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It’s a rather slow day, and not many customers come through the doors. There are only a handful of children sitting in the story time circle as well, so I decide that it’s the perfect time to do some writing.
With the sting of rejection still fresh in my memory, I scroll through my latest project on my laptop. When I first started writing this story, I had so much motivation to get it finished. Who wouldn’t want to read a murder mystery where all of the suspects turned out to be imagined by the main character in the end?
But after several rejection letters related to the first few chapters, I lost all motivation. One publisher even took the time to write a note in reply that simply said, “Boring.” Despite it all, ever since I discovered that writing about my turbulent relationship with Penny in college was the only thing that eased the pain, I’ve felt a calling to become an author.
With that thought in mind, I remind myself that I can’t give up just yet. I settle for revising the first few chapters of the mystery to create more entertaining character arcs and dialogue. The gears finally start turning in my mind and creativity is practically dripping from my fingers.
Only three customers have come in so far, and after tending to their needs I immediately get back to writing. Just as an ingenious idea hits me that could change the fate of my entire story, a child’s high-pitched cry rings in my ears.
“Jess, we need you to report to the story circle right away.” Rachel’s voice crackles over the PA system, and my breath hitches in my throat. My mind is completely consumed with thoughts of Alex as I push my computer aside and rush to the circle.
My nephew is being cradled in Rachel’s arms as the other children sit quietly in confusion. “What happened?” I breathe, hurriedly lifting Alex into a hug.
“Just a moment everyone, story time will continue in a second.” She gestures to the back room,
where my co-workers Cody and Abbie are patiently waiting. “There was a monster in the story, Alex just got a little frightened.”
“You can settle him down back here if you’d like.” Abbie offers, and Cody pulls a small teddy bear off of one of the shelves to hold out to Alex.
With a screaming child in my arms, I apologize to Rachel and thank my friends. The four of us sit in the back room, but neither adult is able to calm Alex down.
“Come on kiddo, the Black Forest Dragon isn’t real he’s just a drawing.” Abbie tries to assure him, but he simply screams louder at the mention of the monster. She furrows her brows and looks at Cody for assistance.
Choppy dark hair frames Cody’s face and obscures her eyes, but her smile is kind. “Hold on to Mr. Teddy, he’ll keep you safe.” She smooths Alex’s red locks as he grabs for the stuffed animal.
“The dragon lives in the book store, he’s gonna get me.” Even though his arms are wrapped tightly around the bear, Alex is still shaking. I’m feeling extremely helpless and guilty that I can’t think of anything to say to my own nephew.
“That’s not true.” It’s all I can manage, but it doesn’t seem to be helping one bit. Although I know my co-workers would never judge me, I feel extremely inadequate as a child guardian, and I hate that they have to watch me struggle.
Cody doesn’t even seem to notice my despair, and instead kneels down to look Alex in the eye. “Tell you what. That dragon has nothing on me, you and your auntie should take a quick walk around the block and by the time you come back, I will have slayed him.”
Genius. Why couldn’t I think of that? With a sigh of relief, I notice that Alex has stopped crying.
“What if he breathes fire?” Young Alex is now entranced, looking at Cody as if she’s a superhero as he hands the bear back to her. With a creative mind like that, she definitely is a hero to me.
Abbie laughs. “Good thing we have fire proof armor!” She winks in my direction, and once Alex agrees, the women both give me a thumbs up.
“Take the rest of the day off if you have to.” Cody assures. “I’ll tell Rachel that we can cover for you.”
I hold my breath, thankful that I have such good friends. “Are you sure? I think he just needs a little air.”
“Absolutely. Take him for a walk, and if he doesn’t calm down then take him home and don’t worry about us.” Abbie pats my shoulder and I thank them both before whisking Alex away.
A short walk may be exactly what he needs. Halfway out the door, I realize that I’ve forgotten my own brilliant idea for my mystery novel. Perhaps a short walk is what I need to get the juices flowing as well. It definitely couldn’t hurt.
Three
Ashley
The taxi ride isn’t long to get to the wharf and by the time I get there I’m actually starting to feel more like myself. The Advil has kicked in and the fresh air has woken me up out of my hangover, transforming me back into my usual bubbly and confidently exciting self. So when I pay my fare and saunter down the gangway to find whoever it is in charge that I need to talk to, imagine my surprise when I see the gorgeous cruise liner and my intentions are instantly shifted.
Sure I was heading down here to talk to the Chief Purser –or whoever it is that I need to talk to– about the fact that my brother’s plans have changed, but maybe they don’t have to change. Maybe I could simply take them on for him. That would be just as helpful, right? Suddenly after the ship comes into view my mind goes from intending to cancel Robin’s cruise for him to wanting to go in his stead.
Plus I’d much rather have a nice long vacation on a cruise, than have to deal with the fallout of my epic breakup and the party. I still don’t think that the whole PR situation is my fault, but that doesn’t matter if Robin doesn’t agree. He’s going to make me deal with it and play nice for the media and that just doesn’t sound nearly as fun as a couple of weeks on the water.
If I’ve got a choice between drinking on a lounger on the deck, gazing out at the water, and staying home to deal with Robin and his grumpy ass, then you bet I’m going to pick the cruise.
Suddenly the whole situation and dealing with my brother’s anger and annoyance with me seems completely unreasonable and I’ve made up my mind, and I flash the most charming and flirty smile I can when I see an older gentleman walking towards me. He’s got a kind face and soft eyes, and a bald spot on his head that’s more endearing than it is frightening, as odd as that sounds. He strides over and holds his hand out to me with a grin, nodding as he offers his hand.
