Page 66 of Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming
“It’s okay. Daddy will be paying for my therapy.”
Aimee takes Patrick’s hand and gestures for him to follow her to the back of the plane.
“Yes, please take your adult talk elsewhere. Thank you,” Courtney adds, her eyes still closed.
Aimee and Patrick chuckle.
When they get to the bedroom in the back of the plane, Patrick squeezes Aimee’s hand.
“Baby, we can wait until we have a private moment at the hotel.”
“No, it’s not that. Um, with everything going on concerning Sheila, I didn’t have much of a chance to tell you about Wesley Trammell.”
“The author?”
“You’ve read his books?”
“No, but Courtney is a die-hard fan. She talks about the brother all the time. I was actually going to ask you if they could be introduced.”
Crap!
In hindsight, Aimee probably should have seen this coming. Wesley’s books are super popular with teens and tweens, especially Black girls. Channelle Thomas, the main protagonist in Wesley’s series,The Mchawi Chroniclesis a fourteen-year-old girl, so she appeals to a lot of young adult and middle grade fans.
“Well, Wesley and I dated, and we broke up last year. Or I broke up with him last year, and he didn’t take it well.”
“How not well are we talking?”
“He cried.”
Patrick purses his lips. “I see. So, are we in for a scene when we see him?”
“I would hope not. He tried to get me to change my mind, but I let him know that wasn’t happening and he stopped. I expect things to be awkward because we haven’t spoken or seen each other since the breakup.”
“Okay. Well, hopefully Courtney’s presence will help.”
“Fingers crossed.”
The landing, car ride to the hotel and drop off at the convention center all happen in a blur. Soon, they’re walking to the room that’s been designated for authors to pick up their books, merch and swag. Each room is alphabetized by the authors’ last name, so of course, Bridget is miles away in the M–Q room while Aimee, Patrick—her assistant—and Courtnry head to the R–V room.
“Aimee!” Wesley calls out.
Aimee turns around, and before she can say hi, Wesley’s lips are on hers. Soon, he’s on his knees.
“I’ve been thinking about everything you said, and you were right. If you take me back, I will not take you for granted, and I will make sure to carve out time for us. What do you say?”
Aimee’s eyes are the size of saucers, and she’s speechless.What?Why...uh…huh?
“Wesley, get your ass up.”
Aimee hears Bridget behind her and lets out a relieved breath. Aimee was so shocked she couldn’t think of what to say. That’s never been a problem for Bridge.
Bridget continues berating him. “Aimee has a man, and he’s standing right there with his daughter.”
Wesley looks at Bridget, then briefly at Patrick and Courtney. He stands sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. He looks at Aimee and gives her a weak smile.
“I was … uh … I … um …” Wesley stammers.
Aimee looks at Bridget, hoping she’ll say something to end the excruciating awkwardness.
