Georgia laughs. “But everything’s better with wine.”
“Speaking of wine,” Felix says, “I’m going to get another mug. Anyone else?”
Georgia, Penny, and I trail Felix to the refreshment table, where he ladles out the wine. The aroma of cinnamon and clove scents the air. The entire atmosphere of the bookstore, with its low lighting and soft music, is warm and inviting. But it’s the look on Felix’s face that gives me the most pleasure—it’s clear he’s enjoying himself.
He puts down the ladle and turns to me. “Have you read much horror?” he asks.
“Not really.” I shrug. “A few Stephen King novels. I’m not usually a horror fan, but I enjoyed them. He sure is the master of the genre.”
“He’s outstanding, isn’t he?” Penny agrees.
“Let’s go check out the books on display,” Georgia says, hooking her arm through my elbow. I find myself drawn along beside her, glancing at Felix over my shoulder. He smirks, making me wonder if I’m about to endure a third degree.
The books chosen by Gramps are an eclectic mix of horror novels from the classics through to the current new releases. As other people approach the display, I end up chatting about novels with strangers and it’s comfortingly familiar. It’s fascinating to listen to differing opinions and hear their recommendations, and I’m surprisingly happy to be immersed back in the world of books and reading after being away for so long.
I eventually wander back to the refreshment table and grab a bottle of water, thankful to avoid Georgia’s inquisition. The room is buzzing with people enjoying themselves, chatting, laughing, and indulging in refreshments. It’s more like a party in someone’s home with close friends, not a business event, but I’m pleased to see Logan ringing up a few sales. His efforts at hosting the event are paying off.
Felix is across the room, but he comes and joins me. “Sorry about Georgia,” he says. “I would have come and rescued you, but you looked like you were having fun. Are you enjoying yourself?” he asks.
I smile. “You know what? I am. It’s not what I expected.”
Logan appears at our side. “What did you expect?”
“I’m used to more formal events, with a big push for book sales. This is more relaxed. You’ve done an outstanding job, Logan.”
“You go to a lot of book events?” Logan asks.
I freeze for a moment. I look to Felix, who smiles in encouragement.Got to take that first step sometime,I think to myself.Can’t hide away forever.
“Not lately.” I take a sip of water, my throat suddenly dry. “But I have in the past. I’ve published a few books and had to hit the publicity trail with each release.”
“Really?” Logan’s clearly intrigued, his brows raised.
“Remember the series we spoke about that first day I came into the store?”
He frowns as he thinks for a moment. “TheMountain Mystery Files? Wait! You’re Christopher Winters?”
I chuckle, but butterflies are dancing in my stomach as I leave my safe space of anonymity. “That’d be me.”
“Holy shit!”
Logan’s loud exclamation draws the attention of others in the room. “What’s going on?”
I look around the now familiar faces and take a deep breath. “I was just telling Logan that I’ve published some cozy mystery books.”
I can see the curiosity in their eyes. Felix’s hand lands on my lower back, his presence a steady anchor.
“TheMountain Mystery Files,” Logan repeats.
“I also write a little romance, under a different pseudonym.”
“You mentioned that the other day,” Logan says, “but I had no idea.” His gaze falls on Mrs. Hendricks. “Well, I had some idea.”
Mrs. Hendricks smirks. “I did a little sleuthing of my own. I thought you looked familiar, although you had more of a beard then. I saw you once being interviewed on a morning show, but for the life of me, I couldn’t remember your name.” She taps her temple. “This old noggin’ isn’t as good as it used to be, but I told Logan that you were an author. “
“But I hadn’t put two and two together until now,” Logan says.
“I think it’s amazing,” Georgia says. “A celebrity in our midst—”
