Lucille sat down.
‘Anyone else?’ Ellen asked. ‘Jamie, what about a man’s perspective?’
Jamie looked thoughtful. ‘It made me want to rinse my eyes out with bleach.’
‘Typical,’ Lucille muttered.
‘Excuse me?’ Sarah asked. ‘Typical what? Jamie’s liked all the other books we’ve done.’
‘He said my last choice perpetuated concepts regarding manhood that were offensive and ludicrous, and completely refused to engage in the discussion.’
‘ItwascalledWinning the War Against the Y Chromosome,’ Kiko said, apologetically.
‘Why do all your books begin with a W, Lucille?’ Frances asked. ‘What is this peculiar obsession you have with that particular letter? Have you reached W in your list of books for dominating brainless ignoramuses at book clubs?’
‘Let’s keep it nice, people.’ Ellen held out her hands pleadingly. ‘And keep it about the book, please. No personal comments. Remember, everyone’s viewpoint is valid and respected here.’
‘Don’t be absurd!’ Frances said, huffing. ‘Quite clearly some viewpoints should not be respected. Especially if they aren’t respectful.’
Lucille’s mouth dropped open.
‘Any other thoughts about the book?’ Ellen gabbled, before that comment could be responded to.
No, no one had any thoughts. That was, except for Lucille, but she wasn’t sharing them after being so insulted.
‘Well. That means we’ve plenty of time to choose a book for next month.’ Ellen smiled. ‘Jamie, I believe it’s your turn?’
‘Yes. Right.’ Jamie sat forwards, his eyes flicking towards Sarah before settling on a stray crisp lying on the tablecloth. ‘I’ve chosen the new book by Madelaine Smith. I’ve heard it’s really good.’
‘Flippin’ ’eck!’ Sarah shrieked. ‘I flippin’ love her books! Mum was getting me that for my birthday. She’ll have to give it me early, now.’ She beamed at us. ‘Good choice, Jamie!’
If Jamie had turned any redder he’d have blended into the tablecloth. ‘Thanks,’ he mumbled.
There was a rumble of assent from around the table.
‘Great.’ Ellen picked up her pen quickly, her words brisk. ‘That’s settled, then, we’re all agreed—’
‘Actually,’ Ashley interrupted.
‘Here we go…’ Frances rolled her eyes. Kiko, Sarah and Jamie all simultaneously downed their glasses. Not for the reason I initially thought.
‘Last month we said we’d consider a local author next. You all agreed we’ve neglected local authors long enough. It’s about time we supported local, bestselling author Hillary West. And, honestly, couldn’t we try reading something uplifting? Something we can all understand!’ She paused, chest heaving beneath the ruffles, eyes moist.
‘I don’t think that’s quite what we agreed,’ Ellen said.
‘When’s the last time we did a Hillary West?’ Kiko asked Ellen, who flipped through the book.
‘Well, let’s think… could it be the last time Ashley had a book choice?’ Lucille said.
‘That was nearly six months ago!’ Ashley cried.
‘Which means it’s your turn next month,’ Frances said. ‘No need to push in.’
‘I’m not pushing in!’ Ashley stood up now. ‘I’m making a suggestion. All views are valid here, and I have strong views on reading local authors at the local book club.’
‘Jamie’s made his choice, Ash,’ Sarah said. ‘There’s only one Hillary West book left – save it for next time.’
‘Shut up!’ Ashley pointed a finger at Sarah. ‘We all know the reason Jamie picked Madelaine Smith, and that’s favouritism.’
