He ran a hand through his hair. “This is awful, Nick.”
“I know. Let’s get through this part today.”
Both Steph and Pax were unhappy, but they had to hear everything before the hearing tomorrow.
* * *
Noreen helped her agent, Marcy White, move her books from the counter to the signing table. The clerk at The Book Nook was busy with customers who milled around, waiting for her. The back of the store was crowded and people lined up out the door. “Excited to have your first signing in Westwood where you live now?” Marcy asked.
“Yes. Although I don’t have a lot of friends here.”
“Noreen, dear, you would if you let people close.”
“I know. But I’ll enjoy today very much because I obviously have fans.”
A table had been set up, with a pink tablecloth and a bouquet of carnations. Their flowery scent filled the air. She whispered, “Don’t they know this book is a mystery with some gore in it?”
“Hush.” Marcy studied the bouquet. “There’s a card on these.”
Noreen picked out the missive nestled in some leafy greens. “Good luck, today, Noreen. I’ll be there with bells on.” She
frowned. “No signature.”
“Well, you have a few groupies. Don’t worry about it. There are tons of people around.”
When the crowd was let in, they scrambled for seats. Once they got their book from Noreen, there was a table three feet away where they could cash out.
Marcy surveyed the room. “All the chairs are taken and there’s standing room only in the back. Are you ready to start?”
“Yes.” She came around the table and leaned against it, facing the audience. The audience quieted.
“Hello, everyone. Thank you for coming.” She started reading…
Melanie Bright lived up to her name. She was the most popular doctor at Memorial Central.
She concentrated on the girl sitting on the exam table. “Hey, little one, you ready for this?”
“You gonna fix both my broken legs?”
“Yes, honey. You’ll be running in no time.”
She spoke more with the girl, then a nurse came up to her. “Dr. Bright, it’s time to go scrub in.”
To the child, she said, “I’ll see you soon.”
But Melanie Bright never made it to the operating room…
Noreen held up the book and the group clapped. They were anxious to read the second Melody Bright novel out today.
She circled back around the table, sat down and pasted a smile on her face. It turned real when she saw her mother first in line. “Hello, Mom. I’m so glad you came.” Eve looked beautiful in a long flowing skirt and peach sweater that matched the coat she held over her arm. She set a book on the table. “You’ve already got a copy.”
“I know, darling. But this is an event. I love watching you shine.” She pointed to the book. “This is my pass-around copy. I won’t let anyone borrow the one you signed for me. Just put your signature in it.” She leaned in and Noreen was warmed by the scent of her mother’s essence. “I’m not leaving though. I’m planning to stay around and enjoy the festivities for a while.”
“There’s coffee and cookies over there behind the cash out desk. Love you Mom.”
Noreen recognized the next person in line. “Well, hello again.”
“Hello. Do you remember me?”
