Page 58 of The Summer of Everything

“We can do that.” Wes unlocks his phone with one hand while slurping his smoothie. “It can’t be that hard.”

“I’m pretty sure an adult’s signature is required,” Zay remarks.

“Cool. I’m eighteen,” Wes starts, but Ella cuts him off.

“Eighteen does not equate adultness. It’s only a marker used to enforce rules, not mental maturity.”

“Maybe you could ask Leo for assistance?” Nico appears from between the aisles, stepping around Zay before sitting next to Wes. “He could help with a lot of this.”

“Yeah,” mumbles Wes, but contacting Leo is the last thing on his mind. “Has anyone else come up with ideas?”

Cooper hops onto the counter next to Ella. Surprisingly, she doesn’t explode. But her dark, cold glare says she’s considering it. “An author appearance,” he says, hands spread above his head as if he’s highlighting some invisible marquee. “People love the chance to meet anyone famous.”

Wes nods. Los Angeles is full of notorious names. Mrs. Rossi used to host book launches and writers’ clubs and author signings before Wes came along. Back when she had a little more pull. Now, the only bestselling author popping in is Savannah Kirk.

“Who do we know?” Zay asks, confused. “Besides Wes’s mom. No offense, bro.”

Wes shrugs as if it’s nothing. But it’s true. Savannah Kirk isn’t due home from Italy until late August. They need immediate star power.

“I’ll find someone,” Cooper vows.

“Cool,” Wes says, adding another item to his list. “What else?”

“We could host a kids’ book corner,” Nico suggests. The warm pressure of their elbows pressed together is a mild distraction for Wes. He stares at his phone while trying to focus on Nico’s voice. “Once or twice a week, we could host a book reading. Parents are always looking for ways to entertain their children. Plus, it means they’ll drop loads of money on the books their kids won’t stop screaming about.”

“We can dress in character.” Anna claps animatedly. “Kids love that!”

“You won’t make three grand off costumes and children’s books,” Ella says flatly.

Wes cocks his head in her direction. “What do you have?”

The corners of her mouth curl. “Speed booking.”

“What the actual fu—”

Again, Ella cuts Wes off. “We get on Instagram. Twitter. All the networks.” She nudges Cooper. His face brightens. Ella continues. “We hit up all the singles. Or the ones who happily pretend to be single on social media. We offer a one-night event where they come in here with their favorite books and participate in quick, one-on-one rounds of getting to know someone else. We can do an entry charge plus sell books.”

“So, like speed dating but with books?” Anna questions.

“Exactly.”

“Wow.” Zay’s mouth hangs open. “That’s kind of brilliant.”

Elbows on the counter, Wes leans forward. “Who are you, and what’ve you done with Ella Graham?”

“Eat shit,” Ella says. “I’m the only one who cares enough about this place to come up with true money-making ideas.”

“I like my idea,” Wes whispers to his phone.

“Me too.” Afternoon light peeking through the front window gleams off the lenses of Nico’s glasses.

“Thanks.” Wes offers him his white Styrofoam cup. “Try.”

Nico doesn’t hesitate. Their fingers brush as Nico grips the cup. He slurps, then rubs his temples, shivering. “Brain freeze.”

They laugh together.

“Oh.” Cooper snaps his fingers. “An open mic night! People can come in and read their favorite book passages. Or take their favorite quotes and turn them into a song.”

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