Ha. Like I have the kind of willpower for that.
Me:I will do my best.
Alyssa:Text us when you get there, and keep us posted on how everything is going!
Alyssa:Love you! You got this!
Me:Love you too.
I so totally do not got this.
Chapter Six
Nick
I’m glad I planned to leave for the inn early because by the time I arrive at the godforsaken spot in the middle of nowhere, the weather is looking foreboding. The rain let up slightly, but the sky is still holding those heavy clouds, the kind that might burst at any moment.
I can’t help but wonder if Jess has already left the city, if she made it up here safely. If she hasn’t left yet, there’s a good chance she’s going to get caught in the storm and miss the awards altogether. I wonder if I should message her, let her know to be wary of the weather conditions, but I can’t imagine she would look too kindly on my interference.
It’s too early to check into my room, so I find a comfortable corner of the lobby, near the stone fireplace, and settle in with a good book. The lobby of the inn is dressed to the holiday nines, with a large Christmas tree glittering in the middle, garlands draped over seemingly every surface, and the smell of pine and cinnamon permeating the warm and cozy room.
It makes my skin crawl.
Jess is going to love it here.
Reading has always been one of my favorite hobbies, ever since I was a little kid. My relationship with publishing has now changed my reading life in a way I never expected. It’s hard for me to just sit and read and not think about my own books, or what I would have done differently if I’d written the book I’m trying to relax with. It’s even harder not to drown in the imposter syndrome.
I manage to sink so deep into my reading bubble that it takes a minute before I realize someone is standing right in front of me, repeating my name. For a second, I wonder if it’s her, but I would know if it were. Jess and I were so attuned to each other, I could feel the moment she walked into the room, even if I couldn’t see her.
“Nick.” My editor, Gina, is only a foot away from me, arms crossed and a stern look on her face. She is foreboding when she’s in the best of moods, a petite Japanese American woman who is the most competent person I’ve ever met.
I wonder just how long she’s been trying to get my attention. From the furrow on her brow, more than a minute. I hastily stick a bookmark into my novel and stand, wrapping her in a warm hug. I tower over her, but she never fails to lean into my hugs. I give good hugs. “Gina, so good to see you. Sorry, got a bit distracted.”
“Must be a good book.” She glances at the cover disinterestedly. “I was hoping to find you writing.”
“Well, the good news is I’m making great progress.” It’s not a complete lie, as I did manage to get down some good words. Of course, since Jess and I stopped messaging, those words have dried up, but Gina doesn’t need to know that.
“What’s the bad news?”
I grin, trying to instill it with some confidence. “There’s no bad news, Gina. You know me.”
“Your deadline is in just a few weeks.”
“And have I ever missed one before?”
She purses her bright-red lips and shakes her head. I notice then that Gina is already dressed for the big party, a shimmery black cocktail dress catching the light as she moves.
I check my watch. Shit. The whole holiday ball/awards ceremony/first in-person meeting with the former love of my life thing is supposed to start in an hour, and I still haven’t checked into my room. “Gina, I would love to continue this conversation.” I wouldn’t, and we both know it. “But I need to get to my room and get ready.” I drop a kiss on her cheek and drag my suitcase to the front desk.
An older man working behind the dark wood counter waves me over with something that could pass as a smile. “How can I help you, sir?”
“Checking in. Nick Matthews.” I pull out my wallet, ready to hand over my ID.
“Nick Matthews,” the man repeats.
My name is not usually misheard as it’s about as basic as can be, but I spell it for him anyway.
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Matthews, but I’m not seeing your name here.” The man, Stanley according to his name tag, does appear to be genuinely sorry, not that that helps much in this moment.
