Page 14 of Elevator Pitch

Clifford’s been a pretty good wingman today, and what were the odds of that?

Now she’ll be looking for me, and I won’t be hard to find.

See you soon, Selah.

7

the hapless in love book club

Selah

Manhattan, NY | September 9, 2023

For me to be such a homebody, Isecretly love hosting gatherings. Since I’ve settled into my new place and made it my own, this will be my second time hosting a book club meeting. I found some new recipes on Pinterest and got some ideas to go with the theme for our book of the month. I’ve put together a drink menu based on the main characters and recreated a recipe that they made in the book.

I jotted down some good questions for discussion and I’m really looking forward to hearing what everyone else felt while reading this book. We sent memes and gif reactions in the group chat as we read along but agreed to save our notes for our next club meeting. I stocked up on tissues just in case. Oftentimes, tears can flow once we start unpacking whatever stood out to us or anything that made us feel seen. I came prepared with this book because the representation was unlike anything I’d ever read before.

Chess is usually first to arrive, so I was surprised when I answered the door to see her with Eric and Audrey. I open thedoor wider to let them in, and when they pass me, I notice that Chess isn’t holding her motorcycle helmet. If she isn’t at her salon or with family, she’s on that motorcycleanytimethe weather permits. I admire her for being the definition of work hard, play hard.

“You didn’t ride here? It’s a nice day out.”

“I know,” she pouts and settles in. “After the week I had, I needed to drink.” She draws out the word while wrapping her arms around me in a hug.

“We’re gonna take her home,” Eric mentions, making it a group hug as he squishes us together.

“Let me know when you’re done hogging Selah,” Audrey says with a chuckle.

When we pull apart, everyone helps me set up the food spreads and make the cocktails. I made mocktails for Eric, per his request. He said designated drivers should be able to have complicated drinks, too. Chess made focaccia, and Audrey brought freshly baked cookies, which I am practically salivating over. Daya is on her way with this popcorn that I’m obsessed with.

I think back to my first few meetings with the girls. I won’t lie, I was skeptical at first. Figured the girls would be stuffy and mean, but it was the exact opposite. The food was the main selling point, then I met everyone and was taken aback by how welcoming they were. It also helped that the monthly picks were absolute bangers. So, I kept coming back and started attending outings with them because hanging out once a month didn’t suffice. For the first time in my life, I felt like I made friends who genuinely saw me. Not the shell of a person I became to survive, but who I was beneath it all. Books brought me to them.

Books and IKEA.

No one will ever believe that, but it’s the truth. A soft knock releases me from my thoughts. I turn around to see Daya coming through the door.

“I’ve arrived, and I have thedulce de lechepopcorn,” she saysas she removes the large bowl from her oversized tote bag and settles in. How she can find anything in that big ass bag is beyond me. She could carry a small dog around in there. Hell, Audrey’s small enough to fit in there.

Eric makes his way to her in quick strides. “Just the woman I wanted to see.”

“Oh sureee. I missed you too, big boy,” she says in a sultry voice.

When she hands him the bowl, he turns on his heels. “You know if you start being nice to me…you better watch it,” he says with a chuckle as he walks into the kitchen.

She rolls her eyes behind his back and sets down her bag. She heads over to give me a big hug with an extra squeeze. When we separate, she wears a devious grin.

“I just had an interesting conversation. I met this fine ass man in the lobby. I meanfineand I’m pretty sure he read this month’s club pick just to talk to you. He’s got the cutest dog, too.”

I recall the elevator encounter. He said he’d read it, and we’d discuss it whenever he saw me again.

He actually read it.

I haven’t seen him with a dog, but she couldn’t be talking about anyone else.

“Are you talking about Greyson?”

“Oh, Greyson. You’re so formal. He likes you,” she says in a singsong voice.

I wave my hand and grab my drink.

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