Page 56 of The Nicest Thing
But I hadn't expected to like it so much.
Or no, I knew I'd love it.I just hadn't realized how much I'd want more.
He waited as I sorted through my feelings, but I didn't get the chance to respond as two women joined us.
"Hey, I'm Sofie Soul, paranormal romance, and this is my writing partner and sister, Cleo," she said, smiling from Finn to me."Having a good time?"
"Yeah," I said back, nervous they might be more of Finn's admirers—but found out later that wasn't the case."How about you?"
"Hmmm.I just came over because, well, you have to tell us how you did it."
"Did what?"
Her sister Cleo widened her eyes."The Ice Queen."
"Huh?"
"What'd you say to get her to open up to you?"
I looked at Finn who shook his head.He had no idea what they were talking about either."Sorry, I'm lost."
The two leaned forward like they were imparting a secret.
"Isla Kincaid," Sofie said.
"Yeah," I replied, "what about her?"
"You were speaking to her a minute ago."
I nearly choked."Excuse me?"
They both nodded.
"No, I couldn't have been.I was just talking to a sweet older woman who—"
Cleo laughed outright."Sweet?I bet she's never heard that before."
"Yeah," Sofie agreed with a conspiratorial smile."Isla's been known to make people cry just by looking at them."
"She's that powerful—and mean."
"Usually," Sofie put in then tilted her head."But she sure seemed taken with you."
Cleo crossed her arms."And your man."
I stared between them a moment."You're serious?That was really her?"
"Yep."
Finn lifted a hand then said, "Uh, who's Isla Kincaid?"
The three of us looked at him in disbelief.
"I'm assuming by the horrified looks on your faces that I should know already."
Sofie scoffed."She's only like one of the most prolific indie authors of our time."
"And the most reclusive," Cleo said."They say she only comes out like twice a year."
