“Hello darling,” her mum’s soft voice floated through the phone.
Danni cleared her throat as a trickle of excitement made its way down her spine. “Mum, I’ve got some good news.”
Her mum’s voice took on a sympathetic tone. “I have no doubt you got the job, Danni, but I think you’re making a mistake. I’ve always told you to follow your dream, not to give up. This is just a blip.”
Danni raised her voice to drown out her mother’s, “Mum, I got that job but that’s not why I’m calling. I got a publishing contact.”
“What! You did? Why didn’t you tell me instead of letting me prattle on?”
Danni laughed. “I was trying.”
“Oh, Danni. I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks, Mum.”
“Will your picture be on the cover? Oh wait until I tell the ladies down the club. I told you someone out there would love your book.”
“Um, it’s not that book that’s being published.”
Her mum’s voice took on a confused tone. “Oh not that book? So which then?”
Danni took a deep breath. “I wrote another one, a self-help book,” she said quickly. She could just picture her mother’s green eyes widening in surprise and her slender hand massaging her scalp as she took in the unexpected news.
“I see … I think, well that’s good isn’t it. A self-help book, maybe you could lend it to your dad and his new wife, they could use some advice!” she said laughing.
Danni let out a chuckle. She couldn’t blame her mum for being somewhat surprised; she had difficulty seeing herself as a lifestyle guru. “It’s a long story how it came about but Josh’s dad liked it enough to offer me a contract.”
“That’s brilliant, Danni. At least you’ve got your foot on the ladder. Wait ‘til I tell your nan.”
Danni nodded to herself as she strode across the room and began to unbutton her shirt. “That’s exactly what I thought.”
“So does this mean you’re not going to take the job as a road sweeper?”
Danni cradled the phone awkwardly as she slipped out of her shirt and pulled a “It’s a girl thing” T-shirt out of the cupboard. “Environmental officer mum not road sweeper.”
“Oh right,”
“And yes, I’m still taking the job,” she said before moving the phone away from her head whilst she pulled the T-shirt on.
“I was speaking to your nan about it yesterday and she has decided to give you your inheritance now, rather than wait until she passes.”
Danni sighed rubbing her forehead. “Oh mum, she doesn’t have to do that. There’s nothing wrong with being a road … Environmental … Oh, whatever they’re called. It’s not forever, it’s just until the book starts making money.” She slipped out of her trousers and kicked them to the side before putting a pair of jeans on that were hung over the cupboard door.
“I never said there was. I’m proud of your work ethic and I know a job’s a job but you have such talent darling, and a degree. Your talent needs to be nurtured. And your nan wants to help.”
“I’m very grateful but …” She looked out the window to the street below watching as the rain pelted down on the pedestrians. She imagined herself down there, a victim of the winter elements, broom in hand, at six o’clock in the morning. She then eyed her bed. It took less than a second for her to reach a decision.
“Tell Nan I said thank you and I’ll dedicate the book to her.”
“Good girl. Look, I’ve got to run, I’ve got a yoga class in fifteen minutes.”
Danni smiled to herself. She didn’t know where her mum got the energy to be as active as she was. If it wasn’t yoga, it was rock climbing or running. Danni could only hope that by the time she reached forty-five she’d be doing the same. “Okay, thanks again. Give Nan a kiss for me.”
“Will do. I’ll come down for the weekend in a few weeks.”
“Great, can’t wait. Love you.”
“Love you too, darling.”
Danni moved to her desk. There was no point in procrastinating. She’d better phone Mr Jenkins and give him the bad news.
Chapter Thirty
“Danni, my dear girl. It’s so wonderful to see you again,” Roy gushed as he rose up from behind his desk, and marched enthusiastically over to Danni. He embraced her warmly, kissing her on both cheeks – the left, then the right. Danni always had trouble with the whole kissing malarkey. Some people did two, some just the one, while some keen ones went for three. Just plain greedy. Whatever the style, Danni invariably ended up with her nose in someone’s eye or worse still, went the wrong way resulting in the embarrassing “face clash”. Today, however, the kissing Gods were on her side and she came out unscathed. One kiss each on both cheeks – textbook.
Watching Roy in his own environment, Danni saw him through new eyes. Roy was every inch the handsome older man; dignified with an air of authority, strong but not overly intimidating. He seemed positively charming – at least to her. His physical appearance was less extreme than at the previous functions – no vibrant pink waistcoat – although the flamboyance was definitely still there, that certain “exuberance” that some unmarried male actors possess, though turned down a notch. Today he had opted for a somewhat Bohemian look: creased linen jacket, black T-shirt, jeans, and barefoot. Around his neck was a leather string with the silver emblem of Buddha. Once again he simply didn’t strike her as a homophobe.
Danni smiled warmly. “And it’s lovely to see you too, Roy.”
Roy smiled then turned to Josh, patting his shoulder. “Hello, son.”
Danni took a sharp intake of breath as she caught sight of Brooke sitting with her legs-crossed on a chair at the heavy oak table.
Damn, I didn’t know she was going to be here!
Roy gestured for them to take a seat, then walked back to his own.
