Page 33 of A Bookish Story

The clerk has joined us, but so have a few other customers, and they are not only picking up the book but reading the back cover copy and heading to the register with it.

“I’ve been hearing a lot about this book,” one of them says. “I don’t know why you were fighting over it. There’s plenty of them.”

“I’m going to recommend it to my sister. She hates everything,” the first woman says.

They all head to the register with a copy.

“See?” I say in a hushed tone. “This is so classic. All it takes is for a few people to be highly interested, leading to even more people. When you get right down to it, we humans are pack animals and we never want to be left out. You’re welcome. I got them to buy your book.”

“You must mean your book.” He gives me a warning look despite my whisper. “They don’t already have several copies at home. You don’t need to buy the book.”

“But I want to support you…us.”

“You already are.”

In the end, we reach a détente. I absolutely don’t buy the book.

Ryan buys it for me.

A few minutes later, we walk together toward street parking, and I’m holding tightly to my copy of the book. It must be surreal to find one’s book in a bookstore, especially given such star treatment. Tonight, maybe I’ll practice signing my fake name. I haven’t done that yet. The publisher might at some point set up a book signing and I should be ready. Elizabeth Brogan needs a signature and I have to come up with something. It should have a nice flourish. Maybe I’ll add a heart to the i like I do with Luci when I want to be super whimsical. Should it be legible, or should I do one of those authorly things some do where the name is little more than a scribble no one can identify?

“I’ve been thinking and I agree with your offer of a field trip to Santa Cruz for the uh…” He clears his throat. “World War II history you suggested. It might be the distraction I need.”

I pause by my old reliable clunker car and clutch my chest. “I’m shocked.”

“I doubt that. You’ve made your case and, yeah, maybe a single date between the two protagonists might be helpful. Otherwise, how else are readers going to believe there’s a love interest?”

“When should we go?”

“Soon. I need to start writing this book. Sometimes I get too caught up in research. It’s time.”

“But has it been nine months? The baby comes when it’s time, and not a moment before.” I open my door, setting the book down. “See you tomorrow, professor. Bright and early. I’ll bring the coffee.”

Ryan takes a step toward me. “In case I haven’t said it enough…”

“I know, thank you. And you’re welcome very much.”

“We’ll figure out what to do about the sequel later.”

“You mean the one I may have accidentally suggested?” I wince.

Naturally, the show didn’t cut that part out of the interview.

He meets my eyes. “I won’t lie. Kate saw the interview and she’s onboard, already pushing for a second book.”

“If I haven’t said I’m sorry enough…”

“I know. You meant well but that book took a lot out of me. I can’t do it again. I’ve told Kate but I doubt she’ll listen.”

This is my chance but I’m still too kind to tell him the entire truth. I hate the book.

“At least it would be a chance, you know, to improve on what you wrote in the first one.”

He quirks a brow. “You didn’t like it either, did you?”

I can’t admit to this. I’ve always believed in supporting other authors and this even includes Ryan.

“What? Did I say that?” I press a hand against my chest.