Except, after what I said to him at the wedding, I don’t think I can expect a phone call when this is all over. Maybe I shouldn’t want one either.
After all, he pushed me away. He chose his career.
Made the decision for us.
We turn onto Lyndale, and I trudge up the slushy steps of Mrs. Butler’s house—the sweet seventy-year-old who pays me to walk Bruni three times a week. Her house is one of those charming bungalows with a front porch and flower boxes that will be full of tulips in another month.
“Thank you, dear,” she says, taking Bruni’s leash. Bruni immediately flops onto her living room rug, becoming one with the floor. “Are you all right? You look tired.”
“Just busy. You know how it is.”
“Hmm.” She gives me that look. One that says she knows I’m lying but she’s too classy to push. It’s one of the many things I like about her. “Well, take care of yourself. You’re no good to anyone if you’re running on empty.”
I smile, nod, make an empty promise, and head to the next doggy drop-off.
I’m worn out by the time I get home, my face wind-chilled but somehow still warm from the rising sun.
The mailbox in the lobby catches my eye. I almost never get mail. Just bills and junk and the occasional Christmas card.
But seeing as it’s March, I wasn’t expecting Christmas cards. Or anything else for that matter.
But there’s something there.
A manila envelope. My heart somersaults as I flip it over to see the return address for Stratton Publishing.
I take it upstairs. Set it on the kitchen counter. Stare at it like it might explode.
Then I open it.
It’s a letter. Professional letterhead. Stratton Publishing.
Dear Ms. Dawson,
After further consideration and internal discussion, we’d like to present a revised offer that better reflects the value of your work and the realistic timeline needed to produce quality illustrations.
Revised terms:
·Five-book series, timeline extended to twelve months
·$15,000 advance on signing (not $5,000)
·$10,000 per book on delivery
·Total advance potential: $65,000
·Royalties as previously discussed
We believe in your talent and want to make this work for you. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss.
Best regards,
Milo Brooks
Executive Publisher, Stratton Publishing
I read it twice. Then three times.
Sixty-five thousand dollars. Twelve months. My actual dream.
