“Don’t answer that,” I say to Jasper while avoiding looking at him. “You’ll only encourage them.”

“Encourage them?” Vivian repeats my words and I know I’m about to be scolded for whatever etiquette rule I’ve broken now. “It’s not polite to speak about us as if we’re aren’t here. Jasper can answer if he wants. We’ve read his works and heard him speak tonight. It’s clear he’s a very intelligent man with great taste. I’m sure he agrees with our assessment of you and your work here.”

I bite my tongue. I’ve been around these women too many times to think objecting will change the trajectory of this conversation.

“Exactly that,” Mona chimes in. “You agree with us, don’t you, Jasper?”

Jasper pulls his lips between his teeth, and I don’t know if it’s to hide an expression of fear or amusement, but both are fitting. Either way, though, he doesn’t say anything.

As much as I want to appreciate his sudden vow of silence, part of me—a very hypocritical part of me—is offended he’s not agreeing with them.

“Oh, don’t be shy, now, boy.” Collette’s hoarse smoker’s voice speaks up for the first time, and it’s clear she’s as happy with this conversation as I am. “You just spoke to a room full of people for an hour, we know you aren’t a damn shrinking violet. And the sooner you answer, the sooner Ethel can drive me home.”

There are many times when I take Collette’s curtness super personally. I convinced myself years ago that she hates me. It’s only in moments like these when I’m reminded it’s not just me—it’s everyone. Including the author she was fawning over only hours ago.

“I won’t be driving you home at all if you treat Jasper that way!” Sweet Ethel is incredulous. “I know you’re a grumpy old lady, but that doesn’t give you the right to speak to him like that.”

Collette leans forward in her rocking chair, her eyes narrowed. I’m horrified as I watch the scene playing out in front of me. I look at Jasper, and he also looks concerned that there may be a brawl in the Book Nook.

Thankfully—or not—this spurs him into action, his smooth, deep voice acting like a sedative to the worked-up women around us.

“I agree with you! Tonight was wonderful and I’ve had such a great time working with Drew,” he half shouts.

I’m no lawyer, but I’m pretty sure this is what they would consider a coerced admission.