“Fine, I’ll read it.” I put the book in my leather passenger bag. I’m not sure when I’ll read it. I’m not worried about it. Reynolds is just being extra cautious about my image, which I appreciate. I only took the book because Lettie once told me to read a romance. If there’s any downtime this weekend, I’ll be sure to pull outAll’s Fair in Lovewhen she’s watching. What better way to show her that I’m open to her interests.
***
A light snow falls as I driveup the canyon. Charlie’s endless luck comes through again. I chuckle to myself as fluffy flakes spot my windshield. It’s uncanny how things always work out for him. It’s one of the reasons he’s made a killing as a venture capitalist. And yet, I can’t begrudge Charlie’s fortune. He’s such a great guy and a good friend. I’m pleased he and Jane will get the white wedding of their dreams.
It’s almost the weekend, and the snow and prospect of seeing Lettie in two days have me feeling downright cheesy. I turn on the radio and change it to a station playing Christmas music. A call interruptsSilver Bells. It’s Tom Gardner, a member of the board.
“Hey, Tom.”
“Liam, thanks for taking my call. I hope you’re not too busy.”
“Just left the office. I’m driving to a wedding in Yosemite.”
“Fun, fun. So, Liam, what can you tell me about this book?” Turns out Reynolds knows what she’s talking about. I should never doubt my assistant. “We have people complaining about you and sexual harassment.”
This throws me. My stomach twists. I’ve been so careful not to appear interested in any employees, which has been easy because there’s only one woman I think about.
“It’s completely ungrounded,” I say. “The book is a work of fiction.”
“Good to hear. Still, there’s a TikTok influencer claiming, ‘Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.’”
I can’t believe this is happening. All because a guy in a book has crooked teeth. Makes me want to bite the bullet and get Invisalign.
“Okay, so this villain is good-looking and has crooked teeth; that doesn’t make him me.”
“Have you read it?” Tom asks.
“No, Reynolds gave the book to me this afternoon.”
“I just finished it. Liam, it’s uncanny. I’m telling you, this guy is you. He inherits an avocado empire after his father dies in a car accident. And... wait for it. He rowed in college.”
“Sounds like a hero, not a villain.” This does sound a little like me. But why would anyone write me as a villain? I mean, Lettie might have wanted to after the gala. But she hasn’t published anything yet. She hasn’t even let me read her drafts. Maybe she has a writer friend. I’ll ask. Honestly, excitement of seeing her eclipses my concerns about bad publicity from this book.
“I appreciate the call, Tom. We have PR working on it. I’ll read the book this weekend.”
“Good to know you’re on it. Have a good trip.”
I think of seeing Lettie again. “Planning on it.”
How earnestly did she then wish that her former opinions had been more reasonable, her expressions more moderate. —Pride & Prejudice
21
“It’s snowing!!!” Jane squeals, waking me from my sleep. We’re driving up a windy road to her wedding. Since I moved back to Iowa, it’s been challenging for us to keep in touch. Jane’s been swamped with work and wedding planning, while I’ve been spending every free moment writing (either my novel or to Liam.) So, we thought the two-and-a-half-hour drive would be the perfect chance to catch up. Until I promptly fell asleep. In my defense, I was up till three this morning revising my book, leaving me only a couple hours to sleep because I got up early to catch my flight. I bought a one-way ticket. Jane’s selling me her car, this olive-green Audi, which I’m driving home to give my sister Gretta as a surprise Christmas/birthday gift.
I have enough money to splurge on a gift like this because my most recent book is a runaway bestseller. I should be thrilled. I’m living every author’s dream. And I am pleased that I can buy my sister a car. Plus, all this extra income means I can easily afford to move back to Sacramento and maybe, hopefully, date Liam. But before we start dating, I need to tell him about this book and the villain inspired by him. He might find the whole thing hilarious. But it might also hurt his feelings, especially because the worst aspects of the character, Ivan, are based on Noah Whittaker’s lies. Maybe it would be best if I never tell him.
“I can’t believe it,” Jane says. “I pinned pictures of snow on my wedding mood board, and it worked.”
“Talk about manifesting.” I point to the windshield splattered with feathery flakes. I consider reminding Jane that just because it’s snowing now doesn’t mean it will snow tomorrow morning. But she looks too happy, singing “Winter Wonderland” at the top of her lungs. I decide to just sing along.
“It’s good to be singing together again,” she says as she dials up the windshield wipers. “It’s been too long. I wish you didn’t live so far away.”
“Well... ” I take a big breath. “I just might be moving back.”
“Lettie!!!! That’s the best news ever. When?”
“I’m thinking January.”
