Quinn diverted his attention back to his phone, to hide his own elation at Noah’s enthusiasm for his pride and joy.
A journalist from another newspaper messaged him, asking if he would be free for an interview. Quinn replied he might not be, but he sent the vital information to her: that he had a final notice, that he was losing his shop before Christmas, and there was no other option but to close the business if he got evicted. He thought about asking Ivy about a press pack similar to the ones sent to him by publishers for their authors and their latest releases. Maybe he could have it distributed to any journalist that got in touch, so that he wasn’t going back and forth with interviews like a desperate celebrity.
His phone buzzed again, and he expected to see another comment, but instead he saw an email from Hermione Sage.
Quinn did yet another impression of The Scream, only this time one of his hands came to his face. The other also would have done so if he wasn’t holding his phone.
Why was she emailing now when her son was across the table from him? Noah hadn’t seemed to notice that anything was different, so Quinn turned his back on him again and opened Hermione’s email with shaking hands.
He scanned the email, expecting to see ‘unfortunately’ and ‘you were very close’, but he didn’t see that. Instead, he saw a very direct, almost personal response.
Quinn,
Thank you so much for your submission to write my autobiography. I appreciate it. I knew your dad, you know. He was a wonderful man. I was sad to hear of his passing.
I have read your chapters, and I am in love with the world you have created. It is fiction, I know, but I can see your passion and your talent come through. I need someone to listen to me, to take down my words, and tell my story. I would love it if we could meet.
Doing a quick search of your name last night, I saw that your shop is under threat. Please tell me this isn’t so. I don’t venture into town much anymore, but I have been an avid follower of your shop since I heard it opened. I would like to discuss the options you have when I see you.
Quinn, please confirm if you are still interested in writing my story, and if you will meet up with me soon. We can meet at my home. I am sure you know where my home is.
P.S. Please take a copy of this email and then delete. I cannot afford for the press to hack my emails and leak that you are my ghostwriter.
He couldn’t believe his eyes. Hermione Sage wanted to meet withhim?He re-read the email once, twice, three more times. Was she confirming she’d hired him? Was this an interview? Was she more interested in finding out about his shop? Did she like his writing?
‘Quinn. Everything alright?’
He must have tensed his shoulders. Maybe he made a sound. Noah might have a sixth sense, and if he did, he would need to introduce him to Ivy so that she could understand him better than he ever could.
‘Um. I don’t know how to say this…’
Noah stayed silent. Instead, he fixed him with a look that made Quinn feel like he needed to confess his entire life story, including all his sins. Not that he had many.
‘Remember your mum’s autobiography?’
‘How could I forget?’
‘Well…’
Quinn handed over his phone, showing Noah the email.
He held his breath as Noah clasped the phone,hisphone, and seemed to take the whole morning to read the brief email.
‘Oh, wow, Quinn. You applied?’
‘I did.’
‘To write Mum’s autobiography?’
‘That’s right.’
Noah handed the phone back to Quinn. He stood, walking around the table until he was in front of Quinn. Placing two hands on Quinn’s shoulders, he grinned.
‘Come on.’
ChapterNineteen
‘Noah, where are we going?’
