Page 14 of Book Club Confidential

“That’s incredible!”

“And very fancy,” Hallie said, eyes fixed on the invite.

“It’s going to be the event of the year.” Kate beamed.

“I can’t wait,” Tessa said. “Count me in, but I’ll need help with what to wear.”

“Same,” Hallie said. “I accept and will also need help.”

Kate grabbed her friends’ hands and squeezed. “Not a problem. I am so excited. I want to scream, but there are far too many cameras here.”

“I can’t promise I won’t scream if my name is announced later,” Tessa said. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this nervous.”

Kate released their hands and focused on Tessa. “Try to find your Zen before the big moment, because I plan to film your acceptance,” she said. “And Hallie will film the boys’ club.”

“What?” Tessa laughed.

Hallie worked her brows. “I want to catch all their confused expressions when the promotion doesn’t go to a former frat boy. Although it might be difficult to differentiate those expressions from their usual ones.”

Tessa snorted. “Well, they’re huddled up over there, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding—” She turned toward the corner, but the group of interns and Peyton were gone.

Peyton’s laugh pulled her eyes to the bar, where he’d engaged an even larger crowd. One that included Xavier and Peter.

“Dammit,” she groaned. “I really need to learn to golf.”

“Random,” Hallie said, “but okay.”

Kate gripped Tessa’s elbow, pulling her attention away from the bar. “Ignore that. Whatever they’re up to right now is irrelevant. It has nothing to do with you or this event, which is gorgeous, by the way, and soon to be all about you.”

Tessa nodded. “You’re right.” Peyton probably reminded Xavier and the older men in attendance of their youth and early days in the field.

“Come on,” Kate said. “Let’s have some fun and take lots of fabulous photos.”

Tessa grinned. “Deal.” She grabbed a server’s attention and another drink to distract her from all her male coworkers at the bar. Kate selected one too. “What’s new?” Tessa asked.

“I was thinking about Hallie’s wedding invitations,” Kate said.

Hallie frowned and headed for the finger foods buffet. “Why?”

“Because you’re getting married, and people need to know when to show up. I thought we could assemble the invites together. Make a night of it. Meet at my place, order food, and gossip while we stuff the envelopes.”

“Love that,” Tessa said. “I’ll bring drinks.”

Hallie shrugged. “I sent out the save-the-date cards months ago, so I’m not too worried about folks knowing when or where to show up. It’s all everyone in both our families talks about.”

Tessa frowned. Had she been this unbothered a month before her wedding? No, she thought. Not that it mattered. Her marriage wasn’t exactly one to model. Still, Hallie’s aloofness had the hallmarks of avoidance she knew too well. Tessa made a mental note to give this added thought after the gala.

She and Kate sipped from their flutes while Hallie sampled her way down the table. “Here,” Kate said, scoring another champagne flute and passing it to Tessa. “Cheers.”

“I’m going in search of iced water,” Hallie said. “It’s hot in here.”

A roar of laughter rose from the bar, and Tessa set her empty flute aside.

“Please take my mind off of that,” Tessa said, flicking her gaze in the direction of the massive good time she was missing.

“Anything new going on?” Kate asked. “Besides this giant party for your promotion?”

She considered telling Kate about Devin’s return, and a pang of worry seeped into her heart. She’d been so stunned by the news, she hadn’t asked her dad how his physical went or made sure all was well with his health.