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

[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.

[besainted]

It might change mine, though. I have been known to be shallow.

[helpdesk_hero]

[A statement that implies David is attractive. As fluster-inducing now as ever. Luckily he doesn’t have to hide his expression now.]

You might. But that won’t be today. And I won’t hold my breath. I have a power to figure out how to manage. Friends to help. A job to do. And shopping, of course. Because my chicken cordon bleu isn’t going to make itself and my cheese isn’t good enough quality.

[David is not beyond taunting people with delicious meals they can’t have.]

[besainted]

[ A sigh. Thanks so much, buddy. ]

I wouldn’t expect you to. But maybe I can convince you to take a little time off for coffee at some point in the next few weeks. So you don’t work too hard.

[helpdesk_hero]

You-
I-
But-

[That is to say ‘you can’t be serious’ and ‘I don’t understand why you would do that’ and ‘but I’ve been rude to you’ not that Damian gets anything but confused starts.]

Why? I mean, why invite me to coffee again? Not why would I not work too hard. Which is a fair point but something I will do regardless. What do you get out f having coffee with a seemingly hostile party?

[besainted]

[ a quick laugh, bright and amused ]

Oh, do you plan to be hostile? That's fine, I'll bring a book.

[helpdesk_hero]

I didn't plan on it. I just... I wanted answers.

[Stop having a charming laugh.]

[besainted]

[ kindly: ] I know.

I just figured, how could I be expected to let a pretty face change my mind if I never see it?

[helpdesk_hero]

[Oh boy, it's definitely a solid three minutes before Damian gets a response.]

One shouldn't be swayed by looks alone. Down that path is ruin. That's all I'm saying.

[besainted]

Changing my mind leads to ruin? Well, I'll take it into consideration.

[helpdesk_hero]

No. That's not what I mean. I meant that looks alone shouldn't be a motivating factor.

If it was I'd have just taken you at face value. So to speak. Which is reasonable value.

[How did he ever have a girlfriend? Right, Josh sorta acted as a wingman while trying to be an asshole.]

[besainted]

I know, I know, I'm kidding. [ a beat ] Mostly.