Page 45 of Rewrite the Rules

“No—turns out they break up. They were dealing with some trauma from their past. One of their kids was really sick for a while, they both thought the other cheated, there was some weird stuff with the in-laws. In the end they realized they were ready to move on.” Cody nurses his beer—more accurately drains it. Those who look like Bigfoot, drink like him too. “Why are your panties all in a wad over this thing?”

“Adler wrote it.”

“Like a review?”

“No, Adler wroteit.”

Cody picks up the book to point to Tessa Rayne’s name on the cover when he notices the strikeout. “What is this?”

“She’s a ghostwriter. I looked it up. It’s an actual thing. People hire writers to complete an entire novel. She does all the work and no one will ever know she’s behind the whole thing.” Cody flips the book to the back. “Her friends made that I think as a souvenir. Do you have any idea how much money this book has already made? Millions. Adler doesn’t even have a car.”

“Joel—don’t.”

“What?”

“I see that crazy look in your eyes, man. Don’t go all Felix Fix-it on this whole thing. Let Addie-cakes live her life.”

“But it’s sad, right? You said the book is good?”

“Yeah…”

“And she’s reaping none of the rewards, I mean—”

“Joel—does Addie strike you as a money-hungry kind of girl? I barely know her but she’s really down to earth. She orders water with every meal she eats out to pinch pennies.”

Yes, I know that. Of course, I know that. It’s Adler tidbit number thirty-three. We’ve eaten together probably one hundred times and she always just gets tap water because she can’t stand the soda upcharge. It’s not the three bucks, it’s the principle, she says. Unless it’s at the movies and then I’m pretty sure she’s willing to break the bank for that nasty stale candy.

“Money aside, this book changes everything.”

“You gonna read it?”

“No, I’m scared to.” Felices hops on the kitchen countertop from a standstill, startling Cody so much he nearly falls out of his seat. “Down, boy!” I command, but who am I kidding? That prince answers to no one. He paws at the air telling me to back the hell down.

“Fucking cat,” Cody mumbles. “Why are you so bothered by the book?”

“Because up until now, I’ve had this impression of who Adler is and that’s why I’ve been fighting things so hard. I’ve been treating her with kid gloves like she’s some sort of damsel in distress.” I pick up the book and wave it in Cody’s face. “And now you’re telling me this is the kind of stuff going through her mind? I don’t even know—”

My phone buzzes rapidly in succession, cutting me off. Cody grins devilishly. “Check the messages, man.”

Jackson:Unfortunately, yes. I’m part of Lacey’s stupid book club. Not a bad read.

James:Yup *fire emoji*

Jacob:I am also part of Lacey’s book club…because I am afraid of my sis-in-law. And shut up @Jax – you said you loved it the other day, you pansy ass. Own up.

Jackson:I just said it was not a bad read.

Jacob:Not a bad read and best book I’ve read in years is two different things.

James:Did you guys read page one-twelve?

Jackson:@James – did you memorize the page numbers? You’re an animal.

Jacob:Baby bro, you trying to read about something other than money management?

James:He needs the sex talk. Poor kid learned about the birds and bees from dad. Now he needs tips.

Jacob:Don’t get sex tips from James. It’ll get you an STD.

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