Elena
IWAS SURPRISED TO SEE A LINE OF PEOPLE OUTSIDE THE BOOK STORE STRETCHING down the street.
Of course, I know these people aren’t all here for me, but it is exciting nonetheless.
There are two other authors in attendance, who are more familiar to the public than I am.
For me, this is my introduction to the literary world and I am hoping that there would be at least some interest in my book.
Christmas Kisses by Elena Reeves is my baby and I’m super proud of my work.
I worked hard with Evie to make sure it was released before Christmas and I was pleasantly surprised by the attention it got.
This event however, was scheduled after Christmas but we decided to keep the Christmas feel with the setup to match the vibe of the book.
It’s by no means a best seller but it did better than I expected.
There are three stations set up in the store, one for each author, the setup is lovely, a backdrop to take photographs, a table set up with the Christmas theme of my book, even though it’s January, along with about twenty of my books stacked up neatly for signing.
There are a few other copies propped up on display stands and lots of candy canes everywhere.
I walk around the table to where a large poster stands on a wooden easel, it features a photo of myself holding a copy of my book.
It looks great if I do say so myself, far from the hot mess I was not two days ago.
“Good morning, Ms. Reeves. How lovely to see you. Are you excited for your first signing? I can’t tell you how pleased we are that you decided to accept our invitation. Did you have a pleasant flight over?”
Wow, the woman can go a mile a minute with just words. Slow down – Damn.
“Good morning, Miranda, is it?”
“Oh, dear forgive me, I should have introduced myself properly. Miranda Sterling. How do you do?”
“That’s quite alright, so lovely to meet you and thank you so much for this amazing opportunity. I just hope I manage to sell at least one book.” I let out a nervous laugh. I can’t imagine leaving here without a single person showing interest in my book. God that would be mortifying.
“I’m pretty sure you will, we’ve had a few enquiries after we posted the advert on our socials and they were all positive so I’m sure you’ll do well.”
“Really? I had no idea. That’s amazing.”
“Yes, really. Why don’t you take a seat at your station, make yourself comfortable for now. We will open in about fifteen minutes, all right?”
“Yeah, sure. Thank you.”
Miranda smiles and waves me to my table where I see now that I missed an entire stack of bookmarks.
Evie is busy chatting to one of the other authors while attending to the finishing touches so I take a seat and make myself comfortable.
Not knowing what else to do, I fish out my phone from my bag and check my messages. There’s a thread from Matt.
Matt: Hey babe, did you reach safe?
Matt: Hey babe, you busy?
Matt: Elena are you good? It’s not like you to ignore my messages.
Matt: Come on! You can’t be THAT busy. It’s just a book.
Matt: Okay, fine just text me when you can okay?
Could this man be any more infuriating? Am I only just now realising how awful this man has been treating me? How could I be so blind? I reply with
Me: Hey, I’m fine. I’m at the event at the moment, we’re about to start. Will text you when we are done.
Evie joins me just as I tuck my phone away.
“Are you nervous?”
“Yes! I can’t believe this is happening.” I take in a deep breath and let it out slowly. I’m feeling all sorts of emotions, fear, anxiety, stress, nervousness, sad because of my failed relationship but also happy that I’m here.
Just minutes later, the doors open and the bookshop is swarming with people.
Two hours later and I’m chatting to a woman, who turns out to be one of the enquiries Miranda mentioned.
She’s a teacher in a high school and voices her concerns about the youth not being passionate about books and reading.
It is a concern, globally. Books are far too underrated, they’re not just good for text books and information but it’s a way to let the mind escape to a world without turmoil.
Books take you to magical places and the book you choose to read dictates the place you go to.
I’ve been a bookworm since I was four. She eventually gets a photo with me, takes her copy of my book and her complimentary bookmark and wanders off.
I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome; we have an hour left and I’ve sold twenty-three books so far. Miranda had the good sense to order extra but Evie also brought a few copies with us just in case.
I take my seat after the nice lady leaves and call for the next person to come forward. Keeping my head down as I open a copy to the first page of the book, sharpie in hand, ready to sign it for the person in front of me. Without looking up I ask, “Who do I make it out to?”
“Antonio, please, and thank you.” I know that voice.
My sharpie stops mid script as I look up from my seat into the face of Adonis.
