Page 80 of The Nicest Thing
"Okay, you guys are obviously much more interesting.I've talked enough about my writing.I want to hear about yours."
And on it went.
I learned so much about the girls, what they liked to write, who their favorite authors are, their future hopes and dreams.I gave them tips and advice on developing writing habits to help them finish their manuscripts as well as little things I'd learned along the way.We discussed everything from formatting to trad versus indie versus hybrid publishing.It was the most fun I'd had in a long time.Writing was such a solitary thing—at least for me—and it was a joy getting to spend those moments with my cousin and her friends.
As I was gathering my things to leave, Lola stepped up next to me.She reminded me of myself in some ways, being the most curious of the group.Case in point…
"Hey Rose, can I ask you another question?" she said.
"Of course," I said.
"Do you believe in love?Like true love?"
"Yes, I do."
"Have you ever been in love?"
"I have."
"Hmmm.Must be with the person who gave you that."
"Huh?" I asked then saw her gaze pinned on my ring.I was rubbing the stones but stopped when I realized what I was doing."This was a present from my best friend, Finn."
Lola nodded."And you're in love with him."
My throat suddenly went dry."Uh…how do you know?"
"Something about the way your eyes brightened when you talked about him."
They did?
"He must love you back," she went on, "if he gave you something so beautiful."
"I don't think it works like that," I said.
"Okay, last question, I promise."Lola looked around, making sure no one was within earshot, then said, "Do you think you can write romance even if you've never experienced it?"
I didn't hesitate."Absolutely."
"Even if you've never been kissed?"
"Even then," I said.
"Even if…you're in love with someone, but the chances of them loving you back is practically nonexistent?"
I looked into her eyes and felt like we shared a deep bond.
One of unrequited love.
Putting my hand on her shoulder, I said, "Yes, one hundred times yes.Just because your love hasn't been returned yet, it doesn't mean you can't write.Actually, some of the best books ever are about unrequited love—which means you and I are in good company."
Lola narrowed her eyes."Really?"
"Heck yes," I said."I'll send Maisie a list of my favorites when I get home."
"Thanks, Rose," she said.
As the girls and I finished our talk, we walked to the doors of the library.I was putting my things away, not watching where I was going, so when I heard Freya say, "Wow, who's that?"
