“No vegetables?” asked Archie.
“No sir,” she said. “I grew up on fish and chips, meat and potato pie, mincemeat, baked beans, and, well, not very many vegetables. I mean, carrots and an occasional serving of peas, but that’s about it.”
“What a shame. You’re missing out on such wonderful flavors.”
“To each his own, Archibald.”
Sybil ended up ordering a tuna steak with rice, and Archie laughed hard when she substituted an apricot tart for the vegetables.
Annella came out from the kitchen while they were eating and said, “Are you two enjoying your food?”
“Oh Annella, this is delicious! Especially the apricot tart.”
“That was you that ordered a side of dessert, was it?”
“I can’t help it. I loathe vegetables.”
Annella shook her head. “I’ll bet, given the opportunity, I could change your mind.”
“I really doubt it.”
“But you’re English, dear. You must’ve grown up on garden vegetables.”
Sybil shook her head. “We didn’t even have a garden. My mum usually ordered takeout for my sister and me. It was just the three of us, and truth be told, I don’t think my mum likes vegetables much either. Ha!”
Annella sat down while they chuckled over the funny conversation. Putting her hand on the portfolio that sat in the empty chair, she asked, “Did you make a decision about the illustrations?”
Archie let Sybil answer. “Yes, we’re going with pastels. Archibald is going to try to get another to me before I leave, and then I’ll be able to start pitching the book idea to publishers.”
“Oh, I’m so excited about it all!” Annella said. “Thank you for giving Archie a chance, Sybil. This is such a wonderful opportunity for him, and I know you’ll find him to be hardworking and professional, and you’ve already seen his wonderful gift with words.”
Sybil looked at Archie, but his face was turned toward the piano that was being played on the other side of the restaurant. Looking back to Annella, Sybil said, “He does have a gift and I hope we’re not the only ones who will appreciate it in the end.”
“Do you think you’ll be able find a publisher for his book?”
Sybil nodded and smiled to Annella while Archie was still turned the other direction only mouthing the words, “I think so,” which made Archie turn his head back to the table so he could see her response, but he was too late. The exchange was finished.
Annella stood. “So much fun to consider all of the possibilities, but I must get back to the kitchen.”
“Thanks for popping out to say hello!”
“Oh, I’ll be back out in a little while with a plate of tempting vegetables that you won’t be able to resist.”
Sybil looked from Annella to Archie. “It’s not going to work, you two.”
Archie raised his eyebrows. “I think it is.”
Sybil did like the vegetables that night and every vegetable Annella brought out for her to try over the next few days when they were at the restaurant, except for Brussels sprouts which she claimed were “much too bitter” for her taste buds.
The book was polished and the illustrations were in the works when it was time for Sybil to go back to San Francisco to begin pitching the book. Archie walked Sybil to the parking garage. When they stood outside her car he said, “I can’t thank you enough for being willing to take a chance on me and my book. It’s really boosted my confidence these past few days.”
“I don’t see it as taking a chance at all. I believe in this book of yours and plan to give it everything I’ve got to convince a publisher to believe in it, too.”
Archie smiled crookedly. “Well, thank you . . . again.”
Sybil put her hand out to Archie. He shook it and said, “I guess I’ll let you be off. I hope your drive home is a little less harrowing than your trip here.”
“I should be fine,” she said, looking a little worried.
When Archie turned to walk away, Sybil said, “I’ve gotten so used to being under your umbrellas, I might just have to get my own.” Archie smiled and Sybil said, “I’ll tell you what, if I come back with a contract for you to sign, you can help me pick one out. How does that sound?”
“Right. Yes.” he said. “I would be happy to.”
19
Archie received a short letter from Tallie a few days after Sybil left. She was still settling in, but wanted to send the address where she would be living so he could write to her. She promised to write more when she had a little more time.
He wrote back telling her about his visit with Sybil, and thanked her for connecting them, confessing he probably wouldn’t have accepted her help if she hadn’t shown up on his doorstep. He also admitted he was very excited at the possibility of being published and gave Tallie all the credit for the idea to write the book.
Archie stayed so busy working on his illustrations over the next two weeks that he was surprised when he found another letter from Tallie.
Dearest Archibald,
How exciting to hear that your meeting with Sybil Schofield went so well! Gemma told me she talked to Sybil the other day and that she really believes in your project. I’m anxious to hear how it all pans out, so don’t forget to keep me in the loop, okay?
New Zealand is so pretty! I wish you could be here with me. I’ve never seen such breathtaking views. My photographs are gorgeous (not by my skill but because of the scenery).
Gemma has been different here. Being out in nature seems to agree with her. We’ve had some interesting talks about life. I think you were right about her. She seems happier away from her hectic career. I wasn’t exactly sure why she wanted to come. She only told me she was working with someone on a book, but it seems she just wanted to get away. I’m wondering if I’m here merely as her companion, which is fine with me.
