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"It was great. We had a nice mix of attendees tonight. Murder and crime isn’t really my thing, but Austin enjoys hosting and he’s good at guiding the readers through questions."
I’m leaning on the counter and I grab a fork and knife to cut my pastry.
"Hmm, that’s interesting because I seem to remember that you were writing an online serial about mafia dudes and stolen brides and murder not too long ago."
I glance up to see Luna giving me an indulgent smile.
She’s right, of course. It took Michael suggesting that I write rom coms to realize that I was trying to fit my style of writing into a popular genre.
"Speaking of Habanero…" Luna has inadvertently given me the opening I need to have this conversation. "My new story has really taken off on it."
The serial reading app has been so much fun for me and I’ve found a lot of success on it with my latest work.
"I know. Crew told me. My best friend didn’t tell me because she’s too busy being married, but my brother told me all about it." Luna doesn’t look or sound annoyed. She’s just loading pastries onto a tray.
Lydia disappears back into the kitchen with the loaded tray.
"And being pregnant," Luna adds in a stage whisper with a wink. "Can you guys please tell everyone soon? It’s literally killing me to keep it quiet. I did tell Owen though. I’m sorry, I couldn’t stop myself."
She doesn’t even really sound sorry. It makes me laugh. "Luna! What if he says something to Crew? Then you and I will both be in trouble."
"He won’t. Owen is a steel trap. Just be thankful I didn’t tell Alexsei. He can’t keep a secret to save his life."
"Well, I would love to tell everyone. The plan is to officially tell our parents next week after the first doctor’s appointment. After that, we’ll make some kind of announcement and you won’t have to keep it a secret anymore."
"Thank God. Your boobs are already getting huge. There won’t be any explaining that in another week or two."
That makes me laugh. "Right? I already need new bras. It’s crazy."
Lydia has returned from the kitchen but she goes to the front door to lock it and starts wiping down the tables in the bakery.
"So, anyway, my new story…" I lick the tip of the fork, a little giddy over the news I want to share. "I was contacted yesterday by a major publishing house in New York. They want to publish my serial story as a romance novel."
"What?" Luna pauses in her cleaning and stands straight up, her hands on her hips. "Are you freaking kidding me? Dani, that’s awesome! I’m so proud of you!"
"I’m so proud of you, too," I tell her truthfully. "You’ve made this business take off, with very little help from me." I don’t pause, not wanting to give her time to say otherwise. I know it’s true. I’ve been wrapped up in my relationship with all the guys. "And I want you to know that moving forward, I feel like the decisions about the bookstore need to be more yours than mine." I rush ahead. "If you want to close it or expand the bakery or whatever you want, it’s fine with me. I just don’t think that I can?—
Luna holds her hand up. "Whoa. Just slow down for a second. Let’s just back that up and take a minute to enjoy how fucking amazing it is that a publisher wants to make a book out of your story. That is incredible. We need to just pause and celebrate that. I mean, you’re going to say yes, right?"
I nod enthusiastically. "Oh, yes, absolutely. Nathan had his lawyer look at the offer and it’s solid for a debut author. They’re paying me and everything." I still honestly can’t believe that. "It’s a dream come true."
"I’m so happy for you. And this is perfect for you, with the baby coming and everything. You can write when you can or when the muse strikes or the baby is napping or the guys are out of town. It’s a perfect career for you at this point in your life."
I breathe a sigh of relief. I knew Luna would be happy for me but I have been worried for a while now that she would be upset with me for pulling back from the business. "I knew you would understand. I love the creative outlet, and feeling like I have something just for me, but my life has changed dramatically. I have three guys who want my attention and a baby on the way who is going to be demanding of my time and energy. I just don’t know that I’ll have time to be at the bookstore much anymore."
Luna nods slowly, fingering the crescent moon necklace she wears frequently. "I get it. I don’t think I’ll make any decisions right away. I’m not sure the bakery needs an expansion, and the bookstore is holding its own right now. Maybe I can just hire someone to be a full-time manager on that side. Maybe Austin would be interested or I can find someone else to work with him."
I’m grateful she’s being so understanding. I still feel guilty, though. "I can help you hire someone, or talk to Austin. I don’t want to leave you in a lurch." I shove a bite of pastry into my mouth so I don’t talk myself back out of stepping away from the business. I know I can’t handle it and a baby as well.
"No worries. We’ll work it out. It’s not like you can bring a baby to work."
"I mean, I could. I’m sure people do it, but I want to give the baby my full attention." I brush my hand over my stomach. I have the tiniest little bulge that no one but me and my guys would ever notice.
It’s been incredible to watch them studying my changing body with varying expressions, from feral possessiveness to tender awe and joy that we’ve created a baby together.
"Oh, please. Nathan would never let you work, let’s be honest." Luna grins. "He’s going to have you sitting on silk pillows for the first three months."
"He can be a little over-the-top," I admit. "He’s already talking about getting us on a waitlist for the best preschool in Chicago."
