“So, is the book ready?” he asked.
“Almost,” I said. “Kind of. Mostly. I actually just started a new idea.”
“Piper,” Mitch warned. “You’re supposed to be turning in something.”
“I know, but nothing feels good enough.” I thought of Theo, who I wanted to see again. Each time we talked gave me new ideas. “I’m getting there, though.”
“Moving hasn’t killed your motivation?”
“Not really. Things are actually going well.”
“It’s good to hear you say that for once.”
“So, is this a work call or personal?”
“A little of both. I do want to know how writing is going, and Joey is worried about you.”
My shoulders fell. While I felt bad about Joey being worried, I also wanted him to see how well I was doing. Wasn’t this what we all wanted?
“I really am fine.”
“And that’s what I’ll tell him, but hereallywanted me to ask. Now, what should I tell the publisher that wants your next book?” he asked.
“It’s getting there. I’ve made some good progress.”
“What’s the timeline?”
“A few weeks or so.” If I focused, I could easily make that.
Theo’s coffee shop would help.
And if I had more inspiring conversations with him too? Then it would be worth it.
8
THEO
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
Jackie Anne:Anyone know why the power’s out on the square?
Comments:
Hu Gh:It’s squirrel season! Go see if one’s on the ground!
Tammy Jane:Not again. I refuse to be the one to scrape it up this time. You go and get it, old man.
Hu Gh:These knees were NOT made for scraping!
Dean Briggs:I’ve got it. I wanna see what the electrical company out here uses anyway.
Hu Gh:Bring it over to me. I have a recipe for squirrel and biscuits.
Henry Connor:You’re really not supposed to eat electrified squirrels.
Hu Gh:I AIN’T DEAD YET AND DINNER WON’T DO IT TOME NOW!
I wasn’tsure how it happened, but Piper and I fell into a rhythm over the next few weeks. She came in later in the day, when the shop was slow. If Kelsey was there, she’d talk to her for a few minutes before going to her corner table. If it was just me and her, conversations would wait until the shop was closed.
