Page 56 of Happily Ever After

It was going to be a beautiful night. Cece leaned back and closed her eyes.

Paige had done everything right. She’d told the truth. She’d taken away whatever leverage Darcy thought she had. And still, Darcy had doubled down. Maybe that was what bothered Cece even more. Not the threat itself, but the persistence behind it.

Because Darcy had made it clear this wasn’t about fairness, despite what she’d said publicly. It was about control. At least for her. Cece opened her eyes. She really hoped Maude found something they could use. Maybe that made Cece an awful person, but the very idea that the book club might be taken away from her was unacceptable.

Joe set the steaks on a platter and brought them over to the table where a big bowl of salad waited. The scent of the grilled meat was immediately sharper, making Cece’s mouth water. “All right,” he said. “Dinner is served.”

Cece smiled for real this time. “They look fantastic.”

He leaned closer. “You should probably kiss the cook then.”

Laughing, she obliged. Joe always knew how to lift her mood. She served them each a nice helping of salad, grateful for the simple, tangible work of it.

Whatever Darcy was planning could wait a little longer. For now, there was food. And warmth. And someone amazing at her side.

She did her best to keep her smile in place as they talked about his music, when he was playing at Shooters next, and then about her podcast. His episode would be up next, she told him, and she had three more interviews lined up.

But then there was a lull and her mind drifted back to Darcy. Cece didn’t get more than a few bites in before Joe noticed.

He set his fork down and looked at her across the table. “All right,” he said. “What’s going on?”

She hesitated, then let out a quiet breath. There wasn’t much point in holding back. “There’s been…an issue,” she said. “With the book club.”

His brows bent. “How so? Don’t tell me there’s been a disagreement in the group.”

“No, it’s none of us. We’re good. But there’s a woman in the Colony,” Cece continued. “Darcy. I’ve mentioned her.”

He nodded as he forked up a slice of cucumber dripping in ranch.

“She’s decided the book club shouldn’t exist the way it does. She’s claiming the bylaws prohibit private groups that meet regularly and aren’t open to everyone.”

Joe frowned slightly. “And do they?”

“That’s the problem,” Cece said. “The bylaws were meant to apply to Colony-sponsored activities. But they weren’t written that clearly. Paige went to the community manager today, and while no one’s ever enforced them that way before, the language is vague enough that Darcy might have some legal footing.”

Joe leaned back in his chair, considering that. “So she’s using ambiguity as a weapon. Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve seen it.”

“Yes,” Cece said. “And she’s already threatened Paige. Not blatantly, but enough that it was unmistakable.”

Joe was quiet for a moment, eyes on the table instead of on Cece. Then he looked up at her like he’d made a decision. “I’d like to see the bylaws.”

Cece blinked. “You would?”

“Of course,” he said. “I’m not promising miracles, but sometimes what matters isn’t what was intended. It’s what can be clarified, challenged, or shut down with the right argument.”

Relief washed through her. “That would mean a lot,” she said. “Even just understanding where the weak spots are.”

Joe reached for his iced tea and took a sip. “Send me whatever Paige has. I’ll take a look.”

Cece smiled. “I appreciate that.”

He met her gaze. “You’re not wrong to be worried,” he said. “But you’re also not powerless. Not while I’m in your corner.”

“Thank you.” The tension Cece had been holding on to eased just enough for her to breathe more freely.

“You could have just asked, you know. I’d do anything to help you.”

“I know. I just didn’t want to impose.”