Page 83 of Booked on You
Scarlett
I am. I’ve also had another massive breakthrough on my plot. And his aunt made me pecan pie and wrote me a sweet letter.
Her reply buzzes.
Hallie
I’m so happy for you!!! Things are finally working out. And remember, I read it first before everyone else. Me! And I can’t wait to read more. And pie from his aunt? You’re officially living in a rom-com. Jealous! Swear you have all the luck! Now, stop talking to me and write more. Thank you!
Scarlett
FINE! But also thank you! Check in soon!
I laugh at Hallie’s enthusiasm, then set my phone down. I tighten my grasp on my recorder, feeling the steadying comfort of it in my hand. Tonight, my words belong to Helena and my truths.
I press record, stepping fully into my heroine’s world, which is so similar to my own, it’s frightening.
“Helena knew it was time to stop running. She’d spent so long convincing herself she was fine and that solitude was easier, safer. But now, standing in the soft glow of Jordan’s kitchen, everything was different. She couldn’t hide the way her heart raced and couldn’t deny how much she cared for him.” I pause, feeling the familiar flutter in my chest, then continue. “Jordan closed the distance between them, his gaze never wavering from hers. His voice was gentle yet firm. ‘You’re allowed to be happy, Helena. You’re allowed to trust again.’”
My voice softens as I slip deeper into the story, feeling every word.
“Helena looked up at him, vulnerability trembling in her voice. ‘What if I’m not ready? What if I fall in love and get hurt again?’
He brushed her cheek with the back of his hand, tender and patient. ‘I will catch you if you fall.’ Jordan hesitated. ‘We must take risks together. You deserve someone who sees you completely, who doesn’t run when things get hard. You deserve real love, Helena.’
Helena’s breath caught, warmth unfurling within her chest, because she was finally letting herself believe him. At some point, Helena realized he was right. She’d survived heartbreak, and she could survive it again. But she couldn’t live another day of her life without telling Jordan what he meant to her. She had to share with him how she felt, even if she was scared.”
I click off the recorder. My pulse races at the thought of how much this scene resonates within me. I recognize pieces of myself, but I don’t pull back. Instead, I embrace it.
I glance toward Ezra’s house, grateful for everything that’s brought me to this shared experience with him.
Three and a half hours and five thousand eighty-three words later, exhaustion settles heavily into my bones, but I feel a sense of accomplishment. I sink onto the bed and grab my phone.
I type out a message to Ezra.
Scarlett
5083 words. Mission accomplished!
My phone buzzes.
Ezra
Proud of you. Are you coming over to celebrate?
I yawn as my fingertips hover over the keyboard. A reminder of how much my body craves rest.
Scarlett
Might take a raincheck. I’m so exhausted.
Ezra
Absolutely. Sleep well, superstar.
Scarlett
Speaking of, my editor loved the first three chapters.
