AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I don’t write about my family,” I say quickly, knowing I need to shoot her down now before she gets any funny ideas. “I write about my life, but never about my family. That would be—”
“Interesting,” Lori finishes for me.
I frown. She’s right. It would be interesting. Everyone who enjoys drama about the rich would enjoy it, but I only recently began talking to my mother. She even came to my graduation, whereas my dad, being ever so stubborn, remained at home. I don’t want to ruin things between us, especially since I only recently got my freedom. And it would make my mother a laughing stock around her friends. She may have been a terrible mother, but I can’t do that to her. I can’t be cruel.
“You should give me a call if you change your mind,” Lori says with a wink. She stuffs her wallet back into her purse and moves to the side so the next customer can order.
***
The day goes by quickly and yet slowly. All I want to do is talk to Rachel about this, ask her for her thoughts on the matter. I want to become a famous author, but at what cost? I’m already the black sheep of my family. I was disowned once. If I tell all the Brent secrets, I will probably be disowned for life. And something about writing about my family life doesn’t feel right.
But a literary agent gave me her card. Me. After all this time. It’s a miracle I never thought would happen. And the judges haven’t gotten back to me. I even sent them another email and it’s been weeks. They obviously aren’t interested. This could be my big break.
The line slows around five in the afternoon, when Rachel finally comes in for her shift. She sighs as she steps around the counter, dumping her bag in the corner before grabbing an apron from the counter behind me.
“How has it been?” she asks while tying her apron. “Where’s Jason?”
“Outside stress smoking.”
Rachel clucks her tongue and shakes her head in disappointment. “That bad, huh?”
“It’s been terrible. I feel like I’ve run a marathon, and all I’ve done is take orders and swipe cards.”
Rachel sighs and ties her hair into a messy bun. “Well, I’m here now. Why don’t you take a break? I’m sure Jason has enjoyed enough lung cancer for one day.”
“Actually,” I start while leaning against the counter. “I wanted to ask you about something.”
Rachel frowns. “What? Did something bad happen?”
I make a face. “I don’t know. A literary agent came in and gave me her card.”
Rachel gasps. She claps her hands together excitedly. “That’s amazing, Lucas!” She throws her arms around me and jumps up and down. “I told you to believe in yourself.”
I grab her shoulders and gently push her away. “She wants me to write about my family.”
“Huh?” Rachel frowns, all excitement in her eyes dying at my words. “Why?”
“She says it’ll be interesting.”
“Yeah, but it would be wrong. And rude. Have you told your mom about this?”
I shake my head. “I haven’t had time. I don’t know what to do.”
“Don’t do it,” Rachel says sternly. “I know your parents have treated you terribly in the past, but do you really want to go down that path? It’ll only lead to guilt and shame. Maybe they never considered your feelings, but you’re different from them. I know you would feel terrible.”
I nod slowly. “Yeah, you’re right.”
“Of course I’m right,” Rachel says with a bright smile. “I know you.” She pats my shoulder and nods toward the back door. “Now, send Jason in here. You’re due for a break, Mr. Brent.”
I chuckle as I walk toward the door, grabbing the handle. I know Rachel’s right. However, I can’t stop worrying that this is the only way I will be able to become a writer, the only way I can leave this coffee shop behind and begin my career. With a heavy sigh, I open the door, still wondering about Lori and whether or not to call her.
Chapter 12
HUNTER
Istareatthetownhouse, wondering how Adrien could ever afford such a beautiful place, until I realize he’s been playing for the Chicago Bears for several years. Not to mention, his fiancée is a blogger. They probably pooled their efforts together to get such a lovely place. The townhouse is gated and I peek through the black bars, hearing laughter and a dog barking in the distance. A German Shepherd runs toward me. Its tongue hanging out while its dark eyes light up with joy. It stops in front of the bars, wagging its tail playfully while yipping with joy.
“Coming!” a heavily pregnant woman calls while walking toward me.
