Page 96 of Book Club Confidential

Hallie listened carefully, turning the glass before her in a continuous circle. “It’s great that your folks supported you the way they did, even when you didn’t do what they wanted.”

Kate offered a sad smile. “They didn’t understand me, but they’ve always supported me. That’s why I can’t turn back now. I made the decision to share who I am with the world. I can’t run when strangers don’t like what they see. I know it’s the right thing to do, so I can’t cower. I have to be strong and hope I’m right. If I’m not, then I’ll go back to the drawing board and look for some compromise I can live with, because I know without a doubt that this is exactly what I want to do with my life. I love this job. It’s who I am and who I want to be.”

Tessa knew the feeling, but her options for continuing the work she loved here in Harbor Heights were nonexistent, and she hated the thought of moving. Especially now that Devin was back and her dad was thinking about retiring. Someone had to look after them. Plus, Harbor Heights was her home. Everything she loved was here.

Hallie set her phone on the table, scrolling through Kate’s social media feed. “You’ve gotten some consistent responses on the book-based content. Oh.” She smiled. “Who’s this handsome brown-haired man who likes every single thing you post?”

Kate smiled. “Sam.”

“Rooftop Sam?” Tessa asked.

“Yeah. He’s kind of sweet, actually,” she said. “I try to respond to all of his comments.”

“Ohhhh,” Tessa and Hallie cooed.

“Stop,” Kate said, still smiling. “It’s not like that. I’m sure he’s just being nice. He’s seen the infamous photos by now. Thankfully, they’ve died down a little, but the memes keep coming. He probably feels bad for me.”

“He’s online right now,” Hallie said. She turned her phone toward Kate. “Little green light means it’s a good time to message him and say you think he’s hot.”

“Absolutely not.”

Hallie shrugged and went to work on her phone for several seconds before setting it face down on the table.

Tessa plucked a roll from the basket.

“What did you do?” Kate asked Hallie.

“Nothing.”

The two began a staring contest, while Tessa enjoyed her roll.

Kate’s phone buzzed on the tabletop. “Is this a coincidence?” she asked, snatching the device off the table and showing the screen to Hallie. “An incoming call from an unknown number?”

Tessa laughed as she chewed, trying hard not to choke.

“How would I know?” Hallie said. “Answer it.”

“I can’t!”

“Why?”

Kate growled and closed her eyes.

Tessa reached across her friend and swiped the screen to answer the call.

Kate gasped, eyes flying open. “No!”

“Hello?” a male voice asked.

Kate turned a betrayed gaze on Tessa.

“I learned that from you,” Tessa said. Kate had done the same thing to her when Grant called the morning after the ball.

“Kate?” Sam asked. “Sorry, is this a bad time? Hallie said—”

“No.” She forced a tight smile as she spoke. “It’s just that I’m at dinner with Hallie and Tessa.”

“I see.” The disappointment in his tone reached across the line.