Page 12 of Write on Time

I open the bookstore door and see that this time my girl is alone.

“Hey, Drake! I’m sorry I chased you off earlier. Delia is still so excited about this new book group.” She shoots me a sly look. “We’re doing one of your books first. Although she doesn’t know who you are yet.”

“Well, the cat will be out of the bag tomorrow.”

Her brow creases over those stunning green eyes. “Are you sure that you want to do this? I mean, it could be bad for your business.”

“Anyone that really loves my stories won’t drop me just because I’m a guy.”

“I agree but sometimes people are silly.”

“Then I’ll be sad to lose them as fans but I respect their decision.”

I nod towards some chairs in a reading nook that she has. The place is empty right now.

She sits down and eyes me curiously. But at least she’s not mad.

“So what did you want to talk about?”

“The book signing and us.”

“What about us?”

“I actually came here because I felt like there’s something here. There’s something between us. Something good. Don’t you think?”

Her eyes open wide. “I-I don’t know. I mean, I’m still trying to figure out what’s going on with you being a man.”

“A man who has feelings for you, Alanis. And he came here to see what could come of those feelings.”

“I don’t know what to think, Drake. I like you. I really do. But I don’t know you.”

“You do. I’m the same guy that’s been writing to you for two years. You just thought I was a woman.”

She rolls her pretty eyes. “Give me some time, Drake. And besides that, there’s the matter of distance. You live all the way on the other side of the country.”

“There are ways to work on that. Like I could move here. I write. I can do that anywhere. And I would for the right woman. You.”

She sighs and runs her slender fingers through her hair. “Give me some time.”

“Alright. But what about the book signing. Do you have everything set up for that?”

“Yes. Just show up tomorrow and I’ll make sure that it all runs smooth as silk.”

“Do you want to have dinner tonight?”

Shaking her head, she smiles. “I’m sorry. I’m not used to such a busy life. I’m so tired today. I just want to stay at home with a good book and read.”

“I don’t think that’s boring at all. Especially if it’s one of mine.”

She throws her head back with a peal of laughter that makes me smile like an idiot.

“Of course it will be.”

“Alright. I’ll let you get away with it this time. But I’ll look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”

“As will I, Drake. As will I.”

“Do you remember when you wrote me about the book signing that your editor wanted you to do? And she tried to trick you into it?”

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