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Her shoulders released the tiniest bit and I wondered if she’d questioned whether her veiled threat would work. I was beginning to think that maybe hiring Wendy Darling was just what Peter needed.
A wave of sadness stirred within me. Things were changing between Peter and I. And while I could acknowledge that it was necessary, a small part of me hated letting go of the familiar patterns we’d fallen into. If I were to remain friends with Peter, we would need to find a new path.
For so long, I’d been the one to keep Peter in line, the one who was there for him. But now it seemed like the right time to turn that job over to someone else.
It was time to figure out who Trissabelle Byrd was—without Peter Young.
As of this moment, my life didn’t revolve around Peter anymore, and I was oddly okay with that.
It was both exciting and terrifying.
Chapter Twenty-Three
TRISSA
Jacquie’s headlights reflected off the front window of Red’s Sweet Salvation as she pulled into the bakery. I stepped out of the car and waited for Ana to join me before we waved goodbye to my new protector and I let out a sigh. After a little over two weeks of her driving me everywhere, it almost felt normal.
As soon as she pulled away from the curb, Ana grabbed my arm all in a tizzy. “I still can’t get over Killian getting you a driver-bodyguard.”
“She’s just my driver.” We walked arm and arm the remaining few feet to Red’s Sweet Salvation, the bakery that was hosting our book club. I glanced at the sign and took a deep breath. Tonight was going to be fun, I reminded myself. It was fine that I only knew Ana and Lexi.
“Yeah, and I’m a chicken. Just start calling me Kylo Hen.”
I snort-laughed as she referenced the name of a chicken in the book we were discussing tonight during book club,The Cock Down the Block. “Bock, bock.”
She shoved me playfully.
Ana’s hand gripped the door handle. When did going into a room of strangers make me nervous? What if they hated me? “Are you sure they won’t mind me butting in?” I asked.
Ana rolled her eyes at me and the question I’d asked in various forms all week long.
I held up my hands and laughed. “Alright. I’ll stop.” It had been forever since I made new friends. Most of my interactions over the last few years was as Peter’s assistant, which left little time for personal friendships, new or old.
“You know me and Lexi, and everyone else is really cool.” She tugged the door open.
“You’re right, it’ll be fine,” I muttered under my breath so no one would hear. I’d ignored my nerves, and the fact that I was holding the book so tight my knuckles were white.
At the jingle of the bell above the door, five sets of eyes fixed on us. Four seats were open at the tables pushed together in space in front of the big window.
“You made it,” Lexi jumped up and hugged me. My shoulders relaxed in relief at seeing her sweet face.
A beautiful curvy woman with sapphire eyes and light brown hair pulled back in a ponytail stood to greet us. “Hi, I’m Ruby. This is my place. Welcome. Let me show you where the snacks and drinks are.”
I mentally catalogued the women Ana said would be here.Ruby. Bakery owner.
What stood out the most to me was that every woman here was plus size just like myself.
I stuck out my hand. “Trissa.”
She grinned and pulled me in for a hug. “No formalities here. Come on. Ana, can I get you anything?”
Ana joined Lexi at the table and sat. “A glass of wine would be amazing. Thanks, Ru.”
“We can introduce you to everyone once we get you settled. I know it can be a little overwhelming being the new girl.” She guided me to a table that had the most delicious smelling pastry, wine, coffee, and water.
I let out a relieved sigh. “Yeah. Thanks.”
She poured a glass of white wine, handed it to me, and then poured another. “Did you get a chance to read the book?”