she already thinks the beach was created just for her.”

That earned a round of laughter.

“She’s been great,” Essie went on. “A little cautious at first, but once she figured out that she was really and truly home, she relaxed. We’ve been taking a lot of short walks, just getting used to each other. I swear she already knows the sound of my flipflops.”

“That’s how they get you,” Blaise said. “They overload you with adorableness and you become putty in their hands.”

Maude nodded. “Ollie’s dog, Milo, is the same way.”

Essie was all smiles. “They’re the best, aren’t they? I’m already planning our mornings around her. Beach walks, then coffee. She’s good company.”