We’re staying on Waiheke Island near Auckland. I can’t even believe this place exists. You should see this house we’re staying in. The entire back wall is made of windows that look out on the ocean. I get to watch all of the “be-bumists” enjoying sunbathing and surfing. By the way, Gemma was so entertained by your family’s word invention that we’ve been referring to ourselves as be-bumists since we got here.
I’ll take some photographs and send them to you with my next letter. (People who live like this all of the time are so spoiled. I honestly feel guilty for being here.)
Anyway, I need to run. Gemma and I are getting ready to take pictures of the sunset. She’s going to show me what camera settings to use to capture the most realistic tones of the sky. I’m already learning so many new things.
Missing you.
Love,
Tallie
P.S. Can you imagine how good I’ll be at beach living after a year of this?
Archie missed Tallie more after reading her letter, but because she seemed happy, he was able to set the letter aside without feeling too miserable over her absence.
He started to reply to Tallie’s letter but was interrupted by a knock on the door. His mother was at work, but he knew his father was downstairs, so he let him answer.
A moment later his father hollered, “Archie, Sybil’s here to see you!”
“Hm,” he said to himself, while putting down his piece of paper. Grabbing his umbrella, he headed out of his room and down the stairs.
“Sybil. I wasn’t expecting you.”
She went and stood with him under his umbrella and squeezed his arms, a little too tightly, showing excitement. “Archibald! I’m sorry I didn’t let you know I was coming, but just wait until you hear what news I have for you!”
Archie immediately felt a little panic attack coming on (even good news could trigger one), so he breathed deeply and managed to say, “What news?”
“Let’s sit down. I want to show you something.”
“All right,” he said continuing to breathe deeply.
When they sat at the table, Sybil said, “Mr. Plumby, why don’t you join us? I think you might like to hear this.”
“It sounds like news we should pull the missus in for. Should I call her?”
“I’m willing to wait a little bit if you’re willing to wait to hear it,” she said.
Archie said, “Father, call. She’ll want to be here.”
Annella was soon coming through the front door. “I’m here!” she called as she walked in.
Albert chuckled. “You’re still in your apron, dear.”
“Oh goodness,” she said as she untied it and took it off.
She quickly sat down at the table. “So what’s the news?”
They all sat in anticipation as Sybil pulled out a few pieces of paper and set them out on the table. “Three significant offers,” she said.
“Three!” Annella said, laughing.
Albert whooped and patted Archie on the back.
Archie remained quiet, still trying to get through the panic attack, which was getting worse by the minute.
“I think there is an obvious right choice here, but they’re yours to choose from. So, I’ll just help you understand what each one offers.”
They all sat looking at Archie. He wanted to say something but he felt panic, joy, and excitement all at once, so it could only be managed with silence.
Annella grabbed Archie’s free hand and said to Sybil, “Don’t worry, he’s happy. He just needs a minute.”
“Archibald, I had a feeling this was going to happen. Publishers seem especially interested when the story is real, because readers are fascinated with real characters.”
Annella and Albert laughed as Archie continued to sit in silence.
“So are you ready to hear the offers?”
Archie didn’t speak, but Albert did. “Let’s hear it!” he said, swooping his fisted arm upward.
“Okay. The first is an offer to publish your book with a very generous advance.” When she pointed to the dollar amount, Archie’s eyes opened wide and Albert whooped again.
“While it is a large advance for one book, especially for a first-time author, the next offer is even better.”
Annella squeezed Archie’s hand and examined his face, but it was unchanged.
“This publisher would like for you to make Archie Underneath a series of three books, beginning with the one you’ve already written. As you can see, this advance is quite good too, and the publisher is one authors seem to enjoy working with. But then there’s a third offer I’m fairly sure you won’t be able to refuse.”
Sybil stopped and looked at Archie. “Archibald, are you all right? I know this is a lot to take in.”
Archie nodded, but only once, and left his chin down and his eyes up.
She said with a smile, “Are you ready to hear about the third offer or do you need a few minutes?”
Albert laughed and answered for Archie. “He’s ready. Tell us, already.”
Sybil smiled and nodded. “Okay. This publisher would like a series of six books, the first of which they want to rush and have ready for purchase by Christmas. And the advance, Archibald . . . I think you’ll be pleased.”
She turned the piece of paper toward Archie and pointed at the number. “That’s enough to carry you for a while, right?”
Albert and Annella craned their necks to see what number Sybil was pointing to. They looked at each other in shock and turned to look at their son. Archie’s face was stark white by now, and he had completely yielded to his panic attack. His chest moved up and down quickly, and he blew out loud breaths from his rounded lips.
“Oh dear,” his mother said with a bit of a chuckle. “Let’s give him a minute to process all of that and recover a bit.”
Archie nodded and breathed out a “Thank you, Mother.”
When a few moments had passed and Archie had recovered some pink in his cheeks, Sybil spoke up. “So what do you think?”
