Bonus Scene – Book Club
Silvia Nemitz clinked a spoon against her glass, commanding the monthly book club’s attention. Slowly, side chatter ceased, the handful of book club attendees falling silent as they turned to their leader.
Silvia grinned, taking in the group assembled in Sprouts and Sprigs. They’d arranged folded chairs in the main indoor nursery space, creating a circle among the greenery for their evening meeting.
Matty Gleason tugged the whiteboard she kept in the florist office around, turning it to reveal their betting pool odds.
“Good evening, everyone. I hope y’all enjoyed this month’s book. Before we discuss it, I wanted to update our odds first. Any new intel?” Silvia asked.
She arched her brows, swinging her gaze to Jo, clearing her throat delicately.
“Our reputation is on the line here, people. Kimee made a boatload on Sophie and Davis. We need to tighten up our betting line.” She glanced at Kimee. “No offense.”
Kimee Thuy grinned. “None taken. It’s not my fault you all didn’t listen to me last time.
To show I’m the charitable type, I’ll report that I spotted Gwen getting cozy with Zander Nemitz on my way to work yesterday.
They were standing awfully close in Gwen’s parking lot. I think we should update their odds.”
Silvia shook her head. “I’d be thrilled if that meant anything, dear, but I know my son. Snails move faster.”
Mary Mallory raised a glass in lieu of her hand. “He’s a mule-headed ninny,” she pronounced.
“Gwen’s every bit as headstrong,” Alex Martinez shot back.
Silvia held up her hands before their sniping could devolve into a shouting match. Both Mary and Alex appeared to enjoy their exchanges, but it didn’t move club business along.
“They’re both obstinate. That’s been well-established. The question is, will they ever loosen up enough to figure out they’re perfect for each other?”
“Maybe they need a little help,” Kimee volunteered.
“Maybe they need a swift kick in the ass,” Mary muttered.
Silvia jumped in before Alex could respond, swinging her gaze to Cole and Jo. “Maybe you two could help?”
Cole shook his head, expression stern. “You know my policy, Silvia. I’m here for the books only.”
“That doesn’t stop you from sharing the odd bit of news,” Mary pointed out.
Cole shrugged, refusing to be baited by the older woman.
“Jo?”
As if sensing weakness, Silvia zeroed in on Jo, who was studiously flipping through her book as if she could escape into it.
Jo shook her head. “Oh, no. I’m not getting involved. They’ll figure it out on their own, or they won’t figure it out at all.”
Silvia tapped her chin, glancing from Jo to Cole. “I’m not asking you to do much, only encourage them as friends if the opportunity arises.”
Matty flapped her hand. “Don’t put this on their shoulders, Silvia. If you can’t make magic happen as his mother, what chance do they have?”
Silvia frowned but didn’t dispute Matty’s point.
“Any other updates?” Matty asked, looking around the room.
Silvia glanced at each book club member, silently offering them the opportunity to speak up before clapping her palms together. “Okay, business concluded. Now on to this month’s book. Someone needs to tell me what a Jacob’s Ladder is. I was afraid to Google it.”
THE END