Page 54 of Cougar Chronicles

No use pining over Michael Moretti. If he ever looked Stacy’s way again, which was doubtful, he’d see Veronica, and it would be all over anyway.

Still, Stacy was glad Veronica had happened by. Entering a party became much easier with a friend by her side.

“Are you enjoying the conference?” Veronica asked as they scoped the room for some empty chairs.

“Yes, I am. Are you?”

“It’s been incredible!” Veronica’s husky voice nearly bubbled. “I’ve met some great people, and I’ve learned so much. I can’t wait to be published.”

Stacy smiled. “It will happen soon.”

“I hope so.”

“If you need any help, let me know. I’d be happy to look at some of your work.”

“Would you?” Veronica squeezed her forearm. “I’d so appreciate that.”

“Sure, anytime. I gave you my card this morning, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Just email me.”

“Oh, you’re the best, Stacy. There’s a table over there.” The young woman dragged Stacy along to a table full of younger, hipper people.

“Hi, I’m Veronica, and this is Stacy. Are these seats taken?”

The table of women urged them to sit down, and soon Veronica was chatting away as if they’d all known each other forever. Stacy watched her in action, mesmerized. How she envied extroverts! Why did this come so naturally to people like Veronica, while people like Stacy struggled to feel comfortable?

“So what do you write, Stacy?” one of the others asked.

Stacy cleared her throat and attempted a smile. “Mostly erotic urban fantasy and paranormal. How about you?”

“Male/male,” the other author said.

“Oh.” Stacy didn’t know how to respond. She’d never understood the male/male craze among straight women, but many authors had made it big in the genre.

“Look!” Veronica gestured. “Here come some luscious males now to inspire you, Dolores.”

Stacy turned her head to see Michael Moretti and Dino—did he have a last name?—ambling toward their table.

Dino flipped his black cape, and the silky fabric rippled through the air. “You ladies enjoying the party?”

“Yes, it’s loads of fun,” Veronica said.

“Perhaps I can make it a little more fun for you.” Dino grinned. “Would you care to dance?”

“Thank you. I’d love to.”

As Dino led Veronica to the dance floor, Stacy sat, her body tense. Now what? She felt completely out of place, as though the room would swallow her up at any moment and she’d be invisible. Conversation droned around her and threatened to suck her into a vortex.

Classic introvert feelings. She’d always been bashful, but the divorce from David had worsened her symptoms. Still, she had flirted a little with Michael earlier. Maybe hope existed.

Not right now, though. A red-hot desire to escape this situation coursed through her. Would anyone notice if she got up and walked out? Of course not. She was invisible after all.

She slowly rose from her chair.

“Leaving?”

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