Page 68 of Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming
The rest of the afternoon goes by swimmingly. Seeing Aimee in her element makes him so proud of her.
This is everything she’s wanted.
One woman came up to the table in tears.The Prince’s Journeyhelped her with her grief when her mother passed away, and she asked for a hug. Aimee hugged her for two minutes with a line full of people.
When the line dies down, Courtney speaks up. “Aimee, can I interview you for an episode of my show?”
“Sure, honey, but I thought it was only for kids.”
“It is, but since you and daddy met when you were kids—and he was the inspiration for the prince—I thought it would be fun.”
“Okay, but my book isn’t for kids.”
“Oh, I know. We’ll talk about how you came up with making daddy the prince and why you love writing. I’m guessing you’ve loved it since you were a kid.”
“I have.” Aimee smiles.
“Great! We can do it on the San Fran Rom Fan Con recap episode.”
“Sounds good, sweetie.”
“Oh, Becca Chambers’s line isn’t super long. I’m going to get my book signed.” Courtney gets up, and right before she runs off, she gives Aimee a hug.
Aimee hugs her back, and soon she’s off.
“Did you see that?” Aimee beams at Patrick.
“I sure did. And you were worried she wouldn’t like you.”
“I’m so glad I was wrong.” Aimee wipes a tear.
“I’m going to get us something to drink. You need anything else?”
“No, I have everything I could possibly need.” Aimee winks.
Patrick leans over and kisses her on the lips. “Be right back.”
“Okay, don’t take too long. The panel is starting soon.”
“I won’t, baby.”
Patrick heads over to the vending machines and is looking at the selection when he feels someone tap him on the shoulder. He turns around, and it’s Wesley.
I really hope this fool isn’t trying to fight me over Aimee because I’d hate to have to kick his ass and catch an assault charge.
“Patrick, right?”
“Right.”
“Look, I’m sorry. I …” He takes a breath. And looks down at the floor in embarrassment. “When Aimee and I were dating, my books started popping off like never before, and I started accepting offer after offer. Make an appearance here, do a Q&A there.” He shuffles his feet, still looking down. “I worked so hard, and things were going well, but somewhere along the way, I lost sight of her. And she didn’t appreciate it. I put my future ahead of us.”
Damn, this is eerily familiar.
Wesley takes a breath, clears his throat and continues, “I took her for granted, and that was a huge mistake. A mistake I thought I could fix with a grand gesture, and that turned out to be?—”
“Awkward and weird,” Patrick says.
“Yeah.” Wesley finally looks up. “Damn, you’re a good-looking dude.”
