2. Alanis
CHAPTER 2
Alanis
M y whole body quivers with excitement and I reread the same paragraph three times at least.
My best friend is coming to see me!
I know, I know! It’s ridiculous to think that my best friend is thousands of miles away on the east coast. After all, I live in a friendly little town on the other side of the country. All the people here are nice and willing to make the effort for their community.
But I’ve always had the hardest time making friends. That’s why it was so easy to just send a letter to my favorite author. We didn’t have to see each other. It was just a one-time thing.
But then she replied and she was so nice and funny and I just couldn’t resist writing back to her. Two years later I was just crazy enough to ask her to come out here to my bookstore for an appearance. And now she’s said yes! I feel like a giddy schoolgirl.
I put the book down knowing that there’s no way in heck I can actually concentrate on it, even though I love Lily L’Amour’s books. This one is one of my favorites but it just can’t distract me tonight. Lily said she’s going to be here for Valentine’s Day and the festivities that weekend. So that means less than a week before she shows up.
I’ve already put the notice up on my website and the social media sites. I’ve been swamped with people coming out of the woodwork, desperate to see their favorite reclusive author. I can’t keep her books in stock and it’s all shaping up to be the biggest success of my little store’s lifetime.
I pick up the list of things that I need to take care of before she shows up. The biggest being finding out if she needs picked up. But I don’t have her phone number. And her social media accounts seem to be run by her editors. So I can’t private message her.
I sigh and shove my fingers through my curly red hair. I don’t think I can take care of that one unless she contacts me.
The phone rings and I answer it, distracted. “Hello, Book Nook! How can I help you?”
“Ummm. Yes. I’m with….Lily L’Amour. We’re reaching out to make sure that everything’s set for…the visit.” The man’s voice is deep and husky. Commanding.
I giggle. “Thank you so much for checking in! I was just thinking about the fact that I don’t know if she needs anything for the visit. What about a place to stay? I’d be happy to put her up at my place. I’ve got a spare bedroom. It has its own private bath.”
“Oh…umm. I’m sure that’s not necessary. Ummm, she doesn’t want to put you out.”
“Oh no! I’m so looking forward to meeting her! I would consider it an honor to house her for her visit!”
“If you’re sure?” There’s a question in his soft murmur and I smile into the phone.
“I assure you. I’ve never been more sure of anything. I’ve been looking forward to this since I got her letter.”
“You do know that she might be a lot different than she appears in her books and letters.”
“I’m sure. We’re all different in person. But I’m really looking forward to this.” A hand presses against my forehead. “Unless you think that she doesn’t want to stay here? I mean, if she wants to stay someplace nicer with room service or something, I’m sure the bed and breakfast in town would be happy to have her. I just don’t want Lily to be uncomfortable….”
“I’m sure it will be alright if it’s alright with you. Uh, Lily isn’t really that worried about amenities. She just prefers to fly under the radar when she travels.”
“Of course! Has she ever done a book signing? I looked around online and couldn’t find one.”
“Actually…no. This will be the first one.”
“I’m sure that she’ll have some wonderful surprises for her fans.”
“You have no idea,” he mutters.
“Is there anything else I can take care of for Lily?”
“No, that’s alright. She’s…well, she’s really excited to meet you in person.”
I can’t hold in the huge smile that feels like it’s about to crack my face. “Same here.”
“We’ll be there next Tuesday. Lily wants to get a chance to spend some time with you before the signing. And the activities around town for Valentine’s Day too!”
“Oh, I wasn’t sure that she was interested in participating in our little town’s festivities?”
He chuckles and it makes goosebumps skitter across my arms. “She’s very interested. Sounds pretty funny. Sometimes the best things are the little things that are particular to an area. Traditions are a big thing for her.”
“Terrific! I look forward to hearing her do karaoke! I bet she’ll pick the theme from The Love Boat!”
He chokes on a laugh. “I think you’ll lose that bet.” He gets quiet. “I should go. I’ve got a lot of things to take care of before I…we leave.”
“Of course.” For some reason disappointment fills me. I’ve never talked to a man who makes me feel so comfortable. “I look forward to meeting y’all in person.”
He sighs. “I certainly hope that you’re not disappointed. We’ll see you soon.”
Then he hangs up and I stare at the phone, confused. Why on earth would I be disappointed? This is the most exciting thing to happen to me in…well ever!
The next few days are gonna feel like a lifetime of hours. But I can do this. Because I’m about to meet the most important person in my life!