Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen
CARA
“Okay, Franny. I think the schedule we’ve got is a pretty solid one.
If you can finish the first draft by September, that’ll give you plenty of time to have the beta’s done and have it edited by early October before it goes off to the editor.
You’re already what? Almost seventy percent done? That’s totally doable.”
I finished up the call with Francesca, a local romance author that had done signings in Drea’s store, and took a long sip of my water.
I always felt dehydrated after a phone call, especially when we talked about schedules.
We usually discussed a schedule for the next two years, sometimes three, so there was a lot of talking involved.
I loved my job, though. Seeing an author’s excitement in preparation for a new release, or even just brainstorming a new idea they have. I loved all aspects of my job, even when I went home at the end of the day exhausted.
“Knock, knock.” I smiled before looking to see Vera leaning against my door frame wearing an incredibly tight white t-shirt and jeans.
“I already had lunch, just like the last time you came knocking on my door.”
“What kind of salad did you get this time? Chicken? Cobb? Caesar?” She smirked.
I liked salad, was that a crime? I was so busy during the day, it was the easiest thing to get. I scowled before answering, crossing my arms like a petulant child. “Cobb.” I sighed, waving her into my office. “What is it today?”
She smiled and practically skipped to my desk, placing the bag down and rummaging through it, taking out containers. “Empanadas and the best mexican rice ever to be made. Courtesy of my abuela.”
“Does she know you’re giving away your food?”
She nodded. “I told her I give some to a friend sometimes. She’s very interested as to who this friend is, but she gives me extra because I’m such a good girl.”
I almost choked on nothing. Those were not words I needed to hear in a sexy latina accent. “A friend? Is that what we are? And thank you, it smells delicious. Please thank her for me.”
She leaned against my desk and smiled, her confidence on full display right next to those arms. I mean, seriously, what the hell was her lifting regimen? The amount of times I’d fantasized about her using those arms to lift me up against a wall, was unsettling to think about.
“I mean, we are kind of dating now, so I’d say we’re friends.”
I rolled my eyes. “Fake dating.” I sighed. She had been incredibly nice to me, despite my less-than-friendly responses. We had to be believable as a couple, and I figured actually being friends was a good place to start. “And I guess we are. How did I let this happen?”
She shrugged. “It was inevitable. I’m very charming.”
“Just a little,” I said, bringing my thumb and pointer finger together until they were centimeters apart. I couldn’t have hid my smile if I tried.
“You’re starting to like me, aren’t you, princesa?”
I opened my mouth to answer but jumped when a knock sounded at my door. I looked away from Vera to see Drea standing there smiling, glancing back and forth between us.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know you had company. I just came to drop off something for Blair. She had an appointment, and asked me to stop by. Is this a bad time?”
I shook my head, rounding my desk to give her a hug. “No. Now’s perfect. Vera was just dropping off lunch. What is this?”
“How very sweet of you, Vera. Oh, it’s Blair’s manuscript for the hockey romance she’s working on. She finished it a little early and wanted you to take a look at it, whenever you have time. It looks like you’re a little busy, so take your time.” She winked.
I suppressed an eye roll and the itch to look at Vera. “Perfect. I’ll call her later to say thank you. Was that all?”
She smiled, stepping deeper into my office, and I groaned.
I was really hoping that would’ve been all.
“Actually, I’m glad I’ve caught you both.
I wanted to remind you of the engagement party this weekend.
I know it’s about two years too late, but I wanted to wait until Blair’s book tour was over before we started planning.
It’s at the house, so it’s very casual.”
I nodded. “Yes, of course. I remember.”
“Good. Vera, you’ll be there, too? I’m sure Cara’s already told you about it?”
I turned to Vera who smiled. “Of course she did, and we’ll be there.”
Drea looked between the two of us and smiled. “Great! We’ll see you both on Saturday. Oh, by the way, it’s a pool party. Bye!”
“What?!” I shouted but she had already rounded the corner. Blair told me about the party weeks ago, but she failed to mention it was a pool party. That was the last thing I needed. Vera in a… whatever she went swimming in.
“So, we’re going to a party?” Vera lifted one eyebrow like I should’ve told her sooner. To be honest, I had completely forgotten about it until Drea said something. Well, that’s not true. It’s been in my calendar for weeks, but it slipped my mind that Vera would have to go with me.
I groaned. “A pool party, apparently. At Drea’s house. Have you ever been? If not, I can drive.”
She shook her head. “No, I’ve never been, but I’m looking forward to it.”
“It’ll be something, that’s for sure.”