Page 120 of Guys Can't Write Romance
Silence fell over the room as the group poured over Chad’s latest chapters. Daisy found herself completely immersed in Chad’s story of Brandon, a struggling horror writer who finds his muse for a romance novel in a quirky female ghost named Emma. Emma later introduces Brandon to her sister, a hyper-organized waitress named Lilly. In Chad’s latest pages, Emma made the introduction by knocking Brandon’s coffee cup off the table in the small diner where Lilly worked. As Brandon helped Lilly clean up the mess, he noticed she had a lot of the quirkiness he found endearing in Emma.
It was nothing like Chad’s previous work. The humor was still there, but woven through it was a vulnerability and emotional depth that caught Daisy by surprise. When she finished reading, she looked up to find Mags watching Chad with a thoughtful expression.
“Well,” Mags said finally, “I think we can officially declare the slime monster dead and buried.”
“And good riddance,” Helen added with a smile.
“Chad,” Bernie leaned forward, his expression serious. “This is exceptionally good work. As Helen would say, color me surprised as well.”
“Uhm, thanks?” Chad said.
“I just love how mischievous Emma is,” Ruth said. “I assume it’s going to be quite touching when she has to depart.”
“It is,” Daisy said, glancing at Chad, but his focus was back on the pages in front of him.
Phil nodded. “And the technical aspects are solid. The pacing, the tension between the supernatural and romantic elements, it all works.”
Daisy watched Chad as he absorbed the praise, noting how he seemed almost uncomfortable with it, as if he didn’t quite believe he deserved it.
“What about the relationship dynamics?” Chad asked, his focus on Mags. “Does it feel authentic? Or too convenient?”
There was something in his question that struck Daisy as odd. It wasn’t his usual concern about whether something was exciting enough or had enough tension.
“It feels absolutely authentic,” Mags assured him. “Lilly’s hesitation about getting involved with someone who seems emotionally unavailable, and Brandon’s own fear that he’s using Lilly as a living substitute for Emma, these are real human complexities.”
“I agree,” Daisy added, unable to contain herself. “It’s beautiful, Chad. The way Brandon gradually realizes that holding onto Emma is preventing him from truly connecting with Lilly.” She paused, suddenly aware of an uncomfortable parallel. “It’s like he’s afraid he’s not good enough without his ghost to guide him.”
Chad’s eyes met hers briefly, a flash of something vulnerable there before he looked away. “Thanks,” he said quietly.
“Well,” Mags said, sensing the undercurrent, “I think we can safely say both of our competitors have produced work worthy of submission. You’ve both pushed yourselves beyond your comfort zones, and the results speak for themselves.”
The meeting continued with feedback for the other members, but Daisy found her attention repeatedly drawn to Chad. He joined in the discussions, offering insights and occasional jokes, but the usual sparkle in his interactions seemed dimmed, especially when it came to their usual banter.
As the meeting wound down, Mags reminded everyone of the approaching deadline. “Remember, everyone. Submissions must be in by next Friday at midnight, or forever hold your peace.” A few groans arose as the members shut down their laptops and packed their notebooks.
Daisy looked up to see Chad already packed and heading for the door. “Hey, Chad. Wait up.”
Chad stopped at the door and looked back at Daisy, who quickly packed her office supply store of markers, pens, and notebooks and joined him.
“What’s going on with you?” Daisy said as Chad held the door for her and they headed out.
“What do you mean?” he said, looking everywhere but at her eyes.
“You’ve been strangely quiet all night.”
He forced a grin that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “And that’s not a good thing?”
Daisy eyed him skeptically. “Not from you. Quiet Chad is weird. Loud, bulldozing, slightly annoying Chad is where you shine. Is he still in there somewhere?”
She playfully examined him, as if she could spot his alter ego hiding behind this facade of ‘weirdness.’
His grin faltered slightly. “I should add bulldozing to my resume.”
“Don’t dodge,” Daisy pressed gently, stepping slightly closer as her shoulders softened. “Seriously, what’s going on?”
Chad hesitated for the longest moment, rubbing the back of his neck like it might help loosen the knot building inside his chest.
“It’s nothing,” he finally said as they reached Daisy’s car. “My mind’s just in power saver mode for this final push before the contest.”
