Page 5 of Book Club Confidential

“Thank you,” he said, passing her his cell phone.

Hallie motioned them into position, then she snapped several photos.

Sam was careful to sit close, but not too close, with one arm along the back of Kate’s seat without actually touching her.

Tessa gave him points for that. Typically, she and Hallie had to remind strangers to step back when interacting with their friend. Heaven forbid Kate set boundaries. She’d probably be murdered online for rudeness, a blacklistable offense.

Hallie returned his phone, and Sam rose to his feet with a smile.

Kate blushed.

The pause grew between them, and Hallie gave Tessa a goofy look.

Sam was the first to snap out of it. “Oh,” he said, a bit breathless. “Would you also autograph a napkin for me?”

Kate nodded, apparently still speechless.

He pulled a black drink napkin from the apron at his hips and set it on the table. Next, he produced a silver marker.

She scribbled something on the napkin.

His gaze darted around the busy venue, then something changed his eager expression to concern. “Will you make it out to Vera?” he asked.

Kate stilled, the autographed napkin already extended in hand. Her expression fell.

He chuckled. “Oh, sorry. You’ve finished. It’s fine. Really. That’s good.” He took the little square and stuffed it into his pocket. “Thank you.” With that, he turned, red faced, and hurried away.

Abject horror lingered behind Kate’s smile as she spun back to her friends. “I wrote my phone number on that napkin. I thought we had a moment, and it would be cute if— Oh my God, I hit on someone’s boyfriend,” she hissed. “This is why I never make the first move. It’s cute in books and movies. Tragic in reality. I really need that drink now. Where is Mona?”

“Hey,” Hallie said. “There is nothing wrong with taking a shot.”

“Maybe Vera is his mom,” Tessa suggested. “Or a female bartender who couldn’t get away to ask you herself.”

Kate dropped her face into waiting hands. “Why is it that I am always on the hunt for my perfect meet-cute? But my perfect meet-cute is never on the hunt for me?” She banged her hands gently against her head.

Tessa set a palm on her friend’s arm. “Stop before someone takes a photo of you doing that.”

Kate stilled.

“How was the coffee date?” Tessa asked.

Kate released a heavy sigh. “Same as all the rest.” She gave a thumbs-down. “I asked him questions, and he talked about himself for an hour without asking anything about me in return. Then I paid my half of the check and left.”

Mona appeared with the drinks and appetizers as sunset turned to twilight.

“You know who’s at the center of all those true crime documentaries everyone loves?” Hallie asked. “Men.”

“And?” Kate grouched.

“Maybe men are the problem,” Hallie said. “We should probably only date women.”

Tessa lifted her flute. “If I could, I would,” she agreed.

Mona gave an exasperated look of understanding, then swept away.

A bolt of heat lightning flashed across the sky, and a few nearby patrons gasped.

The bubbles of Tessa’s champagne popped on her tongue. “You’re both still coming to the gala tomorrow night, right?” She needed their moral support. “If I fall in front of everyone on my way to accept the promotion, I need you to pretend you tripped me.”