003. - Book Club!

[helpdesk_hero]

Alright, so I've suggested this a little to some friends of mine, but I'm thinking about throwing this out a bit wider.

I'm thinking about starting up a book club. Less in the style of book of the month and more organizing one or possibly more groups who can share books or even genres they love most with other people. People would still do the whole guiding discussion but not looking for high end critique so much as just talking about it.

We all need something to unwind and I don't doubt some of us are really fans of reading. I would think the arrangement might work best with members willing to buy their own books. I think for the first few meetings I'd be willing to cook either a simple meal or some finger foods to enjoy, but people could also volunteer to provide food or drinks.


Anyone interested in the idea?

Comments

[Private]

[helpdesk_hero]

I'm a good judge of character, Damian. I have multiple degrees in psychology and I've had enough people try and screw me and people I care about over.

Just stop. Please.

[Permaprivate]

[besainted]

[ there's a short pause, then a quick laugh. at least david has the decency to do this privately. ]

Trying to screw you over is a little dramatic, we're just talking about book clubs. But honestly, I couldn't help myself. You're too easy, David.

[helpdesk_hero]

I think your problem is that I'm not easy to push around.

I'd prefer if you found something else to do beyond joining a book club. Or this book club.

[besainted]

[ that's exactly his problem, actually. but that's what makes him interesting, too. ]

What is it you think I'm after, really? Afraid I'll steal your opinion on various books?

[helpdesk_hero]

[Make up your mind. Flounce off in a huff because David wants to know he can trust you, but then come to irritate him at the first chance. Why?]

Hardly. I'm not sure your intellect is lofty enough for anyone to confuse our opinions.

[And now he's giving up all pretense of politeness. He asked. Damian's ignoring the request.]

[besainted]

You don't want to let me into your club, and then you call me stupid? This is getting a little grade school for my tastes.

[helpdesk_hero]

I didn't call you stupid, Damian. I just pointed out I'm smarter than you can handle.

And yes, I would really rather not be in your presence right now.

[There might be that touch of hurt in his voice again.]

[besainted]

With the multiple psychology degrees, right.

And don't worry, I won't be showing up, I'm perfectly capable of reading books on my own. It was just a little gentle teasing.

[helpdesk_hero]

Your words were full of barbs. I hardly believe that was meant to be gentle teasing.

[besainted]

You must have very gentle friends to think any of that was barbed. I'll try to use kid gloves for you next time.

[helpdesk_hero]

There shouldn't be a next time, Damian. Just take the bridge as burned and leave it be.

[besainted]

Mm. [ He’s definitely not going to do that, but at least he’ll give it some time. With a light sigh: ] You’re right, I’m sorry. Good luck with your club.

[helpdesk_hero]

[He sighs, and that's definitely obvious given how heavy it is.]

I'm going to accept that apology and hope it's genuine. And thank you for the hopeful spirit of intent for the wishing for luck.

Frankly, I'd just prefer not to hear your voice or see your face until I can remind myself that with my luck it was actually stupid of me to think you were

[He trails off. So many things could be inserted. Charming. Kind. Handsome. Yeah, he's not saying those.]

Never mind. It's not important. If you do want book recommendations perhaps some people in this discussion chain could help you out.

[besainted]

[ Well. He’d thought this conversation was about done, but if David insists ... ]

No, it’s alright, none of this was ever in the cards for me. I prefer to do my reading solo.

And if interested is the word you’re looking for, that wasn’t stupid. I was. Am. Although that’s probably not in the cards either.

[helpdesk_hero]

Interested wasn't the word I was going to use. It's a word with too many variable definitions and not enough clarity. It's not my sort of word.

[Why does he keep talking? He's mostly frustrated at himself at this point. He could just stop responding. Could have right at the start. Josh would probably tell him it's the need to get the last word in. He'd probably be right.]

[besainted]

No? Which word would you prefer?

[helpdesk_hero]

Does it matter? I know I have been a bit... insistent. And that's irritating to a lot of people. And I've not exactly been friendly since that first encounter.

But I've seen a lot of messed up shit since coming here, so I can't even apologize for it.

[besainted]

Not that it isn’t understandable, but no, you haven’t been particularly friendly. [ A sort of verbal shrug goes here. ] But of course, the world isn’t a very friendly place. It has us all trained into bad habits.

[helpdesk_hero]

It really does. But those bad habits trained into people tend to be survival mechanisms.

[besainted]

Exactly why I can’t blame anyone, you included.

[helpdesk_hero]

That’s more credit than I deserve. Unlike most people, I should know better.

[besainted]

You are so convinced that I’ve tried to pull one over on you.

[helpdesk_hero]

I am. And I am also aware I have no means of getting proof without violating my own moral code.

And thus an impasse.

[besainted]

For now.

[helpdesk_hero]

For a lot longer than just now.

My memory is very long, and a pretty face isn’t going to change that.