Bookmarking

The weeks went by, the books and the takeout changed. It was usually quiet. Comfortable.

They were on the couch. October was falling into November. It was raining outside.

Lena closed her book. She looked at the ceiling.

-We need a name, she said.

Stanley marked his page with a receipt.

-For what?

-For this, she said, gesturing at them and the room -Otherwise, it’s just loitering.

-The Book Club, Stanley said.

She snorted.

-Book Clubs are for wine moms who gossip. We don’t even talk.

-We brood.

She rolled her eyes at him, but smiled.

-Fine, he relented. How about the Silly Little Romance Club?

-Is that what this is? She asked. Romance?

-Silly.

She reached out and took the receipt from his hand and slid it into her own book.

-Same time next week? Stanley asked.

-Don't be late, she said. The club has strict rules.

She turned off the lamp. The room went dark, but neither of them left.