Page 42 of More than Paper

“We can easily fix that problem.”

What does that mean?

I’m not sure what to say.

He kisses my forehead and takes the books out of my hands. “Come on.”

I follow him to the front of the store, and he reaches for his wallet.

“I can buy those,” I tell him.

“No,” he says, enunciating the N and handing the cashier his card. “My treat.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He finishes the transaction and takes the bag from the cashier.

We’re walking back from the bookstore when he says, “So? Do you think you want to give it a try?”

“Yes. I’ll read the books.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

I stop walking.Wait. Does he mean give us a try?

Time lapses.

“Do you think you want to give self-publishing a try?”

My heart falls.

I sigh. “Why are you pushing this on me?”

His green eyes intensely stare at me. “You said it was your dream.”

My pulse picks up. My mother’s voice floats through my head.“Dreams only disappoint and set you up for more heartache. Be realistic, Quinn.”

“Life isn’t a fairy tale. I live in reality.”

“Maybe you should add the opportunity piece into your reality.”

Anger flares through my bones. “What does that mean?”

He holds his hands up. “I’m just trying to tell you that you have to create your reality. Forge your own path. Not stay stuck.”

Stuck?

“Now you’re judging me? You don’t even know me,” I accuse.

“No. I’m not judging you. You said you don’t love what you do. You said you wanted to write.”

“That’s funny. It seems to me you’re judging me.”

“No, I’m—”

“I’m done with this conversation.” I spin and walk away.

“Quinn!”

---