One by one, Graham, Beck, and Simon also move their attention from their laptops to me. This is an open opportunity, but I take a quick glance at the time. They’ll all be heading out soon. I’m not sure what my problem is when it comes to writing these days, so I don't even know where to begin.
“No. I think I’ve got it,” I lie. “I’m just trying to figure out how to rephrase the opening paragraph.”
They all nod as if they get it, and I’m sure they do in a way. Writing is a challenging career. We second-guess ourselves almost daily, but god, I love it. In addition to making a story come full circle, the thrill of problem-solving a plot and seeing the characters reach the happily ever after they deserve—I can’t get enough of it.
Still, something is off with me. I haven’t finished a book in two years.Two years.
I write about 75 percent of the story and then I stop. I move on to a new one. Over and over. I have nine unfinished books saved on my computer. I know sticking to my niche and sticking to my style is what my readers want, but I’m … uninspired, maybe. I don’t know.
I rub the back of my neck and let out a breath.
Fuck. What is wrong with me?
The entrance door opens, pulling Hero’s attention. “It's crazy how busy this place gets. It’s no wonder you opened a second location in Colorado.”
“We’re looking at properties to expand to a third location, also in Colorado,” I tell them. Turns out, people really love having a place they can go. Since we don’t sell food or drinks, people can bring in anything they like, and honestly, I’m not shocked that the residents of Wind Valley take care of this place as if it were their own. I had been worried it would get trashed by the occasional lazy person, but so far, so good.
Our low membership fees are also why this place has been so busy. People have the Internet at home, so we had to ensure it would be worth it. Location is also a plus. Somewhere to go instead of driving home when they’re already downtown. Wind Valley isn’t a big city, but it could still take some fifteen to twenty minutes to get across town.
Not to mention that over this past summer, we dove headfirst into making this space available for weddings, parties, work meetings, or whatever someone needs.
It’s been more successful than we imagined. When we started, I thought it would take up a lot of writing time, but it doesn’t. So I know starting and running this company with Simon isn’t my problem.
I built a place for me to write.
I just can’t seem to do it.
“Really? A third location?” Beck asks with surprise in his eyes. “That’s amazing.”
He pats Simon on the back and then reaches across the table to give me knuckles.
I chuckle. I’ve known these guys for twelve years now, and sometimes I feel like we forget how old we are.
Do guys in their thirties still give knuckles?
Obviously, the answer is yes since I just did it.
“Lucky for us,” Simon speaks up, “Tobias is willing to take on more work here in the scheduling department, and he’s done most of the traveling. He’s basically running it on his own.”
I laugh and shake my head. “Once we sign that new lease, it’s just scheduling and then crossing our fingers that contractors and designers do their job by the time they say they will. Plus, we’re in different places in life. The work here is equal as far as I see it.”
Beck clears his throat, and when silence falls over the table, I know they’re all itching to make a follow-up comment. The part about where we are in life.
No one speaks up, and for that, I’m grateful.
My dating life, or lack thereof, has been a hot topic lately. I’ve lost count of the number of times they have all mentioned someone they think I should ask out: the new barista at Loves a Brewing, the woman who moved in next door to Hero and Nora, the woman who just ran by the window and looks like she might be single. Yes, that happened last week.
I get it. They’re in love and want that for everyone around them. I’m not even mad that they want me to have what they have. It’s just not in the cards for me right now.
I need to figure out this writing rut I’m in first.
Sighing, Zane looks at his watch. “I need to get going. Willa and I have been trying out new recipes for the blog she and Greer started, and she needs me to stop at the store.”
“That reminds me,” Simon says as he closes his computer. “I have a bag of stuff in my car that Greer says is important for the photo aesthetics on their new page.”
One of my favorite things about my friends is, not only are we all driven people but the people who have become part of our lives are too. Every single one of them is out there making their dreams come true, and they’ve managed to find the perfect partner to stand behind them on the way.
I’ll admit I’m a bit of a sappy guy regarding my friends, but hell, I got lucky. I’m not afraid to admit it.