Archie didn’t say anything at first but eventually breathed in deeply, exhaled and said, “I’m completely overwhelmed. But I might be willing to give it a whirl . . . I suppose.”
Albert and Annella broke out into laughter. Sybil smiled. “I thought you might say that. So I think I’ll stay in Outlandish for a week or so. They want at least two ideas for content for future books. Maybe we can work that out while I’m here?”
“Yes. That’s . . . fine.”
“How many illustrations have you completed?”
“Five,” he said.
“How many did we decide on?” she asked.
“With four full page spreads, I think we decided on twenty?”
“Yes, that sounds right,” she said. “How fast can you get the next fifteen finished?”
“Oh my. I really have no idea.”
“Since they want your book in the stores by Christmas, that means you have six weeks to complete your part. So that’s fifteen illustrations in a month and a half. Is that even possible for you?”
“Maybe I should quit my job at the paper?”
Sybil answered, “Unless you are very opposed to it, I think that might be a good idea. These six books will keep you very busy for the next . . . oh, I don’t know . . . five or six years.”
Annella put her hand to her cheek and smiled, “What an exciting day, Archie. I’m so proud of you.”
Archie put his hand in his hair and without thinking, he moved his fingers around, so when he took his hand out of his hair, it looked a little wilder than usual.
Sybil couldn’t keep herself from laughing. “You could go for that image if you’d like. No one will ever forget you.”
Archie, finally able to think clearly said, “What? The umbrella isn’t enough?”
They were all amused by his words and laughed heartily.
“Let’s celebrate, shall we?” said Annella.
“Do you need to get back to the restaurant or can we celebrate now?” Albert asked.
“I think they can manage without me for a couple of hours. Let me just give them a call to make sure.”
“Then dinner is on me,” Sybil said. “Where shall we go?”
“I vote The Jazz House,” said Albert.
“Oh! I like the sound of that,” Sybil said.
Annella came back a moment later. “They’re happy to cover for me at the restaurant. Just give me a few minutes to change and freshen up.”
The Jazz House was known for their specialty salads and addicting cardamom rolls, but their finest feature was the dance floor. It was the largest dance floor in Outlandish. The Plumbys had never been there to dance, much to Annella’s dismay, but Annella did love their blackberry blue cheese salad, and because she was a chef herself, she always took the time to try the dishes of other chefs in Outlandish. She was known for leaving notes on the table complimenting the chef’s choice of flavor blends.
While they ate together, Archie’s father asked Sybil question after question about the business side of the book deal, and she, being equally sociable and professional, was happy to answer each of his questions. Annella, who was always at work to make sure everyone was relaxed and at ease, interrupted on occasion to ask Sybil about her family and her home in Doncaster. Archie wished he could be as good at on-the-fly conversation as his parents were, but it seemed, just as he had what he considered the perfect thing to say, the conversation moved on. So he sat quietly and enjoyed listening.
Finally when Albert could think of nothing more to ask, he leaned over to Archie and whispered, “I hope you don’t mind me asking all of the questions. I just thought I’d try to be useful since this is all new to you.”
“Of course. I appreciate it. I don’t think I would have thought of one single question to ask.”
“Arch
ibald,” Sybil announced, “you’re very lucky to have such magnificent parents. You can’t go wrong with them by your side.”
“You are absolutely right and if I do go wrong, it certainly won’t be because of them.”
The jazz band that had been taking a break returned to the small stage and resumed playing.
“I haven’t danced in years,” Sybil said longingly.
Archie was not pleased when his mother announced, “Archie dances!” Why don’t you take her to the floor, Archie.”
The look he gave his mother made her regret her words, “Mother, you know I don’t dance in public.”
Annella decided to follow through with her idea. “Yes, but I also know that you are a very good dancer and you haven’t been brave enough to have any partner other than your mother.”
“That’s because you are the only one who has learned to dance with a man with an umbrella in his hand.”
“That’s true,” she said, “but it’s not too much to learn. You should at least offer to let her try.”
Sybil looked at Archie. “Yes, you should. I’m sure we can figure it out. Besides, I’m much too curious now.”
Archie rubbed his face, hoping to be let off the hook, but Sybil said, “Ah, c’mon. What do we have to lose? It will be your first public appearance. You must get used to that, you know.”
Archie was prepared to decline, and not feel at all bad about it, but his father piped in. “You did say you were determined to keep an open mind. Isn’t that right?”
“Father! You’re supposed to be helping me out.”
“I’m sorry, son. The truth is, I’d like to see you strut your stuff.”
“Just one dance,” Sybil begged.
With some reservation, Archie took his umbrella off of its stand and said, “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”
The song the band began to play as Archie and Sybil walked to the dance floor was “Cry Me a River.” Archie held his umbrella in one hand and offered the other to Sybil. The dance floor wasn’t crowded, but because there were a few other people dancing, and Archie didn’t want to take anyone out with his umbrella, they agreed not to venture too far from their starting place.
Archie of Outlandish Page 16