Page 90 of Player For Hire
“I know.” But I couldn’t help but feel the countdown starting. “I still have to make a living in the interim.”
“If you say tech edits, I’m going to tie you up in that bedroom.”
“You’re the best friend I’ve ever had, Iona. But at least tech edits pay.”
“And it will drown you and your creativity. You’ve told me what kind of hours those poor people have to do and now so much of this crap AI stuff is involved too. Nope. No way, girl. You are not going there. Maybe you could do a different job altogether. You know, one that isn’t going to drain your entire personality away.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know. But that’s what job hunting places are for.”
“Ugh.”
“But we’re not going to discuss that today. Today is for celebrating.” Iona popped up off the couch. “We’re going to plan a party.”
“A party? No.”
“Yep. That’s exactly what we’re going to do. Get out your notebook. We’re going to plan a party for your book.”
“It’s not sold.”
“I don’t care. It’s something to celebrate. And we’ll just make it a reason to have a party up in the garden. I’m actually not traveling this week, so it’s perfect.” She pushed me. “Go get one of those pretty notebooks.”
“Okay, okay.” I rose and went to my bedroom. I gathered the supplies—sticky notes, pens, and a few highlighters. It wasn’t a bad idea, actually. Not just for my book, but because I wanted to enjoy some time with my friends.
We spent the next hour making lists of food, booze, and a movie to watch on the big screen projector that was on the roof. Something that fit the tone of my book but would be fun for everyone.
In the end, we decided to go with How to Train Your Dragon. My novel was decidedly not kid like, but the adventure aspect of that movie was a perfect, lighthearted way to end the night. And I loved Toothless, so there was that.
There was a knock on the door at eleven. Finally.
I rushed over and swung it open, leaping into his arms without ceremony.
He caught me and then his mouth was on mine. He tasted of whiskey, which was not exactly a rare occurrence, but definitely not the usual. For being in a bar most of his time, Colder wasn’t a big drinker.
When he set me down inside, I tipped my head back. “Are you buzzed?”
He nodded. “I am.”
“Is that why you’re late?”
“It is.” He tapped my nose. “You’re so pretty.”
I laughed as I wrinkled my nose.
“Cal showed up after work and wanted to talk to me.”
I frowned. “Is that a bad thing?”
“I don’t know yet.” He laughed. “Sorry, he plied me with Jameson and it’s been a while since I’ve drank with the boss. He’s no lightweight.”
I pulled him inside. “Let me get you some food.”
“Probably a good idea.”
I pushed him onto the couch.
He grinned at Iona and reached for her glass of wine.