“Every writer does at some point,” I say and then wonder if that’s really true. Maybe there are authors out there who are sailing happily through every book they write, who never run out of ideas.
“When is your next book coming out?” asks my younger twin, Emily.
“June,” I say. Although the manuscript should have been turnedin by October. I block out my last conversation with my editor. It won’t be pretty if I don’t hand it in by January 3.
This is not the time to think about that. I need to focus on... oh no. What is Carwyn doing slipping into the room? He smiles and gives me a thumbs-up, and my brain switches off.
“Did you always want to be a writer?” asks one of the boys.
How else do you work out your fantasies about Carwyn Davies? “I guess so,” I say. “I’ve always loved stories and reading. Every time you open a book, you open the door to a whole new world.”
“Wow,” Emily says under her breath, as if I’ve just said something profound. Maybe I have.
The kids continue to pepper me with questions until the bell rings, signaling the end of class. Also, since it’s the last class, the bell means it’s the end of school until January. The room explodes with energy as the kids rush for the door and freedom.
“We’re all so proud of what you’ve accomplished,” Mrs. Wharton says to me as the students stampede past. “Thanks for coming today. I think we have some budding writers in this class. I hope you’ve inspired them.”
“Me too,” I say.
“You inspire me,” Carwyn says as he walks me to my car. “How about dinner tonight? Do you have plans with your family?”
Just as he’s asking, a text comes in from Sam.
Sam:Pool at Pete’s Pizza at 6?
I love spending time with my brother, but I hate to not see Carwyn. “How do you feel about pizza with Sam tonight?” I ask.
“I feel great,” he says.
Hailey:Kk. Carwyn’s coming with.
Sam:Kk
I drive home happy. This will be fun.
Or not. It turns out that Gwendolyn is coming too.
She and Sam have already staked out a table when Carwyn and I arrive a little after six, and as we join them she greets me with her famous fake smile that never reaches her eyes. Ugh. The smile warms up when she turns to Carwyn. I’ve lost my appetite.
“I already ordered pizza,” says Sam. “You’re on your own for drinks.”
Gwendolyn is already halfway through her drink, a large glass of beer. Carwyn orders one and she asks for a second. I stick with my usual diet cola.
“Come on, let’s shoot some pool,” says Sam, so off we go to the pool table. It beats sitting across from Gwendolyn, trying to find something to say to her.
She teases Sam and flirts with Carwyn the entire time we’re playing. I fade into the background along with the eighties music. Bonnie Tyler is singing “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” I feel her pain.
The pizza has arrived, and we return to the table where Gwendolyn starts on her second beer and leers at Carwyn. She leans on her elbows and shakes a finger at him. “Bad you.”
He raises both eyebrows. “Bad me?”
“You used to be so cool. What happened?”
Sam frowns. “He’s still cool.”
“Naw. Look who he’s with. Oops. Sorry. It’s your sister.”
“Yeah, it is,” Sam growls, “so lay off.”
