Page 76 of The Nicest Thing
"Not sure I'd call myself a real author," I mumbled.
"Pssh, you wrote all those novels.Didn't you?"
"Yeah, but it's just romance, and—"
Her cool look froze the words in my throat."Romance gives people love and hope in a world that desperately needs more of both."
I started to smile."That's exactly why I write."
"Hmm.Romance also keeps the publishing industry, both trad and indie, going.It's the highest grossing fiction genre.We are happy to have you here, Rose."
"Thank you," I said, meaning it.
Besides my complicated thoughts about Finn and the dream that I couldn't forget no matter how hard I tried, worries about Grandma Rose and making enough to keep her where she wanted to be, this had been the thing I was nervous about.
I was an adult.
I was in a library—one of my favorite places.
I'd written several books.
Speaking to teens about writing should've been easy.
But I loved my cousin Ana, and I didn't want to disappoint her.
Okay, deep breath.
I inhaled, held for four, then released a long exhale.
I could do this.
Mrs. Ried stepped out, and I followed until we were standing in front of the group.
"Students, as you know, we have a very special guest today," she said, smiling and gesturing to me."Liv Lamoreaux writes sweet and spicy contemporary romance featuring strong, quirky heroines and the sexy, stubborn men they bring to their knees."
I winced, wondering if I should've reworked that description for a high school audience, but it was too late now.
"From college sports romance to small-town love to cowboy romance, she's written several best-selling books."
Not recently…though I hoped my current WIP would be a hit.Kinda needed it to be.ForYaya.And yes, for me too.
"Her fans love her delicious mix of humor, honesty, and heat."
Again, maybe should've tweaked that for this audience.
"She prefers to be called Rose, and we only have her for today.So, have fun, be respectful, and make sure to ask all of your questions."Mrs. Ried nodded to me."The floor is yours.If you need anything, I'll be over by the front desk."
I shot her a grateful smile."Thank you, Mrs. Ried."
Once she was gone, I turned back to the group and swallowed.
"Hello," I said with an awkward wave, ignoring Ana's sigh."So yeah, I'm Liv Lamoreaux aka Rose.Um, I'm really excited to be here—and also slightly terrified.It's best to be honest, right?"
The quiet laughter that followed made me perk up a bit.
"I'm also Ana's cousin."I gestured to her as she lifted a hand."Who I love very much and don't want to embarrass.How am I doing so far?"
Ana shrugged."Not too bad."