As soon as we make eye contact, I freeze.
He has that dimpled megawatt smile that makes my stomach flutter and my cheeks heat.
I’m sure I’m beet red as I feel the heat rising to my chest and face.
I clear my throat and shake my head in a motion to clear my thoughts, bad thoughts, inappropriate thoughts.
“Hi!” It’s all I manage. A feeble whimper, like a child learning to speak. I’m all flustered and he knows it. The bastard.
“Ciao Bella, how are you?”
“I’m fine thank you. What are you doing here Mr. Marino?”
“Aah, she remembers my name. I must have made an impression, no?”
“No. It’s a very easy name. Not hard to remember at all. Besides I just met you, so yes, I remember your name. It’s not like I have the memory of a gold fish.”
“You’re feisty Bella, I like you.”
“Well, that’s a relief. I don’t think I could survive thinking there’s a chance you might actually not like me. Crisis averted.” Why is Evie always missing when I need her?
“Feisty, funny and beautiful, you’re the whole package – Elena.” He enunciates each syllable, and my name has never sounded as sexy and sinful as it just did from the mouth of this Italian God.
“Can I help you Mr. Marino? As you can see, I’m a bit busy and you’re holding up the line.”
Truth be told, I can tell that the ladies in the line are far from upset about the Italian stallion standing in front of them.
No sir, they seem to be very appreciative of the free eye candy.
Mmmmm, I bet he tastes just as hot as he looks – Wait what?
Good lord I hope I kept that thought to myself.
I clear my throat again in an attempt to steer away from my carnal thoughts, looking up at Adonis again I whisper, “You didn’t hear that did you?
” He looks confused as he looks around, trying to fathom what I’m talking about.
His gaze comes back to me as he shakes his head side to side, a clear indication that he has no idea what I’m talking about.
Whew! That’s a relief. Evie makes an appearance at that moment with a stack of books in hand, she stops dead in her tracks when she spots Adonis, Uhm Mr. Marino.
She looks him square in the eyes and blurts out: -,
“What the hell do you want?”
“It’s nice to see you again too Ms.? My apologies I don’t believe I got your name?”
“That’s because I never gave it. Now, What. Do. You. Want?” She grits out each word through clenched teeth.
“Okay I must admit, I do have ulterior motives for being here. I am here for two reasons.”
“Go on then, the suspense is killing us, isn’t that right Ellie?”
I don’t answer Evie, I just stare up at this gorgeous man who couldn’t be bothered by Evie’s aggression.
“First of all, I came to get a signed copy of this book.” He gestures towards the copy still open in front of me. You have got to be kidding me. There’s no way this man reads romance books.
“Second, I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time when you’re done here. “I have – uh – how do you say? A business proposal for you.”
“Oh, hell no! She is not going to be one of your girls you creep!” Evie lets out under her breath but Adonis caught it loud and clear.
“Ms. Reeves, please, give me five minutes. I’ll wait outside for you. Bring the tigress if you must but I would prefer to speak to you in private. I assure you it is a legitimate offer.”
Evie turns to face me, a look of annoyance, anger and questioning all sketched into one portrait on her face.
I let out a sigh, “Fine, five minutes.”
“Thank you, I’ll take my copy now. Make it two copies. I’ll take one for my brother as well. Please can you make them out to Antonio and Lorenzo respectively signed with love Elena.” I stare at him, mouth wide open.
“You can’t be serious?”
“I assure you; I am very serious Elena.” I sign the books as instructed and hand them to him.
“Grazie Bellissima.” (Thank you beautiful.) He smiles his panty dropping smile at me, winks at Evie, to which he receives a snarl in return and walks off.
“I wonder what he wants from you?” Evie is quick to say. I just shrug it off.
“I guess I’ll find out soon.”
Three hours later and thirty-seven books were sold.
I think that is a decent number considering I doubted we’d sell even one copy.
Needless to say, this trip has been a success.
The doors are still open as it is still business hours.
We pack up everything we can ensuring that the space is left neat and tidy.
Evie takes the rest of the unsold books to Miranda and I make my way to the other authors.
I get a copy of each of their books and they congratulate me on a successful day.
We all did well, Miranda did an excellent job with marketing.
I say goodbye to the ladies and look for Evie after thanking Miranda for a successful event.