Luna #2
I rush to stabilize the ladder and catch it before it falls. “Jeez, Liv! There's no need to die over the special editions.”
Olivia laughs, “Oh, but wait until you see them for yourself, Loo.” She says, using the nickname she’s given me as she climbs down the ladder and takes my hand, “Come on, they're already set up in the front for tomorrow night.” I can’t hide my excitement as we approach the storefront.
Tomorrow night will be my first in-person author event. Olivia organized everything—from the guest list to the theme—and the storefront is transformed entirely; my jaw is on the floor. “Olivia! This is too much!” I say, taking it all in.
The library portion of the store has been repainted from the burnt-orange it was when she bought it to a deep purple that almost looks black.
Gothic-style candelabras illuminate the room in warm, incandescent light, evoking the ambiance of an old Victorian library.
The brewery portion is painted the same color, but above the bar area is a neon-purple sign reading, ‘Spines & Steins.’ The cheap-looking tables and chairs that came with the building have been replaced with wrought-iron ones, adding another level to the Gothic beer garden that Olivia has always dreamed of creating.
“Nonsense, Luna! You know I have been wanting to paint this place and make it mine since I bought it, and what a more perfect opportunity than when my best friend is hosting her first author event!” Olivia squeals.
I feel tears prickling my lashes. I blink them away and rush to Olivia, squeezing her tightly to keep the tears from falling. “Thank you. For everything.”
And I mean everything, and she knows it, too.
Olivia sinks into my hug, holding me tighter. “Of course, Loo. I’m just glad you’re here and safe. Now, enough sadness. Come look at the special editions!” She takes me to the table closest to the door and hands me a book. “Isn’t it beautiful?”
The book is wrapped in art I commissioned from an artist I met on BookTok, and the lettering is in silver foil.
The scene is of Vera standing over one of her many victims, and she stands stoically, her weapon to her side, with wind-swept hair, and she’s looking over the Boston skyline.
It’s a popular scene from the end of book one that resonated with many readers because Vera admits she likes killing the world's vermin. She wouldn’t apologize for being a vigilante, either.
Vera is unapologetically herself, and I wish I could be like her sometimes.
I’m unsure if I could kill anyone for fun, as Vera does, but if pushed far enough, maybe?
I don’t know. However, we are alike in other aspects, because I gave her my trauma.
“They are gorgeous, Liv. I should start paying you as my PA because what the hell! How did you do this?”
“I asked the artist who did the artwork if they could rework it into a book cover for the special edition. They were happy to do so! And I wouldn’t say no to being put on Luna Stirling's payroll.” Olivia laughs.
I give her a nudge. “Say less. Welcome to the team. It’s me, myself, and I, so getting used to the voices could prove challenging.
” We laugh, but Olivia perks up suddenly and dashes to the bar, holding her finger up.
“Do you have a marker so I can start signing a few?” I ask, watching her dip below the bar, and she pulls out a bottle of Dom Perignon and two champagne flutes.
“Olivia, you didn’t!” I shout, walking over to the bar.
“Oh, hush! I’ve been saving this for years. I bought it with my first big girl paycheck and told myself I’d save it for a moment just like this. So, if you don’t mind, just shut the fuck up and drink the drink.” Olivia smiles, handing me the champagne flute.
I laugh, shaking my head. “You’re killing me.”
Olivia hums against her flute, “Speaking of killing you—we are going out tonight. We're heading to Pyre to celebrate before the big night! I know the owner, Jordyn Forthsythe. She’ll get us past the insane line that’s always out front.”
I nearly choked on the champagne. “What? Liv, you know how I am about crowds and loud people. Why would you torture me?”
“Oh, please, Luna. It’s one night, and I know the owner. She’s a fan, dying to meet you. We’ll have VIP treatment at the hottest nightclub in Boston. It’s going to be fun, Loo. Trust me.”
“Well, technically, it will be two nights because of both events. I don’t know if my social meter is calibrated for that just yet,” I say sheepishly, sipping on my champagne.
“Luna Stirling—”
“Uh-oh, she’s using my last name. I’m in trouble now.” I joke, but Olivia does not find it as funny.
“I’m trying to be serious, Luna. I need you to hear me.
You are a strong, independent woman who has just come out of a terrible situation, but you’re on the other side of the country now, in a city too big for Greg to care to find you, and thanks to my friend, he can’t.
I think it’s time you brought some fun back into your life.
You’ve got your routine down. What’s the harm in letting loose every once in a while?
” Olivia raises her drink. “So, are you coming tonight?”
I bite my bottom lip, letting her words sink in before I respond.
She’s right. I need to get out. So, what’s stopping me? It’s time to bury the past and move on from it, right? “Fine. I will come out tonight. Pyre is a cool nightclub name, and I want to see what it looks like for myself.” I say, giving Olivia a shy smile, still unsure if I made the right choice.
“Yay! Finish your glass, and I’ll get you that marker,” Olivia says, throwing hers back and disappearing to the back.
I laugh at her giddiness, returning to the display table, and place the book I’ve been holding back in its place.
Olivia steps out from behind and hands me the marker.
“I think you should sign at least ten books from each stack. You’ll have to sign more during the event, but at least you won’t have to sign them all at once.
About two hundred people are expected to come, which is great because I ordered enough for the event to stock the shelves afterward. ”
I nod, blowing out a breath. “Sounds great. I’ll get right on it, Personal Assistant Lady!”
“Good. If you need me, I’ll be in the back rearranging.” Olive turns on her heel, exaggerating her hip sway to make herself look more bossy.
I smile as I open the first book, looking over the art once again, and get to signing.