AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Sure, that sounds perfect.” Dane had told Alissa some things about Alvin, especially now that they had patched things up. She would be excited to meet him.
“Good. If you’ll excuse me, I think I want to grab something to drink before the event starts,” Alvin said.
Dane shook his hand one more time and watched him disappear into the crowd. Something he hadn’t realized was unsettled finally rested in his gut. The chapter of his life in New York City had finally come to a satisfying close without any hard feelings on either side.
Fifteen minutes before the event was going to start, Dane went upstairs to get Alissa. She had moved out of Literary Stays a few months ago, but Monica had loaned her the room where she first stayed to get ready for the event. Dane knocked on the door a few times and Caitlin poked her head out of the door. She had lost the melancholy that hovered around her six months before.
“Oh, is it time?” Caitlin asked.
“Almost.” Dane peered around Caitlin. “Can I see the woman of the hour?”
“I’m right here!” Alissa popped out from behind Caitlin.
“Wow, you look incredible,” Dane said once he found his voice again.
Alissa was wearing a sapphire blue sundress that was the same shade as the ocean, cinched at the waist and flaring out slightly. Her wedge sandals she was wearing popped her up to his height, though her curls added a little bit more height.
“Thank you,” Alissa said, beaming.
Caitlin stepped aside so Dane could reach Alissa. He pulled her into his arms and gave her a kiss, taking care to not mess up her lipstick.
“People are arriving and it seems like they’re all excited,” Dane said.
“Ah, I’m buzzing out of my skin.” Alissa squeezed both of his hands. “I think I should get down there.”
“Let’s go, then.”
Dane took her hand and led her downstairs. Alissa was instantly swept away by her editor and her old professor, who had both flown in for the event. Dane let her go, watching her from across the space. Alissa had a glow about her, especially when the event officially started and she got up to read from her book.
Dane sat toward the back and discreetly took a few photos of her as she read, the wind blowing her curls around her face. After her reading, she took some questions, then the event shifted to her book signing, then finally a reception.
Dane saw almost everyone he knew in town at some point or another, chatting about the view, Alissa’s book, and all of the events of the upcoming summer. Michael spotted Dane across the crowd and made his way over.
“Alissa is really talented,” Michael said. “I knew it reading her articles inThe OutletandCoastal Views, but wow.”
“She is.” A swell of pride crested in Dane’s chest.
Alissa’s articles inCoastal Viewshad been a big part of its success so far. They had released two issues, both of which needed another print run to keep up with demand. People stopped him in the street all the time to talk about some articles and about what was coming up next. It had gone over better than he or Alissa had ever dreamed.
Writing about the area made him fall in love with it even more. Waking up to a quiet house, walking to work, chatting with people he saw everyday was his new normal, and he was happy with that. Add in Alissa and all of the friends he’d made, and he saw himself here for a long time.
“Speaking of…” Michael looked past Dane’s shoulder. “Congratulations, Alissa.”
Alissa stepped up next to Dane, her hand sliding into his.
“Thank you.” Alissa smiled, raising her glass of wine. “I’m so glad you could make it.”
“I wouldn’t miss it.” Michael looked around at the crowd. “It looks like a lot of other people feel the same way. If you’ll excuse me, I want to say hello to someone before they leave.”
“Thanks for coming!” Alissa said.
More people came by to congratulate Alissa and say hello—Hannah stepped away from the catering table to chat for a while, as did Monica and a few other people they knew from around town. Once they were by themselves, Dane pulled her into a hug, kissing her forehead.
“How do you feel?” Dane asked.
“I’ve never been so happy.” Alissa rested her hand on his chest, looking into his eyes.
The warmth and happiness he felt just from looking into Alissa’s eyes made him realize he hadn’t been this happy before either. He woke up every day with a smile knowing he’d get to go into his office and see Alissa, create work he was proud of, and go home feeling satisfied and fulfilled.
