“I’m a bit nervous,” I admit just as Edel clears her throat from behind me. “Sorry, Rue.” I roll my eyes, stepping aside. “This is my best friend, Edel. Emotional support buddy and soul mate in friend form.” I give Edel a huge smile as her and Rue exchange pleasantries.
“Would you like a drink?’ Rue asks as she walks me over to the table at the back of the shop. My books are scattered around on what looks like makeshift bookshelves and my heart throbs inside my chest.
“Whatever you’re having,” I suggest, not wanting her to go out her way when she’s made such a big deal for me.
“I devoured these stories,” she gushes.
My cheeks burn. “I’m glad you enjoyed them.” My voice trails off as I look around the shop again.
This is a real pinch me moment. I would love to call my parents, tell them this was happening because this is ahugedeal. But I won’t, because they don’t care. They don’t see this as a real job.
I ignore the way the blood rushes to my ears, anger biting at the base of my neck.
“Wine okay?’ Rue pulls me from my thoughts and I nod, giving her a smile.
“Wine is perfect,” Edel chimes in, placing her bag on the floor next to Rue’s counter.
“Okay, I’ll go get a bottle or two. Doors open at four, so we have a bit of chill time before people turn up,” she says in a blasé way as she grabs her phone, keys and bag.
I swallow down the nerves. “What if no one comes?” I have to ask for my own peace of mind.
“Then we get drunk.” Rue smirks at me and my stomach drops. “Only kidding, doll, the event is sold out.”
I blink at her.Sold out.
“Yup.” She must read my expression. “So, no worries about that, anyway. I’ll be back in five.” She winks at me and disappears out of the shop, the twinkling of the bell filling the quiet.
“Holy shit,” Edel whispers, her hands pressed to her cheeks.
“This can’t be real. Who would come all this way to see me?” My fingers pinch at the skin on my arm.
“Babe, you’re a big deal.” She glares at me as if I should know this. “Your socials have rocketed; you said your sales were up…” She pauses. “Or are you lying?”
I shake my head. “Not lying, just haven’t been checking. Maybe that’s why Maria keeps calling me… I don’t know, I’ve been ignoring her.” I cover my face with my hand.
“Why? Athena…” She trails off and steps closer to me. “This is all you’ve ever dreamed of, and now, look around you…” She follows my gaze. “It’s all coming true, babe, accept it, claim it, do whatever you need to do.”
My bottom lip trembles.
“This is happening, and there has never been a more deserving person than you.”
A tear trails down my cheek. I launch myself into her as she wraps her arms around my body.
“Believe it, Athena, you’re living the life you always wanted.”
I nod, refusing to cry and ruin my makeup.
The bell above the door rings. “Oh my goodness, what’s happened?” Rue’s voice fills the room, and I laugh in Edel’s arms.
“Nothing, she got a little overwhelmed,” Edel speaks for me as I step back and run my ring fingers under my eyes.
“Good overwhelmed, I hope.” Rue raises a perfectly raised brow as she places two bottles of white on her counter.
I nod; I don’t want to tell her that there are a few more emotions that are floating around inside of me.
“Don’t sweat it, it’s going to be epic.” She dumps her bag behind the counter then disappears for just a second, returning with three wine glasses.
“God, I need this,” Edel admits. “I feel like my feet haven’t touched the ground since I landed.” She laughs softly, her fingers wrapped around the stem of her glass as Rue unscrews the lid and begins to pour.
