Penelope Adler-Wolf smiles and nods in approval. “I agree wholeheartedly,” she says, and Josie glows.

The conversation moves on, but for the rest of the hour, Josie is given the space to talk. Soon, everyone in the room is as captivated by her as I am. When the panel ends, she’s swarmed by people asking her additional questions.

I hang near the door, waiting my turn. It takes almost twenty minutes, but I don’t mind. This is her moment, and I want her to soak it all in.

By the time she’s finished talking to the last person, her cheeks are flushed, and she’s practically floating down the aisle toward me.

“Eeek!” she says, raising her balled fists in celebration. “I did it!”

“You did it,” I say, swooping her into a hug. She feels so good in my arms, I almost forget what happened the last time we touched. I almost forget what we’re doing tonight.

“You were amazing,” I say. “We should celebrate.”

Josie’s smile fades.

“I have plans,” she says. Then her gaze turns icy. “And maybe you do, too?”

She motions toward my cheek.

Fucking Kimberly. I wipe away the evidence of her red-lipstick kiss, grateful it’s at least on my cheek and not my lips. I already have more than enough to explain later.

I can barely swallow past the lump in my throat, but I manage to squeak out, “Maybe we can grab breakfast before the first panel tomorrow?”

Josie’s lips press together. “Sure.”

She turns to go, and I drink her in, knowing the next time I see her, everything will change.

I can only hope for the better.

BOOKFRIENDS

August 18, 5:37 PM

BookshopGirl: We’re still on for tonight, right?

RJ.Reads: I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

BookshopGirl: Good. Can we talk logistics? How will I know who you are? I mean, technically speaking, we’re strangers. We could have walked by each other a dozen times today or sat next to each other in a session. I really hope you weren’t the guy in the tweed jacket who was flossing in the row ahead of me during the welcome address.

RJ.Reads: That wasn’t me, I promise. And I think we’ll know when we see each other—but if it helps, I’m wearing a dark blue suit and I can put a crimson rose in my lapel.

BookshopGirl: Just like the movies…Shoot, I have to get moving. How weird would it be if I was late to meet you because I was busy talking to you? I’ll see you soon!

27

Josie