Page 48 of The Book Signing

From the expressions on some faces in front of me, it looks like I’m losing them. Hell, I think I’m losing my mind. I’m floundering all because of Abigail. Only a few days together, and it feels likemy book is nonsense now. Or at least, not applicable to me anymore.

Finally, I find Greg walking towards me, nodding to me as he stops to stand in the beside the door. I feel some of the pressure dissipate as I watch him wink at me, almost in encouragement. I’m also hoping he didn’t see how I slipped up earlier because this is really starting to suck.

I splash on a charming smile, swiveling my head as I find a way to get out of this rut.

“Look, ladies and gents, I can go on and on, but I’m going to stop here. Let you all wait for the next book and see for yourselves.” I wink.

I glance over at Greg’s direction and see him smirk and roll his eyes. Then he mouths ‘more’, and I nod.

“This is the start of something new, and I want you to all join me in my venture. I will also add more to my website and social media, so watch this space.”

And on that note, I hear clapping and smiles, as though I’m gaining their attention again.

“Grab a copy or get an e-book before you head out. For future events, check out my socials.”

I do a quick wave and am about to head out through the back door whilst people meander towards Greg until he hisses at me.

“Where are you going? You need to stay until they leave! It’s not a concert.”

Suppressing an eyeroll, I make a firm smile and walk over beside him.

It doesn’t take long to sell a few more books and give out vouchers for freebies. Then get some thank you’s from readers before the room clears out.

I turn to Greg and say, “Bro, I’ve got to go. I need to clear my head.”

Something about me is changing and I’m not sure how I feel about it. Or how to deal with it. What will be the repercussions if I can’t get my head back in the game for my second book?

The sooner I disappear, the better for my mental state.

I think.

Chapter Twenty-Five

ABIGAIL

“Thank you, everyone!” I say as I finish, and once the room empties, and I sigh with relief that it’s all over. Leaning against the trestle table, I check the time on my phone, seeing that it’s not that late in Chicago. As expected, Tiffany answers the call promptly as her number is marked as a favorite, a setting she configured herself since I don’t prioritize family.

“Hey, sis. How are you?”

“I’m good thanks, busy with clients as usual, other than you. How did itgo? You never responded to my message,” she says in an aggravated tone.

She hates not getting prompt responses when she sends messages. It’s very annoying, but we all have our quirks.

“Sorry, I saw it before I came in. I was busy this morning… it’s a long story and I can’t talk about it now, but it involved a guy. Let’s leave it at that.”

I hear her interest and excitement as she gasps and says, “Oh, do tell!”

“Not now. I’ll tell you later. Besides, it doesn’t have a very good ending, so there is nothing to talk about. Anyway, the point is there was a reason I didn’t get back to you so quickly.”

“Sure, fair enough. I know what sour flings taste like,” I hear her mumble, reminding me of her own failed relationships.

“Good news though, is that everything is over and done with! Everyone seemed pleased and I think it went well. Signed lots of books and people seemed interested in listening to what I had to say.”

“I kept track of the program and saw that over the three days they included the Q & A. I’m glad they did because I really wanted you to do that. It’s important to engage with your readers.”

I nod, despite her not seeing. “Yep, but it didn’t go as smoothly as I hoped. But I still had a goodoutcome. Next time, though, I’ll need to think through all the potential questions, so it doesn’t leave me floundering.”

My thoughts go back to when I was thrown off on the first day by that lady. It really frustrated me and then led me to making up a fake boyfriend.

---