Page 79 of Between the Lines

“Exactly,” Blaise said. “I told her that’s not what I’m writing. I tried to end the call, and that’s when she started talking money.”

“Oh, boy,” Cece said. “And?”

“And it was a lot,” Blaise said honestly. “Enough to make me pause. But not enough to make me forget why I’m doing this in the first place. I’m selling a memoir, not my soul.”

Cece was quiet for a moment. “I’m proud of you. I mean that. I know you’re in a place where money is important. But you still did the right thing. Well done.”

“Thank you,” Blaise said. “I needed to hear that from someone who understands my motivation.”

“I understand it very well,” Cece said. “I also know from my own experience that sometimes the offer is generous because the personal cost is high.”

“That’s exactly what it felt like,” Blaise said. “Like I’d be paying for it later, in ways that wouldn’t show up on a contract.”

“You made the right call,” Cece said. “The first publisher was much closer to what you need. This one? Not so much.”

Blaise nodded, even though Cece couldn’t see her. “That’s how it felt for me, too.”

There was a sound in the background.

“I think Joe just pulled in,” Cece said. “He’s early. Which doesn’t surprise me.”

“Me either,” Blaise said, smiling. “How are you feeling about the interview?”

“Nervous, because it’s him,” Cece admitted. “But it’ll be fine. We know each well enough to be comfortable once we get going. And he’s a great storyteller.”

“That’s exactly what you want for the second episode,” Blaise said. “I can’t wait to hear it.”

“Me, too,” Cece said with a little laugh. “And Blaise? I’m really glad you called.”

“Thanks,” Blaise said. “I’ll let you go. Knock ’em dead.”

“I’ll talk to you after,” Cece said. “But listen, you’re doing this the right way. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.”

Blaise smiled as the call ended.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Joe was standing on the porch when Cece opened the door, a small bouquet of daisies and greenery in one hand, a bakery bag in the other. He smiled the moment he saw her, then leaned in and kissed her gently, careful and unhurried.

“How are you doing?” he asked, searching her face as if already trying to make that determination himself.

“I’m okay,” Cece said, and realized it was true. Still a little tired. And also a little sore. But that wasn’t going to hold her back. “Better than I was yesterday.”

“Good.” He handed her the flowers. “For you. I thought they might be nice in the house.”

She took them, smiling at his kind gesture. “They’re perfect. Thank you.” She stepped aside to let him in, then added, more quietly, “And thank you again. For yesterday. For going with me.”

“Of course,” he said, like there had never been any other option. He shut the door behind him and followed her into the house. “I was glad I could be there.”

She carried the flowers into the kitchen and set them on the counter while she filled a vase with water. Her movements were maybe a little slower than usual, but she didn’t mind that. She’d get back to her normal routine tomorrow.

Joe leaned against the counter, watching her. “You sure you’re up for recording today?” he asked. “We can wait a few days if you want.”

“I’m fine,” she said. “And I want to do it. If I don’t, I’ll end up sitting around thinking about how I feel and that is not how I want today to go.” The daisies really were pretty. She trimmed the stems, slid the flowers into the vase, and turned to face him. “Besides, this is important to me.”

He nodded, accepting that. “All right. Then we do it your way.”

“Good, because my way involves coffee first.” She’d only had one cup and was in desperate need of another.