‘Wait, what’s this?’ I said.
‘I think you’ll find that this object with four legs is what is commonly referred to as adesk, the thing in front of it with wheels is known as achairand the silver item with keys is usually called… what’s the name again?’ He rested his finger on his chin playfully. ‘Ah, yes, that’s alaptop.’
‘I know what they’re called, smarty pants! But what I don’t get is what they’re doinghere.’ I frowned, ‘Are they… for me?’
‘Yes. That was the idea.’
‘You got these forme?’ I repeated, still not able to take it in.
I was completely lost for words.
The solid oak oval desk was beautifully crafted and looked like something that a millionaire would commission a specialist carpenter to make for the office in their fancy mansion. The chair was one of those expensive-looking ergonomic ones. And that wasn’t justa laptop. It was aMacwhich cost a pretty penny.
And wait.
I recognised one of the logos at the bottom of the screen. That was the software I’d heard a lot of authors used for writing and formatting their books.
When I scanned the walls where the desk was placed, my mouth crashed to the ground. Ben had even put motivational quotes in pretty pink-and-white frames like ‘Future Bestselling Author’, ‘Write the Story the World Needs to Read’ and ‘Careful, or You’ll End Up in My Next Novel’.
There was also a posh notebook and pen resting on the desk.
And… OMG.
There was even a sign that said ‘Sarah’s Writing Corner’!
‘Ben, this is… I don’t even know what to say. It’s incredible and really generous. Thank yousomuch!’ I threw my arms around his neck.
He started choking and I realised that maybe I’d squeezed him too hard.
‘Sorry!’ I sprang back. ‘Didn’t mean to strangle you. It’s just, I can’t believe this! And it must’ve cost a fortune! I don’t know how long it’ll take me to pay you back, but I will.’
‘It’s not a loan, Jeffries. It’s a gift. I don’t want a penny from you. This is an investment in your author career. I built this desk so you can be comfortable. Sitting in bed or on the sofa to write is okay sometimes, but it’s not ideal for your back or wrists. You’ll be writing a lot of books, so you need to preserve them. And the software will make the process smoother. Especially the formatting one. Once the book is finished and edited, you’ll be able to create a proper book in seconds.’
‘Wait. Youmadethis desk?’
‘Yes.’ He shrugged like it was no big deal.
‘When? How?’
‘This weekend. I’ve always enjoyed carpentry. Father didn’t like me doing it, though, because it was manual labour. Said it was beneath us, which is obviously bollocks, but I’ve helped out with properties Theo and I have worked on in the past and I did more of it when I was in the States.’
Did this man’s talents have no end?
‘Sothat’swhy you had the tools I saw when I was unpacking?’
‘Yes.’
‘You’re such a dark horse! I had no idea! It’s beautiful. You have a real talent. Can you make bookcases too?’
‘Of course.’
‘Wow. Well, maybe I can put in an order for some, whenever you have time. I’ll pay you, obviously.’
‘You’ll do no such thing!’ He scoffed. ‘You really like it?’
‘No, Iloveit!’
‘Thanks.’ He beamed.
