Page 103 of Book Club Confidential

She’d taken short breaks for water, made a call to her dad, and texted Grant to provide the gist of her frenzy. Of course he’d understood her harried excitement. This sort of plotting was his happy place too. And he’d helped as needed every time she’d messaged throughout the day.

She paused to stretch her neck and fingers, when her phone buzzed and Grant’s name appeared on-screen.

Grant: How’s it going?

Tessa: Good

Grant: Hungry?

Tessa checked the time on her laptop. Nearly seven in the evening. She’d missed lunch, and dinner threatened to come and go without her too. Her stomach growled, demanding she rearrange her plan.

Tessa: Yes, but no time

Several minutes passed, and she returned to her spreadsheet.

Grant: Anything I can help with?

Tessa smiled again, not only at his generous ongoing offer, but because Grant was kind, hopeful, helpful, supportive, and encouraging—all her favorite things in a human.

She held her phone more tightly, thumbs hovering, mind working. She really was hungry, but she felt both frantic and exhausted from all her mental effort. Going out, even for an hour, felt like an insurmountable challenge.

Tessa: Raincheck

Grant: On food or help?

Tessa: Food. I’m too tired to leave and I’m stuck on a few points in this plan

Grant: So, I can help?

She smiled.

Tessa: Always

She set her phone down. She needed to finalize the business plan and submit it to top banks offering the best interest rate, and she wanted to finish before bed. She needed sustenance to keep going. She should’ve agreed to get food with Grant.

Several minutes later, having made no new progress, Tessa forced herself upright and went to the kitchen in search of dinner. And maybe a fresh pot of coffee. This would be an all-nighter, but that was better than dragging the process into a new day. Her nerves couldn’t stand it. Better to wake knowing she’d done all she could, and the ball was no longer in her court.

Peering into her fridge and pantry reminded her why she hadn’t eaten. Late-night Tessa did not want a salad. She wanted something salty and greasy and comforting.

The doorbell rang, and she froze. Kate and Hallie came to mind, but she’d left her phone on the couch. She crept to the door and peered through the peephole.

Someone stood outside holding a bag of takeout food in front of their face. The logo identified the delivery from the Bistro on Main. Her name was scripted in black marker across the front. The bag lowered slowly while she puzzled over how this had happened and which angel of heaven had sent her exactly what she needed in the exact moment she needed it. Then Grant’s handsome face came into view. And he winked.

If she’d had more strength in the moment, she might’ve pulled the door off its hinges in her enthusiasm to open it.

“What are you doing?” she said, already pulling him inside. “How’d you find me?”

“Your address is on the business plan. Is that creepy?”

He’d read over her progress a half dozen times today.

She smiled, grateful for his initiative, dinner, and all the help he’d offered off and on throughout the day. “Yes. Exceedingly. Can I get you a drink? I have water or rum or Coke. Or rum and Coke. And I’m making coffee.”

“Coffee,” he said. “I hear this could be an all-nighter.”

She pulled two mugs from the cabinet. “What’s in the bag?”

Grant unpacked a series of takeaway containers and set them on the countertop. Mouthwatering scents rose into the air as he worked. “I wasn’t sure what you’d like, so I got a little of everything,” he said. “Mushroom and Swiss burgers. Sweet potato fries. Their signature apple pecan salad. Chicken soup and chocolate.”