“Well, I hope my son has been treating you well,” Roy said winking at Josh.
“Oh yes, of course – you know Josh.” Danni grinned.
“Ha, well yes and no. He can be a mysterious one, that boy. I mean, he kept you a secret.”
Josh rolled his eyes.
Danni smiled nervously, catching Brooke’s eye. She was so uncomfortable about the whole fiancée thing. To lie in front of one person was hard enough – but Brooke as well.
“Yes, well, anyway. You’ve been causing quite a bit of excitement around here I can tell you,” Roy continued. “You know Brooke.”
“Hi, Brooke,” Danni said hardly able to speak. The two women smiled warmly at one another for a moment before both breaking eye contact and looking down.
“Brooke has a lot of confidence in your work, as do I after reading it for myself. You have quite an original approach, Danni. It’s refreshing. Truly refreshing.”
Danni briefly lowered her eyes modestly, and gave a nod to Brooke to acknowledge her further. “Thank you for saying so, Roy. It’s my first effort in this genre so it was quite an experiment. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
“No, thank you. And I just want to put your mind at rest. Your relationship with my son has absolutely nothing with our decision to develop your work – none whatsoever. I’m a businessman, Danni. Great writing is one thing, but it needs to sell. I’m sure you can understand.”
A smile broke across Danni’s face. “I’m relieved to hear that. I wouldn’t want to be given any favours. I want to be successful on my own merits.”
“Well, a young person with integrity – quite a rarity these days.” Roy smiled, flicking dust from the collar of his jacket in a rather theatrical way. He produced a rather thin contract and laid it in front of her. Her heart started to pound. So this was it? This was what she had been dreaming of her entire life. This was why she had endured – and been fired from – the dullest of jobs. This was her moment.
She picked up the stapled sheets of paper, flicking through them briefly. What the hell should she say? Luckily, she was rescued by Roy.
“This is a one book deal, Danni. Th
at’s how we work with new talent. When I first started this company, I was determined not to tie authors into lengthy contracts. If we get on and you like how I run things, I’m sure you’ll offer us first refusal on your next book. But if we don’t live up to your expectations or you get a better offer, who are we to stand in your way? The contract is pretty straight forward – but I think you should take it home with you and have a good read through before signing it.”
Danni nodded. “I will.”
“So let’s talk money. I’m sure you’re itching to know what happens next.”
She nodded eagerly. If Danni was honest she would have given the rights away for free – just to have received a letter telling her they believed in her.
“We are offering you a small advance. We don’t normally offer advances unless the book is really special. In this case I think it is. You’ll receive the balance once the book is finished of course. All the other details about royalties and such are covered in your contract. We’re planning to release the book about a year after you deliver us the completed version. Is that okay with you? It will be in e-book format to begin with and a paperback version will follow.”
“Sounds perfect.”
“Good. You’ll be working with Brooke here. She’ll walk you through the finer details, timelines and such.”
Danni turned to smile at Brooke and once again lost herself in the depths of Brooke’s eyes.
Roy leaned on the desk, pushing himself to his feet. “So, I’ll leave it with you ladies. I’m afraid I have another meeting. Congratulations again, Danni. I look forward to seeing a final draft. Josh can I have a quick word?”
As Danni and Brooke exited the office, Brooke turned her head sideways. “Have you got time for a quick chat?”
An involuntary shiver ran through Danni. “Yes of course,” she said following Brooke along a corridor and into a small windowless office.
Brooke cleared a pile of papers from a chair and indicated for Danni to sit there. “First I’d like to say congratulations. You must be so happy. And more importantly, we are very happy to be working with you, Danni. You really do have quite a talent.”
Danni lowered herself onto the seat, maintaining eye contact with Brooke the whole time. How was it possible to have such intense feelings about someone that she hadn’t even kissed yet? Yet? Was she going crazy to think that such a thing could ever happen? “Thank you Brooke, if it wasn’t for you–”
“–Nonsense. Your book stood on its own merit. If we didn’t pick it up some other publisher would. I didn’t do you any favours. Your talent and hard work did.”
Leaning forward slightly Danni said, “Thanks all the same.”
Brooke leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs. “So this is your first time being published. How does it feel?”
“Like I’m in a dream and someone is going to come and wake me up and tell me to clear some dishes.”
Brooke laughed. “I can imagine. Have you ever worked with an editor before?”
Frowning, Danni said, “No, I’ve never been able to afford one.”
“Okay, if you decide to come on board, it’s a pretty straight forward process. From what I’ve read first time round it doesn’t look like it needs any major rewrites just a few sentences tightened up here and there. Obviously I’m here to help with the development of the rest of the book. So feel free to contact me with any problems.”
“Great, thanks.”
“Do you have a timeline for when you think you will be able to complete it?”
“I think within three months. Well, that’s what I’m hoping for, anyway.”
“Okay, that’s fantastic. As I said, any problems just let me know. We can put a more detailed timeline together later, to make sure we stay on track for release.”
“That’s wonderful, thanks again for your help,” Danni said rising from her seat.
“No problem.”
There was a knock on the door. It creaked open and both women looked to see Josh appear. Danni strode over to the door.
