Page 35 of Guys Can't Write Romance
Chad’s face turned a shade pinker than his clothes. “I hate all of you.”
“No, you don’t,” Daisy said sweetly. “That wouldn’t be very romantic of you.”
“You’re gonna make a great zombie cheerleader, Fields. Just wait.”
“And you’re gonna wear a diaper and tell my class how great I am.”
“How about we get on with the rest of the critiques,” Mags cut in. “Shall we?”
The meeting wrapped up an hour later, after everyone had a chance to have their pages critiqued. As Chad and Daisy packed their bags, Mags approached them.
“You two need to figure this out,” she said. “Chad, read some actual romance novels. And Daisy? Maybe let Rick live a little. Take some risks.”
“Like what?” Daisy said.
“Talk to your writing partner about it,” Mags said. “I paired you two up for a reason.”
“I thought God was punishing me for stealing cookies when I was young.”
Chad shot her a smirk. “Daisy Fields stole cookies?”
“They were Becky Campbell’s. We were in kindergarten.”
Mags shook her head. “Look, you two. This contest is a big opportunity for new authors. I really don’t want to see the two of you blow it, but that’s where you’re headed if you don’t get it together.”
“We’re trying,” Daisy said.
Mags looked at Chad’s pink clothes. “Maybe try it with less fashion statement, and more focus on writing. Can you do that?”
Chad and Daisy exchanged a look. After a moment, they both gave reluctant nods.
“Yeah,” Daisy said. “I think so.”
“Good,” said Mags. “I expect to see big changes in your writing next week.”
“Mags is right,” Daisy said, as she and Chad crossed the parking lot to their cars. The evening sun painted the sky in orange hues. “Neither of us has a shot at winning the contest at the rate we’re going.”
Chad nodded while picking at his pink shirt. “Gotta hand it to her. She really doesn’t pull any punches.”
“Nope.”
They reached their cars and stopped for a moment between them.
“What would you say to calling a cease-fire between us?” Daisy said.
“I thought we already tried that at my apartment.”
“And it worked, too. At least till Rhino came home.”
Chad nodded. She had a point. “You think it’s possible?”
“It’s only till after the contest. Then we can pick up where we left off.”
“So, it gives me time to plan my payback,” Chad said.
She grinned. “And me too.”
Chad chuckled. “Okay. Let’s try it. Truce?” He extended his hand.
