Chapter 137 - Common Interest

I had just gotten back from a meeting with my marketing team to go over our next sale agenda when I was informed Estelle had arrived looking for me. I had my receptionist bring her to my office to wait.

Honestly I was not sure why Dean's mom would visit me but regardless I wanted to make time for it. "Hi Estelle it is so good to see you. What do I owe the pleasure?" Her hair was tied back in a low bun and she wore a classic cream colored dress. It seemed she also was working or at least doing something business related.

"It is so good to see you too!" She came up to hug me and I motioned for my secretary to bring in some refreshments.

"Sorry to drop in on you but I wanted to personally speak with you. You see I have a book club that I am starting and our first meeting is coming up this week. I know you are an avid reader and I would love for you to be a member."

She gave me a small folder which had the information for the club and the general itinerary and membership information. Honestly, I was interested. I loved reading and am quite fond of romance novels.

The books she had listed were primarily romance and it seemed like a cool idea. Every other week we would meet once to talk about the books and the chapters we have read. 

"Oh wow! Thank you so much for taking me into consideration. I would love to join." The books on the list were some that I have been meaning to read but not had the chance to follow up on. 

"I am so glad! So the first meeting this week will just be very casual. It is more so of a meet and greet where we all introduce ourselves if we have not formally met. It also helps us gauge our interests so if we want to add certain books or do other sub genres we can."

"Wow sounds fun. I am looking forward to it." I noted down the dates into my desk calendar to remind myself to add it to my digital calendar later. "Perfect! I am so glad that we have a common interest of romance novels. Your mom and I as close as we are, she does not like romance books but she will eat up the Bachelor Nation series every single season."

"Hahaha sounds just like her. My personal theory is that she needs to see the romance to understand it. Not having a visual makes it less appealing to her."

Estelle laughed into her palm. "That makes perfect sense. Anyways I do have to run but I will have Dean forward me your number so I can text you. I have been wanting to do this for ages so I am looking forward to it!"

She gave me a quick hug before running off to continue her errands for the day. The day of the club meeting soon came up.

It was held at a VIP club house with many amenities. "I chose here just for today but depending on the how everyone is feeling we could either stick to the same place or rotate our members houses."

We had just finished eating and were now chilling in a lounge area. I had left to go to the bathroom when I heard some noises and a familiar unpleasant voice. 'Why the hell would Toni come to a book club.'

When I rounded the corner is was obvious what was going on. I was a bit spooked that Toni brought Sol with her. Honestly after hearing what Dean said was going on between them, I assumed that they would not be on good terms. Especially after Sol came to my building looking for me. So seeing them as a united front seemed unsettling.

Though the others likely had no clue, I knew that Toni was here to confront Estelle on why her family was not going to the wedding. The cutoff for RSVPing was today and same day she confronted her. She seemed desperate. 

"Oh..". I was not sure if I should approach or just come back after Toni and Sol left.

"Celeste honey come take a seat. They just popped up and stopped by for a quick chat." Estelle waved me over and patted the seat next to her. It was odd since it seemed very pointed but if Estelle was anything like Dean, they must have upset her to force her to retaliate. 

She grabbed my hand and rubbed it gently. It created the ambiance that our relationship was warm and affectionate. Which was true but not many people were aware of that. Of course Estelle and her family have been kind to me but even then, this was more than usual.

"Celeste.... what are you doing here?" Toni physically took a step back as though she got hit with something. It seemed that she was not here to pick a fight with me about not attending her sons wedding. She had no clue of where I was. 

"I am a VIP member to this club, so I frequent here every so often. As for right now, today is a book club event so I joined in." It was not a lie, the club house was one my mother and I had memberships for. But I kept other details mum as I did not know what Estelle had chosen to share. 

"Isn't she great! Having Celeste around is like having a daughter around. She is just perfect to spend time with." I felt a bit guilty at those words. I was after all in a relationship with her son but she had no idea. I knew she liked me but I wondered how far it would extend.

"I see." Toni responded listlessly. Clearly having been put through the wringer in this conversation. She then made a show of checking her watch. "Well as much as I would like to stay we must run, our men will be back soon."

Toni grabbed Sols hand and practically left running.