Page 99 of Raised On It

As I pull up to his house, my fears change course and focus on the book talk about to take place. I’m more afraid to hear what Miles has to say than I have ever been with my editor.

But all is well when I see the sweet black and tan boy waiting for me in the front window. I do believe he’s wearing a business tie.

What in the world?

Lou’s smiling face calms my nerves. And I run from the car to the front door, looking up at the sky surprised it hasn’t opened up just yet. I’m not mad the rain has stayed away, though. No need to look like a wet dog while we discuss my words.

More like my heart and soul poured on to the page. But no biggie. It’s just a book, right?

Here goes nothing.

When I open the door and let myself in I’m met with not only a tie wearing German shepherd but also his studious looking father, well sort of. He’s got on worn jeans, a light blue button-down shirt, backward EBC baseball cap and to top it off glasses.

Holy hotness!

“Well, if it isn’t the guest of honor. We’re honored to have the author of this month's book club selection here at our humble little book chat, aren’t we, Lou?”

“You’re crazy. What’s with the glasses?”

Instead of answering my question, he kisses me long and hard, and I couldn't care less what he thinks about the book. As long as he kisses me like this, all is right in the world.

Much too soon, he releases me and walks me to the living room.

“What did you do?” I gasp, trying not to cry.

“Well, you sent me an eBook copy of the book, and that just won’t do for a book club meeting, will it? Don’t worry, we did it at the office, so it’s all secure. Your words are not floating around out there for anyone to steal. Bennett and I did it ourselves.”

In front of me, the table is adorned with a bottle of wine, two glasses, fruits, cheeses, crackers, and two printed copies of my book. On the cover page of each stack of pages it says:

The Book with No Name

Written by: City Mouse

“If you’d liketo take your seat, we can get started.”

I sit in my favorite spot on the couch. He covers me in a blanket and pours me a glass of wine.

It takes a minute before the blanket registers, but when it does, my heart skips a beat.

“Miles, what have you done?”

“Oh, you mean, what have I done with all the pictures you said were just filling up my phone and that I would never do anything with?”

“Miles, my face is everywhere.”

“I know, isn't it great?”

“Miles…”

“Don't worry, I won't make you say you were wrong. Or that I'm a genius.”

“I think genius maybe pushing it. When did you take all of these?”

The blanket on my lap is covered in pictures of me sleeping with Lou, taking pictures on the farm, sitting at the kitchen table writing, blow-drying my hair, blowing him kisses, posing with my girls in New York, and with his Crew at The Verdict. It's amazing and embarrassing all at once.

“Honey, I told you, you didn't know everything there is to know about me. I have to keep things interesting. This way even if you aren't here, I can still wrap you around me.”

Even if I'm not here.

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