Chapter 40
FORTY
Nate arrived at Melody's pre-order launch, his heart racing like he was about to jump out of a plane without a parachute.
The Emerald City Book Shop was packed, the air buzzing with anticipation and the scent of fresh ink.
He adjusted his tie for the hundredth time, feeling like he was about to make history or become a cautionary tale in Publishing Weekly.
"Alright, Carlisle," he muttered under his breath. "Time to either make history or become a cautionary tale in Publishing Weekly."
He scanned the crowd, searching for Melody.
When he spotted her, his breath caught in his throat.
She was radiant in a sleek black dress, her auburn hair piled into an elegant updo high above her shoulders.
She was talking animatedly with a group of readers, her eyes sparkling with passion, a few tendrils of soft hair spilling towards her face.
And she had never looked more fucking gorgeous.
Before he could make his way to her, a hand clapped his shoulder. He turned to see Alex, his smile peeking beneath his ginger-hued beard.
"Look at you, Romeo," Alex teased. "Ready to storm the castle and rescue your fair maiden from the evil publishing empire?"
"First, never call me Romeo again. Second, Melody doesn't need rescuing. And third... I think I might throw up."
Alex laughed, steering him towards the bar. "Liquid courage it is, then. One 'Career Suicide on the Rocks' coming right up."
As they waited for their drinks, Nate spotted his mother across the room. She caught his eye and gave him a subtle nod. At least someone in his family was on his side.
The emcee's voice cut through the chatter, announcing the start of the event. Nate downed his drink in one gulp, ignoring Alex's impressed whistle.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the emcee announced, "please welcome the woman of the hour, the author who’s, once again, about to set the literary world on fire – Melody Archer!"
The crowd erupted in applause as Melody took the stage. She looked nervous but determined, her chin held high. As she began to speak about her book, her passion shone through, captivating the audience.
Nate found himself moving closer to the stage, drawn in by her words. This was it. The moment of truth.
As Melody finished her speech, Nate made his way to the stage. The emcee looked confused but handed him the microphone when he gestured for it.
"Thank you, Melody," Nate said, his voice surprisingly steady. "Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention for a moment."
The room fell silent, all eyes on him. He caught Melody's gaze, seeing confusion and a hint of something else—hope, maybe?
"For those who don't know me, I'm Nathaniel Carlisle, Melody's editor and... well, that's part of what I want to talk about tonight."
He took a deep breath, plunging ahead before he could lose his nerve.
"Melody Archer's book isn't just a great romance novel. It's a revolution in storytelling. It challenges conventions, pushes boundaries, and reminds us why we fell in love with books in the first place."
The crowd murmured approvingly. Nate saw Melody's eyes widen in surprise.
"But getting this book to you wasn't easy. We faced resistance, pressure to conform to outdated norms. And that's why I'm here tonight, not just as Melody's editor, but as someone who believes in the future of publishing."
He paused, his eyes scanning the crowd. He spotted his father near the back, his face a mask of controlled fury. Too late to back out now.
"I'm proud to announce that Carlisle Publishing is launching a new imprint, one dedicated to author-centric publishing.
We're calling it 'Vox Libris' – the Voice of Books.
This imprint will focus on nurturing unique voices, pushing creative boundaries, and revolutionizing the way we approach storytelling. "
The room erupted in excited chatter. Nate saw industry professionals leaning in, clearly intrigued.
"Melody's book will be the flagship title for Vox Libris. It represents everything we stand for – bold storytelling, authentic voices, and a willingness to challenge the status quo."
He turned to Melody, who was staring at him in shock and... was that admiration?
"Melody, your book isn't just a triumph for you. It's a beacon for every writer who's been told their story doesn't fit the mold. Thank you for reminding us what true creativity looks like."
The applause was deafening. Melody's eyes were shining, a brilliant smile lighting up her face. For a moment, it was just them, sharing in this triumph.
Then reality came crashing back in the form of his father's voice.
"Nathaniel!" his father bellowed, pushing through the crowd. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
The room fell silent, the air literally humming with nerves. Leveling his gaze at his father, Nate stood his ground.
"I'm doing what's right for Carlisle Publishing," Nate said, keeping his voice level. "What's right for the industry."
His father's face was thunderous. "You have no authority to make these decisions. This... this stunt ends now."
Nate felt a presence beside him and turned to see his mother, her expression serene but determined.
"Actually, Liam," she said coolly, "as a major shareholder in Carlisle Publishing, I fully support Nathaniel's initiative. The board will be quite interested to hear about this innovative new direction."
His father sputtered, clearly caught off guard. "Elizabeth, you can't be serious. This will ruin us!"
"On the contrary," his mother replied. "I believe it will save us. The publishing world is changing, Liam. It's time we changed with it."
The tension in the room was palpable. Nate caught Melody's eye, seeing a swirl of concern and... something else. Something that made his heart race.
"Now," his mother continued, her tone brooking no argument, "I suggest we table this discussion for a more appropriate time and place. This is Ms. Archer's night, after all."
“It is.” Nate nodded at his father. “And in case you need any more clarification, that was Elizabeth Carlisle speak for ‘fuck off.’” He blinked. “As for ‘Nathaniel Carlisle speak’, this one will be easier to interpret. Dad, I still love you. But you can definitely fuck off.”
With a final glare at Nate, his father stalked off. The crowd, sensing the drama was over, began to disperse, buzzing with excited chatter about the new imprint.
Nate turned to Melody, suddenly aware of how public this whole scene had been. "Melody, I—"
"Not here," she said quietly. "Meet me in the back room in five minutes."
As she walked away, Nate was left wondering if he had just made the biggest mistake or the best decision of his life.
Five minutes later, Nate slipped into the back room, his nerves on edge. Melody was there, pacing back and forth.
"Nate," she said as soon as he entered, "what the hell was that?"
He took a deep breath. It was now or never.
"That was me taking a stand. For your book, for our vision, for... for us."
Melody's eyes widened. "Us?"
Nate stepped closer, his heart pounding.
"Melody, I... I'm in love with you. I think I have been since the moment you first argued with me about semicolon usage.
You challenge me, inspire me, drive me absolutely crazy in the best possible way.
And I want to build this future with you – both professionally and personally. "
Melody stared at him, stunned into silence. Nate had never seen her at a loss for words before.
"I know it's complicated," he continued, the words tumbling out. "I know we're risking a lot. But I believe in us, in what we can create together. So what do you say, Archer? Ready to write the next chapter with me?"
He held his breath, waiting for her response. The air between them was charged with possibility, with the potential for something amazing or catastrophic.
Melody opened her mouth to speak, and Nate braced himself for whatever came next.
But then he heard the emcee call her back to the stage. She looked over her shoulder.
“Mel—” he started.
“I have to go,” she cut him off, hazel eyes lowering. “I’m…sorry. But I have to. This is my job. I’ll talk to you soon…okay?”
His chest tightened, his gaze falling before returning to her face. “Sure. Whatever you have to do.”
She swallowed, nodding, before turning and nearly running out of the room.
Nate watched her, taking note of every step.
That’s it. He’d done it. Put his whole professional career on the line for the personal one he’d been wanting for too long with Mel.
And it blew up in his face.
So much for happily-ever-afters.
Grabbing his phone, he sent a text out to Alex.
Looks like it’s going to be a triple whiskey sort of night.