Page 28 of Tied Up in Riches

Me: LEXY!

Lexy: What?

Lexy: He’s not my type, but I can still admit that man is fine. And we have a good idea about his extracurriculars.

Maci: He really is the best.

Avery: Oh, God. Yes, please. We won’t even need a book club. We’ll just live a real-life story through Brooke.

Me: Uhhh hello? Do I get a say in this?

Avery: If you start answering our questions. Do you think he’s attractive?

I roll to my back with a sigh.

Me: I mean, I have eyes if that’s what you’re asking.

Maci: Oooooh. I knew it. You two were so cute on the hike the other day. He couldn’t stop staring.

Me: You didn’t give us much of a choice when you ditched us.

Maci: You’re welcome.

Lexy: I’m so here for this.

Me: There is no this. He’s my boss now. And I’m not going to be here forever.

Avery: Oh my gosh. Can our first book club book be workplace romance?! There’s one I’ve been wanting to read.

Lexy: Obviously I’m in.

Maci: I’ll text Sophie too. She’ll want to come.

Me: Finally, we’re back on track.

Lexy: Don’t think we’re done talking about the other thing, though.

Avery: Let us know what you need help with!

Me: Actually…

I want to impress Marcus for some reason. It’s different from the way I wanted to succeed when I worked for Beau. That was out of necessity—so he didn’t get mad, so he or my mom didn’t treat me like I was useless. I don’t know why exactly I want to impress Marcus, but it’s not for either of those reasons.

Avery: Hit us with it.

Me: I was hoping to recruit all of you. Avery, I was thinking we could make bookmarks with QR codes that link to the website Marcus will make. Lexy, I had this idea today that we could make a themed cocktail that somehow pairs with the book that week?! Maci, you could help me find my way around campus and town to advertise?

Maci: Yes!

Avery: Eeek. I’m so excited. Let me work on a design this week, and I’ll get back to you!

Lexy: I already have an idea for a forbidden romance drink. It’ll be red, obviously.

Maci: Of course it will be. There’s a laughing emoji at the end and I feel like I’m missing an inside joke. It doesn’t bother me, though. The fact that these girls rallied around me without a second thought is more than enough to keep me floating.

Me: Thank you. I owe ya one.

Lexy: We accept payment in the form of detailed sex stories.