I pack up and take my things to the coffee shop, placing my usual order. I find a comfortable spot near the window and set up my computer.
Plus, I’m close enough to an outlet. If my ancient laptop decides to be a dick, I can charge it so it won’t die.
Ugh, yes. This is much better.
I get so much more done in just the fifteen minutes I’ve been here compared to back home. In fact, time starts to fly by, andbefore I know it, I’ve crossed off two chapters from the outline that I’ve been stuck on for days.
“Go me.” I smile, sitting back to take a sip of my coffee, and just as I do, I spot a familiar face walking over. “Olivia! What a surprise!”
“Hey, girl!” She hurries over to my table, and I eye the save notification to be sure things are good to go before shutting my laptop again. “I haven’t seen you in forever! This is so lucky!”
Rolling my eyes, I watch her sit down across from me. “Olivia, it’s been a week.”
“I know! Forever!”
We both laugh and then she has to go pick up her coffee from the barista. When she returns, I’ve packed away my computer, and there’s room for her mug and the massive Danish she ordered on the small table between us.
“So, what have you been up to?” she asks, and I sigh.
“Same old, same old. Working on the book, which I actually just gota lotdone on, and helping to watch Jade. You?”
“Eh, I’d like to say it’s been an easy week, but I have some clients in crisis right now, and I have zero spoons now.”
I reach across the table, stroking my thumb over the back of her hand. “Oh, hun. You need a break. Remember, you have the spicy brain sauce, too. Don’t overwork yourself.”
She smiles, laughing lightly about our stupid little nickname for mental health conditions.
“I know. I know. I’m an ass to myself. But you know me, I can’t slow down. It’s not in my blood. It’s all good, though. I have today, and I ran into my bestie!”
Grinning, I hold my hands under my chin like I’m posing for a picture.
“That you did!” She raises her coffee in a delicate cheers with me so we don’t spill, and I hum gratefully for the delicious caffeine juice. “Are your clients going to be okay?”
“Oh, yeah. They’ve got all the help they need. And at times like this, it’s actually nice to have anxiety myself. I can relate to them, and I think they appreciate that more than just some shrink who’s spouting tips at them. You know?”
“Completely. That makes total sense. And the library? How’s that going?”
She finishes a sip of her butterscotch latte and nods. “It’s good. We’re finally bringing on another librarian. Which means your girl won’t be the only one working nights anymore.”
“Oh! That’s great, hun! I know juggling clients and closing up the library has been tricky for you.”
Olivia shrugs with a lopsided grin. “Yeah, I’m happy about it. Still, it’s not like I have a full calendar of clients. There’s only so many people in this town.”
I can’t help but laugh at that one. “True.”
“And Jade? How’s the library’s favorite young reader?”
My heart warms as I swallow down a gulp of my lavender vanilla latte, and I smile. “She’s awesome. Definitely going to hit that reading goal this summer. I’m impressed.”
“Awesome! Ugh, aren’t books just great.” We sigh, and I nod emphatically. “Ooh, speaking of, and since you’ve made some more progress, you still thinking about doing a signing at the library? I can still totally fit you into the schedule.”
My nerves get the best of me, and I start fidgeting with my napkin, folding and unfolding it repeatedly.
“Oh, right. Umm. I’m still thinking about it.”
Olivia eyes me, not speaking but still getting her point across.
“Yes, I know. I know. I should just woman up and do it. I’m just not used to being in front of a bunch of people. I’m an author. It’s a solitary job, which I like.”
