Inside, Kaelee was swept away to join Toni in stock signing. The shop did a solid business in selling signed copies, and Greta was relieved to see how many Kaelee had to sign. She consideredintroducing herself. She had edited both the books that Toni had written, as well as Kaelee’s book. However, there was something nice about just being areadertonight. She wasn’t in Texas as an editor. She was here as the woman who loved Kaelee. The business stuff was Charlie’s domain, and Greta knew Charlie had the two authors well in hand.
Unfortunately, that meant she was decidedly in the way of the process of signing, rebundling, and stacking the preorders for the event, so Greta went to browse the collections of books and the occasional snarky T-shirt that the store sold.
By the time the Q and A part of the evening started, Greta had tucked herself into the back row to enjoy the presentation. John, the bookseller who was running the event and seemed to be everywhere at once handling all the details, had introduced them. His husband, a history teacher or professor from the sounds of a few of his remarks to Toni earlier, had the charm to lure out the surly writer’s more charismatic side.
Charlie and Greta locked eyes and shared a sigh of relief.
Maybe we can start hiding history buffs in the audience at each of Toni’s events.…
The whole thing lasted maybe thirty minutes before the sizable crowd started lining up in orderly groups for signing.
“If all book events were this well organized, it would be easier to get Toni on the road,” Charlie muttered. “That wentreallywell. I think it bodes well for the other stops.”
“Your lips to God’s ears.” Greta watched Kaelee charm readers in the line and periodically make remarks to Toni. “They play off each other really naturally.”
“They do.” Charlie glanced at her. “Are you two serious, Greta? You know that foul man will be out for vengeance. Let me get in front of it.”
“Only if Kaelee is okay with it. Her right to privacy supersedes—”
“He’ll expose both of you. It won’t be directly tied to him, but you know his type.” Charlie scowled. “He’ll make your relationshiplook like you took advantage of her or… ‘converted’”—she made air quotes—“her into a lesbian.”
“I should’ve stayed away today.” Greta looked up as Kaelee laughed at something a reader or Toni said. “She wanted me here at launch, though, and she sounded so sad that I wasn’t going to be here. But I should’ve talked to you and—”
“‘Should’ve’ isn’t a helpful word.” Charlie caught her gaze. “Either they control the narrative, or we do, and I know which spin would be better for you and for her bookandfor the overall image of the publisher.”
“If Kaelee okays it, I’m fine with whatever.”
“Then let me ride back with her, and you can meet up with her at the hotel.” Charlie gave her a tight smile. “Let me plot with her. I know that nothing inappropriate happened because I knowyou.That doesn’t mean we can simply let the story land where it does without a bit of judicious intervention. Strangers will have questions unless we take control of the narrative.”
Greta nodded. Then she walked up to the signing line and behind the authors. “You both were fabulous. I need to head out while you finish up.”
Kaelee, ignoring any sort of etiquette and propriety, asked, “Are you okay?”
“Just a small headache, love. I am heading back to the hotel to grab an aspirin and some water. Too much humidity and perfume and not enough rest.” She squeezed Kaelee’s shoulder because she wasn’t going to kiss her in front of her readers. “I’ll see you after!”
The look on Kaelee’s face made clear she still had questions, but she let it go.
Then Greta slipped out of the store and into one of the two waiting cars.
37Kaelee and Greta
KAELEE
Kaelee was distracted as soon as Greta left. Her gaze darted toward the door, and she had to force her smile to stay steady. Several minutes passed before Charlie walked up beside her and leaned down to quietly say, “She’s fine. I just wanted to talk to you.”
“Everything’s okay?”
“With Greta? Yes.” Charlie smiled. “I want to be sure we have a plan in place before Alden goes to the press with some sort of vitriolic nonsense.”
“Oh. Can he? I thought after the restraining—”
“Can helegally? No. Can he go through back channels to the court of public opinion with plausible deniability? Of course.”
“Plan?”
“Sign. We’ll talk in the car,” Charlie said before retreating several feet.
The rest of the book signing went smoothly, and afterward, Toni asked, “Do you want me to leave separately? I don’t want to get in your business.”
