“Found a painting I liked,” I reply truthfully.

“Where is it?” She eyes my empty hands curiously.

“It won’t be ready until tomorrow,” I inform her.

“Huh. Well, I’m ready to leave.”

I follow my sister back out into the parking lot, helping her to load up all the groceries she purchased.

“Hi, Hallie!” a smiling blonde woman stops by our trunk.

“Hi, Stephanie. How have you been?”

“Busy,” the woman replies with a smile. “Simon is teething.”

“Oh, no,” Hallie responds. I feel like saying the same thing, except in relation to this topic of conversation.

“Yup, it’s been an experience. Hoping I’ll have some wisdom to pass along by the time Matthew hits that stage.”

Hallie laughs. “That would be wonderful.”

“Who’s this?” The woman turns her attention to me.

“Oh, yes. Stephanie, this is my sister, Saylor. Saylor, this is my friend Stephanie,” Hallie says.

I transfer the last bag into the trunk and turn around. “Nice to meet you.”

“Oh my goodness, I can’t believe I’m meeting the famous Saylor!”

“Famous?” I look at Hallie.

“Your sister talks about you all the time at our meetings,” Stephanie informs me.

“Meetings?” I echo.

“Yes, we’re in the same book club.”

I bite my bottom lip to keep from laughing. “Really?”

“Hallie’s our newest member, but she contributes a lot.”

“She usually does,” I reply.

“Well, I’ve got to get going, but great to see you, Hallie. Nice to meet you, Saylor,” Stephanie says before she keeps walking down the line of cars.

I head to the passenger side, and Hallie climbs in the driver’s seat.

“You’re in a book club?” I laugh.

Hallie glares at me. “It’s my one night out of the house, okay?”

“I wasn’t judging.” I totally was. “I just find the thought of you in a book club amusing.”

“It’s fun, okay? We have interesting discussions.”

“Oh yeah? What was the last book you read?”

Based on Hallie’s expression, that is the last question she wanted me to ask. “The Duke Who Defiled Me,” she mutters.

“I’m sorry, what?” I giggle. “Are you serious?”

“I didn’t choose it.”

I’m laughing too hard to reply.

“We can’t all have thrilling lives in reality, Saylor.”

The serious note in my sister’s voice is the only reason I’m able to regain my composure. “My life isn’t thrilling, Hallie.”

“You’ve always gotten everything you wanted. Do you know how many guys dated me because they were interested in you instead? How many of my sorority sisters would ask if you were considering staying in Georgia for school? Your life is frat parties, magazine interviews, and flings with famous athletes. Sounds pretty thrilling to me.”

“Things always look better from a distance,” I reply, looking out at the local high school. Although Hallie is partially right. Guys, friends, and soccer have always come easily.