Page 150 of The Nicest Thing
"That's what I get for having a smart friend who knows how to work the algorithm," I quipped.
"How are you so calm right now?" Honor asked."The Rose I knew would be quaking in her boots over this—or buried under a pile of her own books."
"Doesn't sound like such a bad way to go," Charlie said."But Honor has a point.What's up, Rose?"
I shrugged."I guess I'm at peace with it.I did the crime, so now I'll do the time."
"That's mature of you," Maisie said, giving me a pensive look."Even though, technically, you did nothing wrong.The podcasters assumed you were married."
"I should've corrected them."
Emmy shook her head."I don't see why that's on you."
"I took it too far, dragging Finn into this, making him pretend with me." I said.
"Again, I was there.He volunteered."
Even with everything, a happy sigh escaped my lips at that."Yeah, he did.Didn't he?"
"Where is Finn anyway?" June asked.
"Not sure. He said he had something to do," I said.
"Enough about Baby Shark Finn.How's the reaction at the conference?" Charlie asked.
Considering the fact that when I walked in, everything went from bustling with voices to dead silence, I figured they knew.The other authors kept avoiding eye contact, but I felt their eyes on me.I'd even caught Keely shaking her head, grinning in delight.She didn't duck my gaze, and when our eyes connected, the look she gave me clearly said "I knew I was right."I hoped my returning stare communicated my acknowledgment.Yes, I'd lied, and now, I was prepared to deal with the fallout.
"Well, no one's talked to me, no readers stopped by—which isn't much different from yesterday, but this feels more intentional.The other authors are treating me like I have the plague.It's as I expected."
Charlie frowned."Those assholes, as if they're so perfect.Everyone makes mistakes."
"I wish we were there with you," Honor said.
"Want us to drive down?" Charlie said."We can come and be your reinforcements."
That made me smile."I'd love that," I said.
"Okay, I can be ready in five.You—"
"But you won't make it," I added."The conference will be over by the time you get here."
Charlie cursed.
"I know," I said."Should've picked somewhere closer to home to end my writing career, but alas, I didn't come up with this until last night.Must plan better next time."
No one laughed at my morose humor.
"Damn," Maisie mumbled, "I was looking forward to taking off work and seeing you and the books."
"I would've loved to travel down," June put in."Your writer life's not over, Rose.I still need you to sign the rest of my collection."
"We should be there," Charlie said again."We would be if Emmy had told us she was going.We could've made it a big road trip."
"Hey," Emmy replied, "don't be mad at me.I came up with the book conference surprise and executed it flawlessly—but I can see how backup would be welcome at a time like this."
Her mouth pulled down in a frown.
"Sorry, Rose.I should've stayed, stood with you through the shitstorm."
