“You didn’t call. You promised an update on the manuscript.”
I can hear his frustration. I grip the phone tightly as I glance at the open laptop. The document is mainly white space, the few lines at the top testament to how little I’ve gotten done over the past few weeks. My stomach churns at the thought of telling Mike. “Ah… it’s coming along.”
“I’ve got to say you have me worried, Kit.”
“It’s fine,” I say, swallowing heavily.
“I’m not hearing much confidence in your voice, and there’s a lot riding on this book.”
I sigh. “To be honest, I’ve been in a rut, but I’ve moved out of town for a while. I’m hoping the change will spur things along.”
“Where are you?”
“Just outside of a little town called Collier’s Creek. Nature, mountain scenery, fresh air,” I say, echoing some of Shawn’s words from earlier as I pace the room.
“Well, I hope the change of scenery works. This is the last book in the series and expectations are high. Your fans want it written like yesterday and the publisher has a lot invested in marketing and promotion. In fact, about that—”
“Not now, Mike,” I say, cutting him off. The quivering in my stomach increases. I can hardly get past chapter two of the damn thing, let alone think about book tours and media obligations. “I’ll call you in a couple of weeks. We can talk then.”
“Make sure you do.” Mike’s tone is short, but at least he’s not pressing me. He can be a hard task-master, but he’s been with me through the eleven books of the series so far and has become a friend.
“Thanks, Mike,” I say with genuine gratitude, feeling like I can take a breath again. “I’ll look at getting the first chapters to you next week.”
As I end the call, I can only hope I’m able to deliver on my promise.
Chapter Two
Felix
One day I’ll learn to say no. But today isn’t the day.
How can I turn Cameron down? I can’t, not after everything he’s been through. He deserves a break and to spend time with his new husband.
I sip my coffee, glancing around the coffee shop—it’s got a real warm and welcoming vibe—before focusing back on Cam.
“And it’s only for six months,” Cameron says, winding up his sales pitch.
It’s the same pitch he’s already delivered over the phone. He either thinks I’m not sold on the proposition, or else he’s feeling guilty about dumping it on me… Or there’s another option. “Are you sure you aren’t just trying to help me out?”
He barks a laugh. “Dude! Are you serious? You think I’d go to all the trouble of uprooting my life just to give you a job? I love you, man, but that’s stretching the friendship.”
“Hmm.” I narrow my eyes and peer over the rim of my mug. “I’m sure there are better qualified people to run the coffee shop.” I glance to the left where the espresso machine takes pride of place. “What about the guy behind the counter?”
He’s older than we are, maybe in his mid-thirties, with a friendly smile, and I know he makes a mean cup of java because I’m sipping on one of his creations right now.
“Will? To be honest, I considered it, but he can’t do the hours. He’s a single dad and prefers working school hours. If you’re worried you’ll be stepping on his toes, don’t be. He knows I’ve approached you.”
“There’s no one else?” I ask, because it’s beyond me why he’d want me to be in charge of running things while he’s away. I have experience in hospitality and administration, but it’s his entire business he’s trusting me with.
“Nope,” Cameron replies. He throws a wolfish grin and waggles his brows. “You’re it, I’m afraid.”
“God help you and the poor folk of Collier’s Creek, then.”
His eyes light up. “So, you’ll do it?”
“Pfft.” I roll my eyes as I shake my head. “You think I drove across multiple states for a quick visit only to drive back home again right away?”Home. The word causes a funny feeling. I have no idea where that is anymore. They say home is where the heart is, but my heart’s damaged and doesn’t know where it belongs anymore.
“You’ll manage the place for six months?” Cameron says, as if he needs reassurance.
