“You do a wonderful job, but I’m biased.” Laughter erupts around the room. “Oh, here’s a good one: Do you have a favorite scene from either book?”
“Oh, I love this question. In book two, there’s a scene where Vera and Detective Moore growcloserafter murdering one of the villains on a pig farm. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read it, but it’s one of my favorites.” The hums and smiles from a few audience members suggest they recognize the scene I’m referencing.
“Oooo—yes! That was such a fun and sexy scene. I have time for one more question before we turn it over to the audience: How did you create such a strong female lead?”
“I believe every woman can stand against all odds and still emerge on top, and I try to mirror that in my writing. Women all over the world are resilient in the face of oppression and their oppressors. Vera embodies what these men fear the most—a strong woman, both mentally and physically. Someone they can never overpower.”
The audience claps, and I see several women wiping their eyes. “That’s a beautiful answer. Thank you for creating such a strong character for us all to admire. Vera is truly a one-of-a-kind woman! Let's give another round of applause for Miss Luna Stirling.” Olivia stands and walks to the middle aisle. “Okay, now for audience questions! Who would like to go first? Raise your hand, and I will select someone at random.” I angle my chair towards the crowd and wait for Olivia to choose someone. “Oh, you in the blue sweater! Hi! State your name, and then ask your question.”
Olivia angles her mic towards the woman, “Hi! My name’s Caroline. And my question is: What advice would you give an aspiring author or writer?”
I smile. “Hi, Caroline. Thank you for your question; it’s a good one. My answer is—just fucking do it. If you have a story you want or need to write, just do it. Get your laptop out and just start writing. No matter how long it takes. It could take years or months before you’re ready to publish, but what matters is thatyou’re doing something for yourself. Everything else will fall into place.”
“I love that answer. Thank you, Luna, for your answer, and thank you, Caroline, for your question. Okay, who’s next? Ah, yes, you in the silver dress.” Olivia says.
“Hi! My name is Ashley. I love your books so much, and I must know: who would you want to play Detective Moore in a movie or show based on the books?”
“Thank you so much, Ashley. I appreciate that question because I now have an answer. I'm not sure if you're on VidTok, but his username is WolfeInSheepsMask on MaskTok.” Cheers and whoops erupt around the room, making me chuckle. “I see some of you are fans. I kept getting tagged in his comments. Even friends were sending me their videos. I wasamazedto see a well-dressed masked man like Detective Moore.”
“I for sure sent you several of his videos,” Olivia says, winking. “We have time for one more question before we have everyone line up for the meet-and-greet. Refreshments will be served at the bar during this time, so please feel free to help yourselves as we transition.”
A few hands shoot up, and Olivia chooses someone near the front. “Hi! My name is Bailey. I just finished book two, and I was wondering what you could share with us about book three.”
I sigh, and the crowd chuckles. “I knew this question would come. Truth be told, I have not written anything yet. I have a direction I want to take, but I’ve been lacking inspiration lately. I’m hoping that changes soon, and I can give you guys an update.” The truth tastes bitter in my mouth, and I hate this feeling of letting them down.
“Thank you so much, Luna, for your time today. Everyone, please give a round of applause for Miss Luna Stirling once again.” Cheers erupt, and I smile awkwardly, unsure of what to do with myself. The crowd begins to disperse, and Olivia approaches me, grabs my hand, and leads me to the back. “Holy shit! That went so much better than I expected.” Olvia says.
“Let’s talk about you, Miss Host of the evening! Youwere a natural!”
“Oh, stop! I was shaking out of my mind. Your answers were so professional. And what was that about book three? I thought you had something written?”
I scoff, rolling my eyes. “I did. And then I read some of the reviews for book two and deleted what I had written.”
Olivia gasps, “What? Why? You know you shouldn’t read the reviews.”
I wave my hand dismissively. “Yes, yes, I know. But I’m stuck. The story feels stagnant, and readers have noticed. I needed to hear some unbiased opinions, and they humbled me. I need a new angle if I want to keep my readers.”
Olivia purses her lips. “Hmm. Well, no matter what you devise in your brilliant dark mind, I’m confident it will exceed your expectations.”
I chuckle, peering over her shoulder. “I think the crowd is ready for the meet-and-greet now.” Olivia turns, and we both see the crowd lining up in front of the meet-and-greet display.
“Are you ready?” Olivia asks, linking her arm around mine.
“I’m ready.”
I lean in for a selfie as the last person in line finally arrives. I hug them and thank them for coming. The clock on the far wall reads 10:20 p.m., and an excited knot forms in my stomach.
Dante will be here soon.
People linger in the bookstore, picking up other books they like and chatting with fellow readers from tonight's event. I see Olivia chatting with another patron, so I walk over and ask if I could borrow her for a moment. Olivia excuses herself, and I pull her to the back. “What’s going on? Are you okay?” Olivia’s worried tone of voice makes me smile.
“I forgot to mention this earlier, but I kind of have a date tonight,” I confess.
“A date!” Olivia shouts, and I slam my hand over her mouth, silencing her.
“Shhh! People are still in the store!” I whisper, letting hergo.
A schoolgirl's giggle escapes her. “I’m sorry! Who is he? What’s his name? When did this happen?”
