Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 68864 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68864 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
“Want to tell me more?”
“Nope,” I say with a grin, eyes flicking to the rearview mirror to find Derek still engrossed in his phone. “It’s complicated.”
She smiles. “The best things usually are.”
I slide into a parking spot one block off Main and we all exit the truck. “Come on… I’m going to show you around town.”
I give them the grand tour of Whynot and even take them into Chesty’s for a beer, where Pap regales Caroline with stories about me growing up. It’s then time to part ways as Caroline and Chris have to catch their flight back to New York.
“We’ll be in touch to schedule the actual interview.” Caroline holds out her hand and we shake. “You’re the easiest subject I’ve covered in months. You remind people why these stories matter—it’s not the fantasy, it’s that you’re genuine.”
“I appreciate that.”
Derek and I watch their taillights disappear past the square and I let out a relieved breath. “That wasn’t so bad.”
Laughing, Derek shakes his head. “I want to hear you say that after you appear live on national television.”
“Fuck… I’m going to be a wreck, I imagine.”
“Nah,” he says with good nature. “Just be yourself and it will go perfectly.” Derek nods toward Millie’s. “I’m going to go get some work done. I’ve got a few pitches to look over.”
I think back to the first time I pitched to Derek and that seems like ages ago. “God help the wannabe authors who have you critiquing their work.”
“They’ll probably all want to be as good as you, but you, my friend, are one of those once-in-a-lifetime clients an agent might get.” He punches my shoulder lightly, affectionately. “If, through all of my preening and exclaiming over how great my commissions are going to be I forget to tell you, I appreciate the hell out of you.”
“Ditto,” I assure him. “Ditto.”
Derek turns toward Millie’s but then hesitates. “This went really well today, Sam. You came off genuine, charming, grounded. I think the actual interview is going to be epic and it will launch you higher than you ever thought possible.”
“I hope so. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.”
Derek glances back over at the bed-and-breakfast as if he’s trying to find the right words. When he looks back at me, he says, “Just… don’t let things distract you.”
I arch an eyebrow. “Things?”
“You know… things.”
I’m guessing Derek was paying more attention than it appeared when Caroline was asking about my love life in the truck. My hackles rise slightly. “I sort of think you really mean just Penny.”
He sighs. “Listen… you’re on fire right now, Sam. Publishers are circling. There’s talk of a national tour. You could be doing signings, late-night shows, podcasts. I just don’t want to see you shrink your world when it’s finally opening up.”
I force a calming breath, the threat to my relationship with Penny grating on my nerves. “We’ve sort of had this discussion before. In case you forgot, let me remind you… I’m not about to give up Penny. I don’t know what we could be or how this is going to evolve, but I’m going to put a hundred and ten percent into figuring it out, and that might interfere with my other obligations. Be ready for it.”
Derek rubs his jaw. “I just don’t want to see you lose momentum.”
“I hear you,” I say quietly. “And I appreciate you’re doing your job. But you have to understand, my life is on a new trajectory and I’m not going to lose control of it. I will redirect it toward things that are as important to me as writing.”
An understanding smile ghosts his face. “Toward Penny.”
I meet his gaze. “Toward balance. She’s part of that, yeah. But it’s not just her. It’s me finally accepting who I am. It’s about me going after what I really want.”
He studies me for a beat, then exhales. “Fair enough.”
I sense his acquiescence, but I don’t want there to be any mistake. “The subject of Penny and where she fits into my life isn’t up for discussion. She’s going to be a priority for me, and I need you to accept that.”
Derek nods somberly, putting a hand on my shoulder. “I hear you loud and clear, and I really want you to be happy. Because a happy writer is a prolific writer, and a prolific writer makes his agent lots of money.”
I snort and give him a light punch on his shoulder. “You’re such a weasel.”
“And that will make you very rich,” he replies, his chin lifted proudly.
CHAPTER 20
Penny
The lunch rush at Central Café has eased into a lazy afternoon rhythm. Only a few customers remain, lingering over a piece of pie after their meatloaf and fried okra special.
Muriel came in to have said special, but I know she’s here to check on things. As is her right.