Page 57 of Happier Days

‘So, let me see the covers you’re working on.’

Ava got out her laptop and went through her designs with him. She’d created three different versions for the first book, and then mocked up several others in the series with the same vibes. All in all, she was pleased with them, but was wary he might think they were too subtle, or even too over the top. She watched him deep in thought as he flicked through them.

‘They’re only rough at the moment,’ she added when he didn’t say anything.

‘They’re incredible. Far better than the ones I’ve been given so far. They’d make the series stand out. I love them.’

‘Really? You’re not just saying that?’

‘Of course not. Why do you doubt yourself so much?’

Ava shrugged. ‘What you said about going freelance? I’ve always wanted to work for myself, taking photos and designing like I’m doing for you.’

‘You’d be amazing at it.’

‘I have no business knowledge, though. I don’t have the slightest idea of how to reach customers.’

‘Create a website.’

‘That’s the easy part. I don’t know how much to charge, nor a system of how to get those payments in.’

‘You can find that out online. Then compare with others.’

‘Maybe but it would take so long to get going.’

’You know it wouldn’t.’

‘I have to bring some income in to survive.’

‘I could offer you a loan if you’d let me.’

She shook her head. ‘Thanks, but if I’m going ahead with this, I need to do it on my own.’

‘Fair enough, but…’ Jack frowned. ‘You sound like you’re making excuses for everything that’s doable. It’s the images that will get you the sales.’

‘Exactly. It isn’t hard to take photos.’

‘I disagree. Not everyone can capture them like you. It’s an art, and a skill. People would pay big money to have you on board. But you can work for me, do my covers and other stuff.’

‘That sounds a bitPretty Woman.’

‘Well, that’s what you are.’

She grinned like a five-year-old with a new toy.

Jack gazed at her.

‘What?’ she queried again.

‘Do you want me to tell you how much we’re paying for you to work with us?’

Ava shook her head. It would only depress her. She was the one doing the hard work as usual. Then she changed her mind and nodded.

Jack wrote it down on a piece of paper and handed it to her.

She gasped. ‘He’s ripping you off! I’d do it for far less than that.’

‘Why?’

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