Page 69 of Making the Call
Dani
KnowingI haven’t been home in a week, I drop by the grocery store on my way to the island. Maybe I’m feeling self-conscious, maybe I’m just being paranoid, but it feels like I’m being watched. Not in a creepy way, but just that eyes are on me. But when I look around, no one’s even paying attention.
Maybe it’s just the hype of the interview that has me on pins and needles. As much as I didn’t want to see it, I couldn’t help but tune into the broadcast when it went live. Luke and I both squirmed in our seats as we snuggled on the couch to watch, since neither of us like watching ourselves on TV.
Sure, he has way more experience in dealing with the press and media, but it was cute watching him fidget when his closeup flashed across the screen. Damn, just recalling the memory, the man’s good looking. Though if I’m being completely biased, he’s far better looking in real life. As far as the interview itself went, it was portrayed as best as we could have hoped.
Since the segment ended, I turned off my phone and stayed off my social media accounts. I’ll deal with it later today, when I get home. Before the interview, I popped into my fan group and updated them about my weekend, as well as thanked them for coming out to visit this weekend in Seattle. I mentioned going into my writing cave and won’t be resurfacing for a few days. I’ve been known to do this. Hopefully, by the time I hop back onto social media, things will have died down.
I grab the last few items on my list and make my way to the checkout counter. As I place my items on the conveyer belt, I can’t help but gasp.
Holy. Fucking. Shit. There for all the world to see is my face plastered next to Luke, taking up the entire cover of an entertainment magazine. As much as I want to grab one for a souvenir, I look around and hope I’m not noticed.
Shit. I’m not wearing anything concealing. I look almost exactly as I do on the magazine. Except, thank God, I’m not wearing the same clothes. There’s no line at this time in the morning, so I take the opportunity to slip a few magazines onto the conveyer belt as the woman who’s about my mother’s age scans my items.
She had said hello, but I was too busy looking at myself on the magazine to give her much of a response. As she scans my final items, I make my way to the debit card reader to finalize my purchase. Just when I think I’ve escaped being noticed, the kind woman on the other side of the counter makes eye contact.
“You two are such a beautiful couple. I’m a huge fan of you both, and I wish you the best of luck. I can’t wait for your next release either, Charlotte.”
Well… That’s unexpected. I’ve never had a complete stranger feel the need to comment at the grocery store. My face heats, and I glance around to see if I’ve caught anyone else’s attention. Thank God, no one’s around. “Thank you.” I clear my throat as I straighten my spine. I might as well own it. She’s a fan after all. “My next book should be out by the end of next month. I’m glad you’re enjoying them.”
“Oh, I’ve read everything you’ve written. My daughter got me hooked right after you released your first book.” Interesting. You never know who you’ll meet out in the wild. I’msonot used to being recognized in public. It feels as if I’ve entered another universe.
“Wow.” Once again, I’m at a loss for words. “Thank you so much.”
The woman whose nametag reads Jackie, lowers her voice and stage-whispers, “I’m so happy you’re happy with Luke Leighton. He’s been the talk of the town since his arrival to the Rainier Renegades.” She raises an eyebrow and partially covers her mouth so that only I can hear her next words. In a conspiratorial voice, she adds, “I must admit, I’ve become a bigger fan since his arrival. That man isdefinitelynot hard to look at. You know what I’m sayin’…” Yes. Yes, I do know what she’s saying. I’ve been caught staring a time or two, and I’m woman enough to admit it.
“Yes, I do.” I nod in agreement. Who am I to deny the truth? But not wanting her to think I’m all about his looks, I add, “He’s a wonderful man, inside and out.”
“He sure is.” She nods emphatically. “That interview you two did last night was just spectacular. He’s such a nice young man, helping you the way he did. I would’ve loved to seen him in action.”
“He’s amazing, that’s for sure.”
Another customer joins us in line, and panic sets it. I don’t want another impromptu press situation and thankfully, Jackie reads my worry well and hurries the end of my purchase along. “Thank you for coming in today. I sure hope to see you again soon. Next time, you bring that man of yours in. I’m so happy the two of you are together, Charlotte. I wish you the best of luck.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, Jackie. Thanks again.” I gather my bags quickly and walk to my car. I’m not sure how I feel about complete strangers talking about my personal life as if they’ve known me forever. On one hand, it was amazing to be recognized. On the other, it’s absolutely terrifying.
* * *
It’s late when Luke finally has the chance to call. I didn’t know how much I’d missed him until I hear his warm greeting.
“Hey, Danika,” he exhales heavily, and I can picture him relaxing onto his couch after a long day at work. “It’s so good to finally get to talk to you.” My heart squeezes, and the tension in my body releases with those simple words.
His voice is a welcomed relief after a long day without him. Who knew I could get this attached to being around him so quickly.
“You, too.” I release a heavy breath and find myself instinctively relaxing into my oversized armchair as well. “Did I really just leave you this morning? It feels like days have gone by, rather than mere hours.”
A soft grunt comes through the phone, and a smile forms on my face. “No kidding. I’d give anything to have kept you here. But since you insisted on returning home so you could work and meet with your agent, I can’t say I blame you.” I can picture him with a wry smile and smirk forming on his beautiful face. When he tacks on, “Though I would’ve been perfectly fine letting you use my loft as a meeting place.”
“Luke,” I admonish. “You know she and her husband are coming to the island to stay at an Air B&B. They’ve had this trip planned for a while. The whole point of our meeting at the island is so they can be on vacation afterward and not be in a big city. They’re getting their first break from their kids since they’ve been married. They deserve every moment of peace they can get.”
“But isn’t she a book publisher, too? Why haven’t you gone with her company and published traditionally?”
“Uh…” This is such a long story. Where do I even begin? “She’s the best in the business for getting book deals into movies. She knows I prefer to be an independent publisher but loves to help indie authors as much as she can. Her business thrives on both. Sam wants what’s best for me. Though if she gets this movie deal we’ve been working on, her commission will be more than worth her while, dealing with an indie like me.”
“Makes sense.” I can picture Luke shrugging off my explanation in agreement. “Any word on how that deal’s going?”
I sigh. I haven’t had my hopes up too high over this, since I know it’s a longshot. I know I have a big enough following, but I’m not sure Hollywood execs want my story. “I haven’t heard anything yet. I hope she’ll have more to say when we meet tomorrow.”
