Page 16 of SEAL Mates

Seals.

Shit, I had to use my creative mind to explain to them why I was here when I was lost as to the reason myself.

No it was nerves, and possibly the brandy fucking up my mind. I glanced at my phone as it vibrated meaning I received a text.

Go get them tiger, I have every confidence in the world that this will all work out. Loving you. S.

Stephanie, my BFF had sent me the right message at the right time too, and she knew me better than I did myself. I could do this, I lacked confidence and as Greg called my name I took to the stage and I wasn’t going to hold anything back. I had this in the bag and nothing was going to hold me back.

“Hi, My name is Paula Williams. I’ve been invited by Greg to talk to you lovely people who have done so much service for the country and I feel honored to be here to talk to you.”

I could see the blank faces in front of them, I was complimenting them, but I had to do something which was a hit and miss with me, I had to make them laugh.

“When Greg asked me, I was intimidated to come here. I’m a romance author and I look more like a primary school teacher. I’ve never faced any type of hardship apart from the kids being on holidays and having to feed them from morning to night.”

I heard a couple of laughter, which meant I was going the right street and there was hope.

“I’m sure you were all flattered to come here today to come and see me. Your last question was probably can she sign a copy of her book. Cause we’ve all heard of her.”

The answer was no, as they started to roll in fits of laughter.

“That’s ok. I’m not offended, I’ve just spent nearly six hours snoring in a jeep that I don’t own to come speak to you all. But, what I do want from you is your help, and in turn I’m hoping that it would help you. I’m here to write a story, a romance no doubt but with it, I’m hoping talking to me will help you get all the hidden darkness off your chest. Think of me as your overweight, underdressed and cheap therapist.”

Again, the crowd roared and not in a bad way, but a good way. I’d found a confidence that I never knew I possessed and I realized I’d isolated myself for too long that I’d forgotten who I used to be. The fun Paula, the one who Greg knew and he was worried I’d been replaced by another. I wanted that person back, and even if the trip here was a waste of time in terms of no one signing up for the interview. I knew one thing for sure: it had been a wake-up call. One overdue for a long time. I’d needed an awakening, one I found as the crowd cheered. Greg had warned me that if they did like me on stage then maybe, just maybe some would sign up. I could tell by the way they couldn’t stop clapping and I’d turned a bright shade of red, that they love me. Now, it was time for me to make a change in my life and take things to the next level.

I needed to stop hiding in my sweats, open my eyes and realize I was a woman not a fucking snail who had to keep hiding and living in its shell.

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