A synopsis is your chance to sell the editor on your story, so put your best foot forward.
—Romance Writing 101
“Thank You, sweet Jesus!” It was almost seven o’clock in the evening, but Sadie finally had a nice one-page, single-spaced synopsis. She leaned back in her deck chair. She’d have to go to the library to print out the document. She always did her editing on hard copy with a red pen—seeing the words on an actual page gave her distance and perspective.
But it wasn’t due for two whole days yet. She had plenty of time to edit and tweak.
She glanced at her watch. It was almost time for Sam to return from work. She’d enjoyed their conversation the evening before. That part about his former girlfriend tugged at her heart. What exactly had he meant by “ended badly”? She’d seen the flash of hurt in his eyes when he spoke of it and wanted to give him a hug.
And what about those family and business tensions he’d mentioned before—the ones that had him hiding away on the island? She hoped he’d eventually open up to her about that. She was a good listener and not half bad at advice.
She thought back to their conversation. She’d almost told him she was using their ring search for the plot of her book. But what if he objected? He was now involved in that mystery—she’d invited him herself. What if he didn’t want to be included in this story of hers? Of course, it wouldn’t behim,not really. She’d certainly change the names to protect the victims—ahem, the innocent.
Obviously she could still write about it despite his objections. But she’d hate to strain their friendship just as they were getting to know each other.
No, it would be better to ask forgiveness than permission. She justhadto write this story—mainly because it was the only idea she had. But also because it was a good idea. At least, she thought it was. She’d soon find out if her editor and agent felt the same.
She glanced down at her dog, who eyed a gecko across the deck. “Time to get some dinner, Rio. Come on, girl. Are you thirsty? Let’s get you some water.”
Sadie scrounged around the kitchen and warmed up leftovers. She ate inside with her playlist in the background. The berry salad was refreshing, and the meatloaf was even better than when she’d made it yesterday. She was almost finished eating when Caroline called.
“Hi there,” Sadie said by way of greeting. “How goes it in New York? I hear there’s been lots of rain.”
“It’s been an adventure. Lots of muddy paws and shaking dogs and wiping up foyers. But overall pretty good. I’m dog sitting for the Pearsons this week.”
“Aren’t they the ones with the eerie Doberman Pinscher?”
“He just stares at me. It’s bone chilling. Believe me, I lock the bedroom door at night. And yes, I have to actually lock it because he can open these French levers. Tell me that’s not creepy.”
“You said he’s never been aggressive with you.”
“I know, but that stare! It freaks me out. He’s looking at me now. He knows I’m talking about him. If you don’t hear from me for a couple days...”
Sadie laughed, knowing her friend was mostly joking. “At least the job pays well.”
“It had better since it’s keeping me from my hubby. But also this place is gorgeous—lavishly furnished, all windows, sixty-fourth floor. The view! And the towels. I didn’t know they made bath towels that big and soft. I’m not exactly roughing it—don’t tell Carlos.”
“What do these people do for a living?”
“She’s a partner in a big law practice, and he’s an executive with some brokerage firm. Maybe Duke will warm up to me this week. At any rate, I’ve decided to pretend this is Carlos’s and my house.”
“Boy, are you going to be depressed come Monday.”
“I won’t think about that. So what about you, MissSmarty Pants—using real life to inspire your plot? How’s that synopsis coming?”
“I actually drafted it today. Now I just have to edit and send it to Erin.”
Caroline whooped, then lowered her voice. “Oh, he didn’t like that. I didn’t mean it, Duke. I’ll be quieter. You can go back to sharpening your teeth on that... is that a femur bone? That can’t be good.”
“I’m so relieved to have that stupid synopsis done, I can’t even tell you. The writing should be much easier now that I have a plot in place.”
“And since you’re kind of living out the story. See? I told you you could do it. And speaking of your plot, have you heard from that lady on the cruise? Also, side note, I need an update on the grumpy neighbor.”
“No to the first question. As to the neighbor thing, I feel kinda bad about calling him grumpy. He’s actually okay once you get to know him. And he is helping me to find the ring’s rightful owner, after all.”
“Don’t give him too much credit—it was a trade. And you might regret it when you’re stuck for hours at a wedding with a curmudgeon.”
Sadie winced. She’d kind of exaggerated Sam’s grumpiness and downplayed his looks. Otherwise Caroline would’ve been trying to set them up from afar the entire summer. “Well, it’ll be worth it once we get that ring back where it belongs.”
