Page 67 of Booked on You
I close my eyes, forcing calm into my voice. I turned in a manuscript last year that they rejected and told me to rewrite. It’s understandable they’re concerned. “Of course. I’ll make it happen.”
“I’m sure it’s incredible,” Natalie says. “Just breathe. You’re brilliant. And your readers have missed you more than you realize.”
“Thanks,” I reply, her words easing some of my tension.
“Can’t wait,” she says. “And remember to enjoy the process.”
I end the call feeling unsettled. Regardless of Natalie’s encouragement, the pressure suddenly feels heavy on my chest again.
I pull up Hallie’s contact and press it, desperate to hear my best friend’s voice.
She picks up after one ring, as if she sensed the urgency across the miles.
“Scar?” Her voice is steady.
I exhale, sinking back into the chair. “Hey. Can you chat?”
“Of course,” she replies without hesitation. “What’s going on?”
“Natalie just called.” I sigh. “She wants my first three chapters tomorrow morning. Like, actual chapters.Finished ones.”
“Whoa, that’s great!” Hallie says excitedly. “Wait—why don’t you sound thrilled? You’ve been writing like crazy.”
“I know,” I whisper, rubbing a hand over my face. “But what if they’re not ready? What if they’re terrible, Hallie? They hated the last draft I turned in and told me to start over. What if that happens again?”
“Breathe. Take a deep breath. See, isn’t that better?” Her words ease some of the tension. “Send them to me first. I’ll read it and be totally honest with you, okay?”
“Hal, you don’t have time for that. You’re so busy,” I say.
“I will always have time to read whatever you send me. No matter what.”
“Aw,” I say, puckering my bottom lip. “Thank you. You’re the best.”
“I get the first signed copy,” she says.
“Deal!”
“Good. Email them over. I’ll be waiting.”
“I’m going to read through them first, then they’re yours.” The tightness in my chest loosens. “Oh, before I forget…”
“Yeah?”
“Ezra’s readingMy Everything.”
“Shut up!” It’s a Hallie reaction. “Are you nervous?”
“Kinda,” I admit, scrolling through my phone to the snapshot I took of him through the window earlier. I text her the picture.
Hallie goes quiet for a long second before responding breathlessly. “Wow.”
My laughter bursts from me because I can imagine the look on her face. “You’re ridiculous.”
“He’s a walking dream. And he’s reading your book. Voluntarily?” she asks. “Do you realize how attractive that is?”
“I do.” My heart does that flutter thing again.
“Damn. Keep the Ezra pictures coming. You’re inspiringme.”
