‘No worries,’ Ben replied, just as I said, ‘Go for it!’
I was glad of the interruption.
‘Thanks,’ Jackson said, walking over to his desk. ‘How’s the brainstorming going?’
‘We’re making progress,’ Ben added.
‘Pff,’ I replied.
‘Just shout if you need any ideas from me or Jane. We’d love to help.’
‘Appreciate that,’ I smiled.
‘I keep forgetting!’ Jackson slapped his forehead. ‘Jane and I found a book for you when we were in London a few weekends ago. There was a stall with non-fiction books and we thought it’d be useful. Hold on.’ He rooted through his desk drawer. ‘Found it! Here you go.’ He handed it to me.
When I saw that it was a book about writing your first novel in thirty days, I quickly turned it over so that Ben wouldn’t see it, then shoved it in my bag.
‘Thanks! That’s really kind of you to think of me,’ I said and I really meant it. At this point I needed all the help I could get. I’d read a load of books on writing, but somehow I was still stumped. I had a day off on Sunday, though, so I’d promised myself that I’d knuckle down and get some words written.
‘You’re welcome. Hope it helps. Anyway, better get back. Good luck with the brainstorming!’ Jackson left the room.
‘Was that a book about writing a novel?’ Ben raised an eyebrow.
‘None of your business,’ I snapped.
‘It was just a simple question,’ he sighed.
‘Why do you care? Looking for another thing to use to wind me up? Or are you going to laugh and say it’s stupid, just like you do about romance novels?’
Ben’s eyes popped with shock.
‘Why would I laugh?’
‘Because you think that romance novels are ridiculous.’
‘I never said they wereridiculous. I said they were predictable. And I don’t know why you’re so bothered about my opinion. Contrary to what you might believe, I’m not an idiot. I know romance is one of the most popular genres in the world and that it’s an industry worth billions of dollars. Just because the books are notmycup of tea doesn’t mean that I can’t see the joy they bring to others. And as for laughing at you for trying to write one, I’d never do that.’
‘Yeah, right.’ I rolled my eyes.
‘I mean it. I’m not an author, but I know it’s bloody hard work. Loads of peopletalkabout writing a book, but not many actually do it. So if you’re making an effort to follow your dream, that’s something to admire, not ridicule.’
My mouth dropped open, then snapped closed, then fell open again. It wasn’t often that I was speechless.
I studied Ben’s face, looking for evidence that he wasn’t being serious.
Any minute now he’d say, ‘Only joking!’
But I waited. And still nothing.
I could be wrong, but maybe he was actually being genuine.
Ben looked at his watch, then stood up.
‘I’ve got to meet Theo. I should have enough info to pass on to him and Jess for now. Meet same time again tomorrow? Maybe then you can let me know how I can help with your social media stuff. Deal?’
‘D-deal,’ I stuttered.
‘Cool. Laters, Jeffries.’ He opened the door, then closed it behind him, whilst I was still sitting there in a state of shock, wondering what the hell had just happened.
