Page 41 of Here & Now

“Do you know how many people talk about writing a book and never do it?”

“Yes, but not everybody has the skillset for it.”

“Or the time or discipline.”

“If you did write a book, what kind would you write?”

“This is silly,” she said, though the answer was on the tip of her tongue.

“C’mon, tell me.”

She eyed him warily. “You have to promise not to laugh.”

“I promise.”

“A historical romance novel.”

“I could see that.”

Now she was the one laughing. “You can?”

“Sure. Women love that stuff, ball gowns, a charming prince, a white carriage.”

“Have you been watching Cinderella?”

“Am I wrong?”

At the risk of embarrassing herself further, she shook her head. “You’re pretty spot-on.”

“So, do it.”

“It’s not that easy.”

“Maybe you’re making it harder than it has to be.”

“I tend to do that about a lot of things. Anyway, back to the article. Is there anything you would change?”

“Nope. It’s perfect the way it is.”

Perfect was a bit of a stretch, but she appreciated the vote of confidence. “Thanks.”

An awkward pause followed, and she thought, Now what?

“So, what are your plans tonight, if you don’t mind me asking?”

She’d almost forgotten about her little white lie. “Earlier, I contacted a real estate agent, and they might be coming over to look at the house.” The first part was true, though the agent hadn’t called back yet.

“Which one? I know quite a few of them on the island.”

“Scott Duggan. I found him online.”

He scowled.

“What’s wrong?”

“I wouldn’t do business with him if I were you.”

“How come?”