Page 31 of Book Club Confidential

Hallie was mesmerized. When the set ended, he jumped off the stage, strode up to her, wrapped one arm around her back, and arched her into a kiss. Afterward, he’d bought a round for everyone. The moment felt like something from one of the fated-mates novels Hallie loved. And for a long while, it’d seemed as if they might’ve been one another’s destiny.

In hindsight it was easy to see that Bryce had used his college years to explore his personal interests and style. He’d rebelled fabulously for a while, then fell into line, polo shirts, loafers, and all, when applying for his MBA. These days, it was hard to see that rule-breaking rocker inside him.

“Bryce is fine,” Hallie repeated, responding to something Kate asked. “Sure, his family sometimes looks at me like I am the trailer park from whence I came, but they aren’t mean about it.”

Tessa scoffed. “You should put that in your vows.”

Hallie tossed her phone aside, and it rolled to a stop facing the ceiling fan. “I’m already on a path with Bryce,” she said. Her voice was muffled, as if she’d gone face down on her carpet, or thrown an arm across her mouth. “He’s a decent man from a good family. That’s not terrible.”

“Not terrible,” Kate repeated.

“Exactly,” Hallie said.

“Or—” Tessa whispered. “You could ask yourself what the main character in your story would do in this situation, and do that.”

Hallie groaned.

“Would she toe the line and accept good enough?” Tessa asked. “Or would she take a closer look at this new development and see what could be done about that?”

“I hate you.”

Kate grinned. “I think you owe it to yourself, and Bryce, to walk down that aisle completely free of uncertainties.”

“Agreed,” Tessa said. “I know it’s inconvenient and uncomfortable, but I think you have to figure this out before the ceremony.”

Hallie swiveled upright, and the underside of her chin came into view. “I’ll think about it. I have to go.”

They said their goodbyes, but the conversation stuck with Tessa. She, Kate, and Hallie were working toward something better for themselves, but changing meant rubbing against the people and circumstances around them that weren’t changing.

Was their quest to live more heroine-like lives really worth that kind of trouble?

And if they failed, would her friends forgive her for dragging them into this?

Chapter Nine

Tessa parked at the river and walked the last few blocks to Roll with It the next morning. She’d taken special note of the laughter Hallie and Eloise shared while waiting for her coffee. The attraction Hallie had for the whimsical redhead seemed mutual.

Tessa enjoyed her coffee, the sunshine, and the birdsongs as she made her way to Hello, Marketing. Main character energy, day two.

Any hope for a better day than yesterday ended with her elevator ride.

Millie cringed at the sight of her as the silver doors parted. “You’re just getting here?” she whispered. “I was sure I’d missed you somehow.”

Tessa looked at the massive hot-pink-and-white clock above the reception desk. “It’s two minutes after eight.”

“You’re usually here before him.”

“Before who?”

“Millie,” Xavier shouted. His deep baritone bellowed down the white tile hallway, arriving a moment before he appeared.

“Him,” Millie mouthed. “Yes?” she called, turning a smile in her ex-husband’s direction.

“Oh.” He stopped short, eyes fixed on Tessa. “There you are. I was just going to ask Millie to call you.”

“Is everything okay?” Tessa asked.

The noncommittal sound that left his throat put her on edge. Was there an accident? An ill or injured employee? She looked to Millie for help.