Page 82 of Booked on You
Setting Millie’s letter aside, I pick up my voice recorder, my pulse fluttering with newfound determination.
The weight I’ve been carrying for far too long feels like it’s lifting.
I pace through the cozy cottage, the recorder in my palm, and I speak without hesitation.
“I think I’ve been hiding from myself. I’ve been afraid to let people see too much of my messy parts, my insecurities, thedoubts and scars my past left behind. But that’s exactly what they need to see. Hiding isn’t living. It’s just surviving. And I don’t want to survive anymore. I want to feel everything. To love fully. Trust again. The risk is worth the reward.”
I pause, swallowing around the lump that formed in my throat.
After a long pause, I push forward, encouraged by the clarity that Ezra has given me.
“I’ve met someone who makes me want to be brave again. He sees something in me that I had forgotten was there, something that feels whole and worthy of real happiness. It’s terrifying how easily he makes me forget all the reasons I’ve remained guarded. It’s like he’s holding my hand, guiding me out of the dark, step by careful step. And I don’t feel lost. For once, I feelfound.”
I click off the recorder, my heart hammering at the raw honesty in my words. My truths being laid bare without edits or revisions is overwhelming and exhilarating.
My phone buzzes against the desk, pulling my attention away.
A sharp spike of anxiety rushes through me as I see a preview of an email from my editor.
My heart pounds as I tap to open it, holding my breath as my eyes scan over her words.
Subject: Re: First Three Chapters
Scarlett,
You’ve blown me away. These chapters are everything I hoped they’d be—authentic, raw, and beautifully you. This is, without question, the best work you’ve ever written. I love it!
Whatever mojo you’ve found, keep it! I can’t wait to read the rest and find out if Helena and Jordan get their happily ever after!
Natalie
A waveof relief rolls over me, and I burst into happy tears because Natalie wouldn’t lie. Neither would Hallie.
My eyes blur, and a small, stunned laugh escapes me. She loves it. Not only is it good enough, but it’s exactly right. Exactly me. Exactly the story I need to tell.
I place a hand over my heart, feeling it hammer. Determination rushes through me like fresh inspiration. I’m undeniably on the right track.
I quickly type out a reply:
Hi Natalie,
Wow! Thank you. You have no idea how much I needed to hear this. I promise, I’ll keep pouring my heart onto these pages. You will have a final before my deadline. Back to writing!
With Gratitude,
Scarlett
I hit send and exhale.Before I return to my dictation session, I text Hallie.
Scarlett
Natalie LOVED it! OMG! I’m so excited!
Hallie
Yay! That’s the best news! You’re thriving!
I laugh under my breath,quickly tapping out a reply.
