Chapter 32
thirty-two
. . .
Winnie
The last few weeks had been amazing. I had one book in editing and another that was about to release, and I had a break from writing right now.
Early copies, also known as ARCs or advanced reader copies, had been sent to tons of influencers, and the early feedback was absolutely blowing my mind. People were gushing about this book, and I couldn’t wait for it to be out in the world.
Archer was so interested in the whole process, and I loved that he cared.
My first two book releases were very different experiences.
My father had taken me to dinner both times, because Jaden thought it was silly to chase a pipe dream and thought I should be picking up more hours at the advertising firm I worked at instead of writing.
“So you get to catch your breath a little now. And the first round of edits you got back for this last book were really positive, right?” he asked as he studied me from behind his desk. I’d stopped by his office to drop off some cupcakes I’d made.
“Yes. I didn’t have a ton to fix, which was great. Now it’s off to copy edits.” I shrugged.
“That’s amazing. So many moving parts in this business. And Whisper Sweet Nothings releases in two weeks,” he said. “You’ll be traveling for release day, so we’ll have to do something to celebrate before you go. Or we can do it when you get back if you prefer.”
My breath hitched. He was so thoughtful, and I didn’t realize how much I needed that in my life.
“Thank you. Just celebrating with you and Melody anytime will be great.”
A part of me wanted to ask him to come with me on the book tour.
I wasn’t looking forward to being away from them for a week.
But my publisher had booked a pretty busy couple of days of signings for me, and I’d be on a plane and on the go the whole time.
Melody couldn’t miss school, and Archer would need to be there for her, and he had work as well.
I wouldn’t ask him to do that. It wouldn’t be fair.
Melody was off for spring break next week, and we were hosting Easter at his house.
“Our house” was what he’d repeatedly said to me.
My father was flying in for Easter so he could meet Archer and Melody. They’d FaceTimed often, but it was important for them to meet in person now.
“I’m proud of you,” he said.
“For what?” I laughed, an attempt to shrug it off. I’d never been great with praise or attention on me.
“For chasing your dreams, Winnie. For knowing there was something else out there for you and going after it. For leaving a marriage that wasn’t working. Tuning out the voice of a weak man who tried to crush your dreams. You know what you want, and you go after it. It’s fucking impressive.”
“Maybe that’s why we get along so well,” I said. “I feel the same about you.”
“Do you now?”
“Yep. You were in a relationship that was a happy one, and you were thrown a curveball. You didn’t hesitate.
You followed your gut, and you stepped up to the plate in the most amazing way for your daughter.
You built a home for her and a life for her, and she’s this amazing little human.
And then you started a company from the ground up, and now you employ over thirty-five people.
And you never complain about being tired or not having any time for yourself.
You just do it all. You’re everything to everyone. ”
“Damn. We’re impressive,” he said with a laugh. “But I do have the world’s best nanny helping me balance my life, so that makes a big difference.”
I chuckled. “We’re a good team, Archie.”
“The best team, beautiful.”
“Okay, I need to get going. I have a meeting with Laney, my agent, in an hour. She said she has a lot to go over with me today.” I stood up.
He came around the desk and kissed me. “Have a good meeting, beautiful.”
He took my hand and led me out of his office.
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“I’m walking my woman to her car.”
I’m here to say that chivalry does not only live in the pages of a fictional book.
He helped me into the car, reached over and buckled my seat belt, and then kissed me again.
Normally, I liked to be independent. I would never have let Jaden buckle my seat belt, nor would he have wanted to.
But with Archer, I liked the way he cared for me.
The way he paid attention to my needs.
I had more needs than I’d ever realized, because I’d been so used to taking care of myself.
Archer had taught me that just because I could do something on my own didn’t mean that I had to do it on my own.
And I liked doing things for him as well.
No one was keeping score. It just came naturally.
“See you at home later,” he said as he closed the door.
I drove the short distance back home, where I put a roast in the slow cooker, tossed in some laundry, and then sat down for my Zoom call.
“Hey,” Laney said. “I’ve got big news for you.”
“Okay. I’m here for all the big news.”
“First off, the preorders for Whisper Sweet Nothings are off the charts. The reviews coming in from early readers and all the shares, they’ve just magnified things. Apparently a few TikToks have gone viral, and needless to say, the publisher is absolutely thrilled.”
“Oh, that’s amazing. Great news. I’ve seen a big uptick in sales on my dashboard for the first two books.”
“Yes, they said the print versions are flying off the shelves faster than they can stock them.” She clapped her hands together twice before continuing. “They’ve had a ton of stores reach out, and they want to extend the tour.”
“Extend the tour? What does that mean?”
“It means everyone is hustling to get you some graphics, assuming you agree to a three-week tour.” She shook her head and smiled. “They want you to add New York, Philly, Virginia, North Carolina, and a few Midwest cities, including your hometown of Chicago.”
My heart raced. “What? I’d be doing all of that on this tour?”
“Yes. And I’ll be going with you for part of it.
If you agree to the itinerary I just sent over, we’ll get things booked.
They have a few news stations that want to have you on as well.
So it’s going to be a ton of PR for this release.
This is so exciting, Winnie,” she squealed.
“Why do you look like a deer in headlights?”
