“I started to read your book and I couldn’t put it down.”She yawned again.
“Really?I mean, you actually liked it?”
She nodded.“You are a gifted writer.But I did make some notes.”
“Wait.You finished the whole book.”
She smiled.“You forget that this is my occupation.I’ve learned to read quickly.If I didn’t, I’d never have any hope of staying on top of the slush pile.”
His forehead wrinkled.“What sort of notes are they?”
“Nothing for you to worry about.”When she noticed the V-shaped lines form between his brows, she said, “I promise.I’ll send you the file when I get home.”
He nodded but still had a hesitant look on his face.He turned his attention to Sunny, who was trying to climb his pant leg.He bent over and picked her up.
“Relax.If you don’t like my notes, you don’t have to use them.I was only trying to help.”
As he scratched beneath Sunny chin, he said, “I really appreciate it.”
“Just do one thing for me.”
“What’s that?”
“After you finish the changes, send it back to me.I’d like to read it again.”
He paused as though he was giving it some thought.“I can start this evening, but we have plans right now.”
“What sort of plans?”
He moved off to the side and gestured to the kitchen counter.There sat the largest box of baking soda she’d ever seen.Next to it were a couple large containers of baking powder.When she sent him a puzzled look, he held up an embossed rolling pin.
She gasped.“You did it.”A smile bloomed on her face, making her eyes twinkle.“You found one.”
He couldn’t help but smile back at her.“I did.I hope you like the pattern.”
She stepped closer to have a look.“I do.It’s beautiful.”
“I printed off the instructions I found on the internet.”He handed them to her.“Unless you have other instructions you want to use.”
She glanced over the directions.“No.These will be fine.I can’t believe you did this.”She reached out and hugged him.“Thank you.”
She stood there with her arm around him, perhaps a moment too long.With much regret, she pulled away.She took a seat at the kitchen island to read the instructions.
He retrieved a saucepan from a lower cabinet.They worked together to assemble the mixture and put it on the stove to heat up.They even took turns stirring the concoction.After it was heated enough, they put it into a mixing bowl and covered it to let it cool.
Justin made some coffee and handed her a cup.“We can sit in the living room while we wait.”
“Oh.Okay.”She moved to the couch.“So, how’s your second book coming?”
He shrugged.“It’s still in the beginning stages.”
“I’m sure it’ll be as good as the one I just read.I can’t wait to read the revisions.”
He smiled as color crept into his cheeks.“You don’t have to say that.”
“Why?It’s the truth.But…” Then she wondered if it would be okay if she offered him a bit of advice.She really wanted to see him succeed at getting published.
“What?”He was staring directly at her.“I can see it on your face.There’s something on your mind.So, out with it.”
