‘I mix it up.Romance, thrillers, horror, fantasy, sometimes I’ll throw in a memoir or two.I just read what I feel like at the time.’
‘I see.Is that the same with your writing, then?’
‘Sort of.I predominantly write romance.I’m known for my fantasy romance series but I’m venturing more into darker romance now and have a thriller I’m planning out – a romantic suspense.’
‘It’s impressive that you can read and write across so many genres.I always thought that most authors would try to stick to one lane.Is that ideal from a consumer perspective?Does covering a wider audience attract more readers to your books?’I ask, hoping I sound like I know what I’m talking about, when in fact, I’m rambling, trying to show interest in the things she likes.She always listens to me when I yap about sports, motorbikesand whatever else comes to mind.I want her to know that I’m interested in what she has to say too.I’ve often been criticised in my past relationships for being ‘self-absorbed’.When a thought strikes me, I just have to say it, so I don’t forget – often interrupting the other person mid-sentence in the process, making them feel like I don’t care what they were trying to say.I’m working on that, but it’s been a struggle.I swear my brain just doesn’t work like others do.At least that’s how it feels.
‘Yeah exactly, it does.I personally like when people venture out and can show interest in a bunch of different things.Like you, with all your hobbies.It’s cool that you have so many things that interest you.’
‘Yeah?Most people seem to find it annoying.’I release a chuckle, reaching for my drink just to occupy my hands so they don’t somehow wander over to hers.
‘I like that about you.’
Warmth fills my chest at her words.I feel seen when I’m around Nora.Like she truly appreciates me, flaws and all, and genuinely likes me.It’s extremely validating and makes me realise that I never felt like that in the past.Especially with Leasa – when my attention wasn’t on her, she’d become upset, and I was too lost in my own head to pick up on the signs until she began yelling.
‘It baffles me that no one knows about your writing.You’re crazy successful, and the fact that you’re anonymous is just wild,’ I say.
She shrugs.‘I like it that way.I do have a dilemma though.’
‘What’s that?’
‘My publicist has asked me to do a photo shoot.She said I can be faceless – her suggestion was to wear a mask.She and the sales team pitched this idea that I could do a bit of a … sexy photoshoot, I guess to put it bluntly, to promote my new series.I think it’s an amazing idea, except I hate literally everything about myselfand don’t want everyone seeing the real me, even if I’m in a mask.I don’t want them to change their opinions of the book once they see what I look like.’
Placing the spoon down, I stare at her, processing her words.‘I don’t understand how you view yourself, firstly.You’re one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever known, so that just makes zero sense to me.Secondly, I don’t think readers will react negatively, if anything, I think they’d feel more connected to you, finally getting to see a bit ofyou.Therealyou.I know for a fact that I would love to get to see more of my favourite author.If I was a reader, of course.’
Her lips part, her gaze snapping to mine.‘I never thought of it like that, I suppose.’
‘I mean, it’s entirely up to you and what you’re comfortable with, but I vote you do it.I think it would be awesome.’I lean back in my chair, crossing my ankles.‘Not that my opinion means much.’
‘It does,’ she interjects.‘You’re the only person in my life who Idowant the opinion of, when it comes to this.’
That funny, warm sensation trickles through my chest, like a spoon of warm honey, it ebbs and flows through me.My hand flexes with the impulse to reach out to her.
Pushing the chair back, I reach out, pulling Nora to her feet.Collecting her face in my hands, I devour her mouth with mine.She moans into the kiss and I swipe the bowl out of the way, pushing her onto the table.She wraps her legs around me and I grind into her.Nora snakes her arms around my neck, pulling me closer.
The kind of longing I feel for her, this insufferable ache, makes me wonder what the hell I’m doing.I knew doing anything with Nora would be too serious for me.There isn’t anything fake about this to me.I truly am developing strong feelings for her, and thethought of her only using this to gain experience crushes me, even though that’s the exact agreement we decided on.
Time passed surprisingly quickly over the next two days.
On Nora’s laptop we watched movies that she apparently preemptively downloaded the moment she heard about the cyclone.I’m not one to forward-think like that, so I’m thankful Nora did.We managed to get some study in, hotspotting our laptops from our phones.When Nora spent time writing, I would do a home workout.Overall, it was a peaceful couple of days.I’m not one to slow down and stay indoors, but I never felt bored.It was like a fun, extended sleepover with a good friend.A friend I make out with occasionally, among other things …
I spent so much time on my assignment that it’s finished, even though it isn’t due for two weeks, allowing me to move onto my next one.I feel great about my classes at the moment, and I think there’s going to be a lot of improvement in my grades.Or at least, I hope so – I’m understanding things a lot better since Nora has been going over it all with me.She also showed me some easier ways to source my research and annotate on this new app she’s discovered.She’s tech-savvy, much more so than me, and some of the tips and tricks she’s taught me have been true game changers.
The cyclone hit and we emerged relatively unscathed.Debris was strewn across the paths and roads, mainly from uprooted trees, but overall life has resumed as normal.
The university reopened and while Nora went to her classes, I took the morning to sort out the yard at the back of the house.An alert was sent out saying that practice is back to normal, so I’ll be attending this afternoon.The sky is still overcast and grey, but the wind’s died down and it hasn’t rained all day.Hopefully the fields won’t be too waterlogged.
It’s only been a few days but now it feels weirdnothaving her here.When I get to my room, I see her bag on the ground, her scrunchie on my nightstand and her purple toothbrush on my bathroom sink.I like having her things here.Makes it feel like she might stay, even though I know that’s crazy to think.She has her own place, and her own life, and we aren’t evendating, but I just want her here.I like having her around.
Mason and Anya arrive home sometime mid-afternoon, looking fresh and relaxed.
‘Wow,’ Anya says, climbing out of Mason’s truck and gaping.‘We really missed a whole-ass cyclone, hey?’
‘Yeah,’ I nod, finishing sweeping the last leaves that had piled up on the driveway.
My sister has a glow about her that she’d lost for a while, but since being reunited with Mason, it’s like she’s her old self again.I can see the same change in Mason.I’m happy for them.It took them a long time but things have worked out for the best.They complement each other perfectly.
‘What is that?’Mason asks, eyeing my motorbike.It’s tucked off to the side and covered, but obviously not well enough.I should have known Mason would notice it straight away.
