“The concept’s dynamite and you execute it well. I just….”
“What?”
“I have a new perspective on the book business after watching the rise of indie authors and listening to Trent’s views on marketing.”
“Mom’s thinking about trying it.”
“I know. We’ve talked. I’m excited about it for her, and now Oksana’s considering that route.”
“But why? She just got her foot in the door.”
“And she sees it’ll take years to build a following because the publisher’s holding her to one book a year, or at the most, every eight months. That’s their model.”
“That’s how Mom’s schedule is and she’s been okay with it.”
“I’m not sure she is anymore. Ebooks have changed things. Print can still work, but not like it used to.”
“I believe you, but I still can’t wait to seeTequila Shotson a bookstore shelf.”
“If you went indie, it could be on a shelf in L’Amour and More by February.”
“And only there.”
Lucky smiled. “You wanna be in the airport.”
“Yeah. Probably not realistic for a first book, but someday.”
“I get it, bro. But I predict that dream’s gonna take a while and they’ll pay you peanuts. Trent could put together a marketing plan and sell the heck out ofTequila Shotsand you’d keep a bigger chunk of the profits.”
“Even if I changed my mind, I’ve already given it to Lani as a submission to Square Glasses Press.”
“Has she told them yet?”
He shook his head. “Everybody’s on Christmas break, but it doesn’t matter. I’m not going back on what I said to her.”
“Okay.” Lucky shrugged. “It’s totally your call.” He turned toward the group over by the bar. “Kieran? Got time for three perfect throws?”
Kieran wandered over, grinning. “Givin’ up, are ya?”
“It’s reverse psychology,” Rance said. “You’ll try too hard. Guaranteed you’ll choke.”
“I might, yeah.” Then he proceeded to hit the bullseye three times. “Or not.”
“And that’s a wrap.” Ordinarily Rance would be more invested in the outcome of the game but his mind was elsewhere. Another glance across the room told him Lani was still talking to his mom and Andy.
Kieran retrieved his darts and turned toward Lucky. “Hey, y’know that fella Adam Bridger, the one who’s takin’ Sara’s M.R. Morrison tour tomorrow?”
“Is that the guy who wants us to open a bookstore in Mustang Valley?”
“Yeah.”
“He left a voicemail for me at the shop. I didn’t have time to get back to him, though.”
“Well, Sara also gave the fella Angie’s number since he talked about restorin’ an old Victorian for the bookshop. He left Angie a voicemail, too. He wants to meet her after the tour.”
“Wait.” Lucky frowned. “Is he offering to pay for the renovation of that old house?”
“Sounds like it. Must be rich. I’d love to get my mitts on a Victorian. Ireland’s jammers with ’em.”
