Lori owed me five bucks.
“Yes, and that turned out to be a much better financial move even if I had to get a lot of delivery that week.” That series was still selling very well.
Rohan laughed and shook his head. “I’m glad.”
Did that mean I had a helper?
“I was thinking once a week?” Was that too much? “I have no idea what the practical side of this trade should look like. I’m not sure what my books are worth.”
Not in the context he was talking about, at least.
His expression shifted between thoughtful and skeptical. He knew me very well...including how little patience I had, so he didn’t leave me curious for too long. “Are you actually writingTeddy’s book or is it all in your head? That’s going to affect my trade value here.”
Well, that was a legitimate point in our early negotiations, so it seemed logical...and his question made sure I got to talk about the fun parts of the book, so I was going to count it as a good sign either way.
“I have, in fact, got words down in the story.” That had him looking cautiously optimistic, so I explained more about what I’d accomplished. “I’m five chapters in, but I’ve come to a stumbling block that I need to research.”
Yes, that sounded very professional, but for some reason Rohan’s eyes were twinkling, so it might not have come across that way.
Oh well.
“Teddy was abducted by an alien that’s very curious about human sexuality and he wants to explore somnophilia.” No gasps or weird looks from anyone around us but his eyes lit up. Perfect. I didn’t have to explain what that meant.
I’d been told to be polite or I couldn’t write in the coffee shop anymore.
But luckily for me, no one ever knew the scientific-sounding dirty names for things, so it looked like I could continue explaining the problem to my new helper. “That’s not something I’m familiar with firsthand, so I’m having to do more extensive research to write the book.”
Still sounded very professional.
“As you know, I want scenes to be very realistic, but I’m having trouble wrapping my head around this one.” I was doing well, maybe not quite honest but definitely professionally appropriate. “That scene would move forward much faster if I had firsthand knowledge.”
Shrugging, I played dumb and ignored the sexy gleam in his eyes. “But what can I do? However, I can reassure you I’ve beendiligently pushing forward with the story even though it’s not my primary work in progress.”
I was killing people off for that.
It was still fun but dealt with totally different bodily fluids than the aliens.
“You’re right.” Somehow Rohan managed to look thoughtful and wicked at the same time. “Researching something like that would be difficult. But as your friendly equal who assists you, I would be willing to do my best to help, if you get to the point that you really need someone to practice that with.”
Oh, he was very good at sounding professional too.
“Thank you.” Very much. “So we will leave that option slightly open-ended until we’ve ironed out the other details and we’ve gotten to know each other better.”
I was impulsive, not stupid, no matter what Lori seemed to think.
“That sounds like a very logical plan. However, I’m sure there are a variety of ways we could facilitate getting to know one another just to make sure we’re thorough, of course.”
Had I mentioned I was impulsive?
“That sounds very logical as well. Thank you for pointing that out.” It was good to know I wasn’t the only person at the table who was horny and slightly stupid.
Lori was going to love him once she stopped worrying.
She liked mob characters too.
What else would be logical, though?
“I have several interesting fact sheets that might provide you with important information.” Yes, that was smart...I’d have a character do it, so I definitely should. “Can I have an email to send them to you? The one you emailed me from is on my computer, not my phone.”
