Page 77 of The Final Draft

“Well, the good news is, your book sales are ten times what they were last week,” Casey Samuels, my editor, says. She’s doing her best to cheer me up, but I’m not sure it’s possible. Am I upset about my unmasking? A little. The response in the last two days has been mostly positive and encouraging. My friends and family are supportive, if not a little angry I didn’t tell them. I’m a fool for doubting their reaction would be anything but positive.

The ongoing group chat is typical Decker chaos wrapped in love and support of one another. I scroll through the chat while Casey keeps talking and encouraging me to own my work. Between the two, my spirits lift.

CHANCE

How do you have time to write books when you spend so much time reading them? Well done, hermano.

ALEXANDER

I shouldn’t be surprised with your Team True Love and all. BTW, Dani loves your books, and she gets pretty worked up after a particularly sexy scene, so thanks.

ASHLEIGH

First, Xander, ewww. I don’t want to hear about that. But mostly, Jules, I adore your books. You know that because you’ve heard me gush about them. I’m not just saying that. When’s the next one coming out?

ALEXANDER

Ash, you know that’s how she got pregnant, right? Don’t tell me I need to have the birds and the bees talk with you.

EMMA

Xander, I can’t think of anything more horrifying. Please stop.

EMMA

Dani, control your husband.

EMMA

Jules, I’m excited to read your next book. I’m kinda thinking a rugby player could be hot.

CHANCE

No way. Hockey players are way hotter. What do you know about rugby, anyway?

TREVOR

Em, does that guy you met online play rugby? If so, you’re done with him.

WAIT?! Emma is online dating. We can’t be okay with that. I give her a question mark reaction. We need to come back to this.

DARCY

Is this why you were taking notes during book club? Were we your beta readers? I’m honored. Will you sign my copy?

I’m not surprised Darcy caught on to my heightened interest. She’s perceptive and insightful.

COLE

You’ve encouraged me to lean into my music because of your own experiences. That’s cool. You’re a decent brother-in-law and even better mentor.

I chuckle at that. I’m a fucking fantastic brother-in-law.

MATT

This explains all that time on your laptop in Mexico, doesn’t it? You sneaky bastard. Well done.

DANI

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