Page 2 of Michelle
"Don't worry about it. I get it." I shrug like it's no big deal. I can feel Fiona's eyes on me, but I don't look at her. I don't need to see in her eyes that she knows I'm lying.
For a moment, there is an awkward silence that settles over everyone at the table. I hadn't planned on making it weird, but I seem to have managed to anyway.
Quinn is the first to break the silence. “I guess, are we ready to discuss last week’s book?”
Everyone at the table agrees and pulls out their electric or physical copy of The Juiciest Fruit.
We talk over the book's highlights, discussing aspects we enjoyed and the few parts that we wish were expanded on by the author. Courtney takes a moment in our discussion to share a secret about the author that some of the girls aren't aware of. This new information sends the conversation in a whole new direction for the rest of the meeting.
It isn't until the end that someone points out that we haven't figured out a book to read for next week.
“If you all are looking for a new book to check out,” Lily says as she collects our empty mugs and plates. “I have a book I’ve been reading that might be right up your alley.”
“Really? We are always looking for suggestions,” Quinn says.
Lily pulls the small paperback from her apron. Judging by the worn condition of the paperback. It looks like it’s been passed around a few times, which is always a sign of a book with potential.
The cover is bent up, but the image is still clear enough to see. There is a picture of a woman from the waist up lying on the bed with her hair fanned out on the pillow. Her eyes are wide with surprise, and her mouth is shaped like she is saying, "Ohhh." In bright purple font, the title of the book readsMy Buzzing Boyfriend. The font for the word “buzzing” actually looks like it’s vibrating.
“Is this what I think it’s about?” Jess asks, looking down eagerly at the cover and spins it towards her.
“What’s it about?” Fiona asks innocently.
Courtney leans into her ear and explains. Fiona’s eyes widen, just like the woman on the cover.
Lily nods at her. “Yep.”
"I think we found our next book." Quinn smiles at the table.