Brooke turned her chair to face them. “Hopefully, I’ll be speaking to you soon, Danni.”
“You can count on it.”
***
Danni looped her arm through Josh’s and half skipped half walked beside him. “I can’t freaking believe it, Josh. It’s really happening, isn’t it?”
He gave her a sideway glance. “Yep. I’m so happy for you, Danni, I really am.”
Swinging around in front of him and walking backwards she asked. “By the way, what did your dad want?”
“Oh just more details about when we’ll be setting the date.”
Danni slowed down, before coming to a halt in the middle of the pavement. “What did you tell him?”
“That you wanted to concentrate on your writing for now.”
She swallowed hard. “And he was all right with that?”
Josh shrugged. “Seemed to be. Anyway enough of my dad, what do you want to do now Miss Author?”
Danni giggled like a school girl. She was giddy and on a high. Brooke and a publishing deal, could the day get any better? “I dunno – celebrate?” She grabbed onto Josh’s arm and pulled him towards her.
“Your wish is my command. My dad gave me some money to take you out and treat you.”
“Oooh, really? Spoil me all you want, I was born for it.” She laughed.
“Yep and what’s more I’m going to treat our flat to a makeover. That’s unless you’re planning to move into some lesbian love palace with Brooke now you’re about to be rich and famous?”
Danni slapped him on the shoulder. “Joooooshh!” Then she frowned. “Do you really think it’s wise taking money from your dad like that?”
Josh lifted his eyebrows. “Yes. It’s more like an advance on my wages. I’m going to work for him in the accounts department. I worked there a few years ago, they’re a good bunch – for accountants!”
“Accounts, really? What’s with the change of heart?”
“It’s nearly winter and you see these hands,” he said waving them at her. “I’d like them just the way they are.”
“I always knew you were a wuss. Bloody builder my arse,” she said laughing.
Chapter Thirty-One
The Chinese restaurant was full to capacity with a queue which snaked out into the street. May Ling’s was famous for its chef’s specials. Colourfully decorated with red ribbons and statues of dragons, it was a picture of vibrancy. The Peking duck was like no other Brooke had ever tasted, not to mention the dim sum. She was pleased that the chatter from the surrounding tables made their lack of conversation less conspicuous.
She watched as Megan navigated the sticky rice onto her chopsticks and into her mouth.
“You’re very quiet today,” Megan said between bites.
“Am I?”
“Yes. In fact you’ve been a bit off for a while now.”
Brooke took a sip of her green tea and winced at its bitterness. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Megan let out a laugh. “You’re joking right. I can’t remember the last time we had sex.”
“Shhh,” Brooke hissed as she glanced around the room. There was a very good reason for that. Since their last argument, her attraction to Megan had faded to practically nothing, despite promising herself to make another go of their relationship. Danni was all Brooke could think about. From the time Danni had come onto the scene, the contrast between the two had astounded her. She felt guilty wishing it was Danni who was lying beside her at night. That it was Danni whom she shared her days with, and all of her dreams and desires.
Brooke forked pieces of shredded duck onto a pancake and folded it over. “I’ve been tired. I’ve had a lot on.”
“Maybe if you stopped bringing your work home ...”
Brooke held the food inches from her mouth. “Let’s not go through this again, Megan.”
Megan leaned forward over the table and hissed in a low voice. “So now the table
s have turned. Now it’s you who doesn’t like all the nagging, is that it?”
It was strange. Brooke thought she would be pleased that Megan had stopped doing overnight flights for the past few weeks. Megan had kept her promises and became a permanent fixture rather than a fleeting one. But instead of enjoying Megan’s company, Brooke had found it suffocating, almost to the point where she had been praying for her to take a long distance trip.
Brooke bit a chunk of the duck pancake and chewed on it for a few seconds to buy herself time, hoping Megan would take her suggestion gracefully. Brooke looked at her for a long time. Nothing. Not one physical reaction to the woman who at one time could render her dizzy with passion with just a single glance. “Look, maybe you should, you know, go back to your normal shifts.”
Megan let out a less than humorous laugh. “Ahh, so you’re trying to get rid of me now,” she said pointing a chopstick in the air.
“Don’t be silly. I’ve just got a lot of work to get through before Christmas and I don’t want to feel guilty about not spending time with you.” Brooke prayed her words sounded sincere.
Megan looked at her suspiciously. “And that’s the only reason?”
“Of course. What else could there be?”
Megan shrugged her shoulders. “If you say so, I’ll let my boss know when I go in tomorrow.”
“Good,” Brooke said smiling as a weight lifted from her shoulders.
“So seeing as I’m not going to be around for a while, shall we have an early night tonight?” Megan asked, keeping her stare fixed on Brooke as she filled her own glass with red wine.
Brooke popped a piece of shredded beef in her mouth. “I can’t. I have some work I need to finish up.”
Megan raised her eyebrows suggestively and said in a low voice, “It doesn’t have to be an all-nighter.”
Brooke cast her eyes downwards and forced a smile. “Sorry. My head’s just not in the right place at the moment.”
Megan threw her napkin on the table. “Oh sod you then. Play your fucking mind games,” she hissed.
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