“You don’t have to knock everything down to one sentence.”
“How do I know?”
“Does understanding the locking mechanism further the plot?”
Kyle made a face. “No.”
“Then that’s how you weigh things. Now, let’s say the mechanics of the lock was going to come into play further down the line. That changes things. You might make it two sentences, or even a whole short paragraph. But that’s what it comes down to. How important is this information to the plotorto the development of a character. If your hero or villain were a locksmith…”
“Right. I get what you’re saying. Makes sense. And now that you’ve explained it, it feels like something I should have already figured out.”
“Don’t be too hard on yourself. Takes some people years. You just had the benefit of having me as a father.”
Kyle laughed. “Pretty big benefit.”
His words gave Mitch a warm feeling inside. “You want to go over a few more paragraphs?”
“No, I think I get it now. But maybe I could show you the new versions later?”
“Sure.”
Kyle got up. “Okay, thanks. I’m going to work out on the deck. It’s so nice out there and with the fans going and the breeze off the water, it’s great. Beryl’s going to take Ruthie’s next feeding so I can work.”
“That’s very kind of her.” Mitch really appreciated how Joyce and Beryl had stepped in to help with the baby. Particularly Beryl, who was supposed to be here on vacation.
“I thought so, too. They’re filming tomorrow at Lucas’s. I think that’s so cool that he asked them to do that. He’s an all right guy.”
“He is,” Mitch agreed. “We’re playing racquetball this week.”
“Oh, awesome. I should go check the gym out. Now that I might actually have time to go.”
“You should. No reason not to take advantage of it. Especially with three of us here to look after Ruthie.”
Kyle nodded. “Right. Off to work.”
“Me, too.”
Kyle left and Mitch went back to his computer. Lucinda had already returned his email. He must have caught her at a good time.
Hi Mitch,
Interesting to hear about Kyle’s book. If it’s half as good as you think it is, there could be a bidding war. The Ripley name carries a lot of weight. When can I get a copy?
Best,
Lucinda
He frowned, realizing in his rush to get the email off to her, he hadn’t mentioned Kyle not wanting to use his last name. Mitch glanced toward the door. He didn’t want to talk Kyle out of that, but then again, if being open about his connection to Mitch meant a big advance… Mitch tapped his fingers on the desk. This was Kyle’s decision.
But Mitch would at least mention it to him.
Mitch opened his Word document and after rereading the last few pages, dug into the story with real effort.
It was a great way to escape the reality of what awaited him: The talk with Harper. Part of him felt like he should just do it and get it over with, but the rest of him knew that if the talk didn’t go well, he wouldn’t feel much like writing.
Better to do his work, then take whatever time necessary with Harper.
His pages weren’t finished until a little after three. Kyle hadn’t come back in, so maybe he was still working. Mitch saved his document, then went out to see where everyone was.
