Page 103 of The Now in Forever
He laughs, opening his eyes. “Still not my middle name.”
“I should go.”
He nods. “Congratulations, really. You’re killing it.”
Floating through my day, I have a great time with my bucket of soapy water and my audiobook on full blast. I focus on the fact that I have a literary agent and not on the feelings of guilt over breaking the email rule and asking Ed if he was coming to the opening.
At lunchtime, I open my email, and there is one at the top from Ed.
Message sent: Friday September 20th 10:37 a.m.
We’d spy on each other. Obviously.
Love,
Ed
CHAPTER 28
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12TH
It’s finally here. The grand opening of Story Club Books. I wake up earlier than normal, too excited to sleep. On autopilot, I check my email, but the last one Ed sent was two days ago. I reread it.
We had a crazy day today on set. There's a horse for one of the dream sequences, and he must’ve gotten into craft services, because the poor buddy had so many farts. We kept having to cut. The smell, you would not believe it.
This is a big week! You are going to do amazing.
Love,
Ed
Can’t deny I would’ve loved to read more I miss yous and less horse farts. I bundle up and go for a run. The clouds are thick and gray, like a worn-in white comforter, and there’s a sweet smell in the air, like it might rain later.
The trail is beautiful. Bright-orange leaves rustle in light autumn wind, offset by the evergreen trees and the rolling ocean below. I run back through town, down Main Street, pumpkins in front of nearly every business, and the warm scent of campfires and cinnamon permeate the street.
After a hot shower, I throw on thick brown tights, a soft chocolate turtleneck, and a light-blue corduroy dress over both. When I flick onthe light switch, the large crystal chandelier comes on, bathing the room in a warm glow.
Fall-themed romances fill the front table. I straightenYou, AgainandThe Ex-Hex.
Going over to the small seating area with a pair of pink velvet chairs, I fluff the shaggy alpaca pillows as Robin walks onto the porch, her long blonde hair tied back in a low ponytail. She’s carrying a tray of three coffee cups, and I hurry to open the door for her. She hands me the coffee, and the strong scent of pumpkin spice fills my nose.
“You didn’t have to do that. I have a coffee machine right here.”
“Save it for the paying customers.” She sets the tray down on the counter and gets one out. “What can I do? Put me to work.”
“Don’t you have to work at your actual job today?”
She shakes her head while sipping her latte. “Nope. Took the day off.”
The bells I put on the door jingle, and I’m about to run over and let them know we’re not open yet, but I stop as soon as I see who’s walking through the door.
“Anh!”
She beelines to me, wrapping me in a tight hug.
“I thought you couldn’t get out of your classes.”
We part, and she gives me a quick kiss on the cheek, her minty lips leaving a gooey spot. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
