The doors opened and people hurried in. Marcy added, “I don’t see Eve here today.”
“She had a prior engagement. My mother will be at the next one.”
The first person in line, an older woman, handed her a copy ofDo No Harm. She said, “I already read it. It was wonderful, Noreen.” She was getting used to people thinking they knew her because they’d read her book. “Is Lacy Montgomery based on you?”
“No. I used my medical knowledge to write parts of the story but I’m not her.” Except for one thing. Everybody thought Lacy had it together, but she didn’t.
Noreen took a sip of water as the next person came up to her table. A young girl, probably sixteen. Her bulky jacket was too big for her, and she wore sneakers instead of boots. “Hello, Ms. Shannon. My name’s Mindy.”
“Hi, Mindy.” She scribbled a greeting and her name in the book.
“Can I tell you something?”
“Of course.”
“I want to be a doctor, like you were.”
“Good luck with that.” She gave the girl a smile. “It happens to ordinary people like me.”
“You’re not ordinary. You’re special.”
“Thank you.” For some reason, she added, “You’re special too, Mindy. Not everybody wants to devote their lives to helping others.”
“Thanks.” She shifted from one foot to the other. “Can we be friends, Noreen?”
For a minute, she stilled. Then she said, “I’m friends with all my readers.” She searched for Marcy, her agent, who was already on her way over.
“Come with me, dear,” Marcy said. “We don’t want to monopolize our guest.” Gently, she grasped the girl’s arm and led her away.
Well, that wasn’t pleasant.
A man was next in line. He was nice looking and had a friendly demeanor. “I don’t usually read women authors, but this one was so gripping, I’m going back to buy your first, too.”
She pointed to the other pile on the table. “It’s right here. You can get it today.”
“Thanks. Would you autograph both?”
“Of course.”
It was fans like him that made the events not only lucrative but enjoyable.
Chapter 2
Nick took a deep breath as he headed to the cardiac surgical wing of Penn Hospital. He wished he hadn’t been compelled to drive down here. He had to face his family, who he’d neglected since Scotty died. To top everything off, it had rained like hell on the whole two-hour trip.
He reached the waiting room and stepped inside. And there they were. His family huddled together at a round table only twenty feet away. He crossed to them. “Good morning.”
Someone turned. Tommy. His brother smiled broadly. “Nick. You made it.” He stood and hugged Nick. Nick didn’t hug anymore but he allowed the embrace.
“I told you I’d come.” He drew back as soon as possible.
A woman stood too. “Hello Nick.”
“Lisa. You’re looking well.”
“You too.”
He’d dressed down in jeans and a light green cashmere sweater.