I laughed. “No, I’m just caught off guard. This is amazing. Very surprising and exciting, and of course, yes, I’ll make arrangements to get things covered here. I’m on board with whatever they want to do.”
My stomach was in knots. This was incredible news, but I was also nervous about being gone that long.
I had a routine now.
One that I liked a lot.
One where people depended on me.
I was also supposed to start writing again the week that I was scheduled to return, and now I’d be gone much longer.
“Your UK publisher reached out about having you fly out to London for a stop, but I just don’t know that we can fit that in.”
“London?” I gaped at her, feeling completely overwhelmed.
“Yes. I told them we could plan it for the release of book four. Does that sound better?”
I blew out a breath. This was a lot. “Yes. We can do it for book four.”
Was I having an out-of-body experience? My lips were moving. I appeared overjoyed. But inside I was panicking. Things were happening so quickly.
This was unexpected.
My little internal planner self was overwhelmed.
Could you be thrilled and terrified all at the same time?
Yes. Apparently, you could.
“Okay, I’m going to let them know to get it all booked, and you and I are hitting the road in just a few weeks. Time to do some retail damage and get some outfits. You’ve got a lot of events to prepare for.”
“Can’t wait,” I said. I was still trying to process everything.
I ended the call and sent a text to Archer, even though I knew he was in a meeting. I just wanted to let him know. He replied with confetti emojis and told me he was so proud of me. He even said for me to text the girls and go shopping for some outfits.
He was on board and happy for me.
Hey. I just found out the book tour is no longer one week, it’s going to be a three-week tour with a lot more stops. I need to get some new outfits, where should I go?
Lulu
Whattttt! Three weeks! Let’s go!
Lulu
This is my dream come true. Let me style you for the tour. I promise I’ll let you wear a bow every day in your hair.
I love this idea because I have no idea what to wear.
Henley
Congrats. This is amazing. What if we do a girls’ day in the city this weekend? We can all pick things out for you to wear.
Wren
Holy shitballs. I’m so happy for you. I’m in for Saturday. I have no fashion sense outside barn couture, but I will go along to cheer you on and eat good food.
Emilia
This. Is. Amazing. WINNIE! Look at you go. I’m in.
Eloise
First, we get to read the books early, and now we get to shop for book tour outfits. Count me in. All your hard work is paying off. I’m so happy for you.
You guys are the best. Thank you. Love you.
They all responded by saying how happy they were for me, and that they loved me, too.
I was grateful that I’d found friends who felt like family.
There was a knock on the door, and I padded out of my office and down the hallway. When I pulled the door open, I was thrilled to see Isabelle. Archer’s mom had been so good to me, and she occasionally stopped by for a cup of tea or just to catch up.
“Hey, sweetheart. I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d pop in and check on you.”
I hurried into her arms. My head was spinning, and I was a weird mix of elated and anxious, and I just needed a hug.
“Hey,” she said, wrapping her arms around me a little tighter. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m good,” I said, pulling back and motioning for her to come inside. We made our way to the kitchen, where I put on the teakettle as I filled her in on all that had just happened. I pulled out two cupcakes from a Tupperware and set them down at the table for us as well.
She just listened as I rambled on about all of it.
I poured our tea into the mugs I’d set out and placed them in front of us before finally sitting down.
Her hand came over mine, and she smiled. “First and foremost, congratulations, Winnie. This is very exciting, and you’ve worked really hard for this.”
“Yes. It’s everything I hoped for.” I shrugged. “It’s actually beyond what I hoped for.”
“I get that. And it’s going to be a very busy couple of weeks for you. Are you nervous about the travel?” she asked.
“I don’t think so. I’m fine with traveling.”
“Okay. Is it the book signings themselves that have you anxious?”
Again, I thought her question over. “I don’t think that’s an issue, either. I mean, I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that anyone is going to come stand in line to meet me. But I’m excited for that part. I don’t feel nervous about that.”
“Are you nervous about leaving Archer and Melody?” she asked as she took a sip of her tea.
“I’m not nervous in the sense that I’m worried they won’t be okay.
” I blew out a breath. “I’m nervous about being away from them.
We have a routine together, and I’m used to that.
And I’m going to miss them. I’m going to miss them so much.
I won’t be here for homework or dinner or bath time.
” My heart raced, and I placed a hand on my chest as the words left my mouth.
“I won’t be here to hear about Archer’s day, or pick Melody up from school.
What if they need me? What if they miss me and I’m not there for them. ”
What in the hell was happening to me?
They’d be fine. I’d be fine.
Why was I panicking?
“Oh, sweetheart, this is what happens when you love deeply. It’s hard to be away from the people we love.
But that can’t stop you from doing the things you want to do in your life.
Archer and Melody support you. Our whole family supports you.
And love should never mean clipping your wings.
Love should allow you to soar. And they will be waiting for you with open arms when you come back. ”
Love.
She knew what this was.
Maybe I was anxious that we hadn’t said it to one another.
And now I’d be leaving.
I nodded. “Yes. I know that. I’m probably just caught off guard because I wasn’t expecting this.”
“Of course you are. That’s more than fair.” She squeezed my hand.
I nodded. I knew she was right. It was silly to stress about being gone for three weeks.
Time would pass in the blink of an eye, and they’d barely notice that I was gone.