Page 125 of Whisper Sweet Nothings
First, we get to read the books early, and now we get to shop for book tour outfits. Count me in. All your hard work is paying off. I’m so happy for you.
You guys are the best. Thank you. Love you.
They all responded by saying how happy they were for me, and that they loved me, too.
I was grateful that I’d found friends who felt like family.
There was a knock on the door, and I padded out of my office and down the hallway. When I pulled the door open, I was thrilled to see Isabelle. Archer’s mom had been so good to me, and she occasionally stopped by for a cup of tea or just to catch up.
“Hey, sweetheart. I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d pop in and check on you.”
I hurried into her arms. My head was spinning, and I was a weird mix of elated and anxious, and I just needed a hug.
“Hey,” she said, wrapping her arms around me a little tighter. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m good,” I said, pulling back and motioning for her to come inside. We made our way to the kitchen, where I put on the teakettle as I filled her in on all that had just happened. I pulled out two cupcakes from a Tupperware and set them down at the table for us as well.
She just listened as I rambled on about all of it.
I poured our tea into the mugs I’d set out and placed them in front of us before finally sitting down.
Her hand came over mine, and she smiled. “First and foremost, congratulations, Winnie. This is very exciting, and you’ve worked really hard for this.”
“Yes. It’s everything I hoped for.” I shrugged. “It’s actually beyond what I hoped for.”
“I get that. And it’s going to be a very busy couple of weeks for you. Are you nervous about the travel?” she asked.
“I don’t think so. I’m fine with traveling.”
“Okay. Is it the book signings themselves that have you anxious?”
Again, I thought her question over. “I don’t think that’s an issue, either. I mean, I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that anyone is going to come stand in line to meet me. But I’m excited for that part. I don’t feel nervous about that.”
“Are you nervous about leaving Archer and Melody?” she asked as she took a sip of her tea.
“I’m not nervous in the sense that I’m worried they won’t be okay.” I blew out a breath. “I’m nervous about being away from them. We have a routine together, and I’m used to that. And I’m going to miss them. I’m going to miss them so much. I won’t be here for homework or dinner or bath time.” My heart raced, and I placed a hand on my chest as the words left my mouth. “I won’t be here to hear about Archer’s day, or pick Melody up from school. What if they need me? What if they miss me and I’m not there for them.”
What in the hell was happening to me?
They’d be fine. I’d be fine.
Why was I panicking?
“Oh, sweetheart, this is what happens when you love deeply. It’s hard to be away from the people we love. But that can’t stop you from doing the things you want to do in your life. Archer and Melody support you. Our whole family supports you. And love should never mean clipping your wings. Love should allow you to soar. And they will be waiting for you with open arms when you come back.”
Love.
She knew what this was.
Maybe I was anxious that we hadn’t said it to one another.
And now I’d be leaving.
I nodded. “Yes. I know that. I’m probably just caught off guard because I wasn’t expecting this.”
“Of course you are. That’s more than fair.” She squeezed my hand.
I nodded. I knew she was right. It was silly to stress about being gone for three weeks.
