Page 44 of The In-Laws

They clinked glasses and Melanie crossed her fingers that Sloane would win. A win for Sloane was a win for her and for the agency, and it would mean Ross had to give her the respect she had bloody well worked so hard to earn.

‘If Sloane wins, it’s champagne all night,’ Jamie said to Melanie.

If she wins, everyone will know who her agent is and I’ll be floodedwith manuscripts from high-end authors, Melanie thought,and Ross will probably combust with envy. Bring. It. On.

Sloane’s hand shook in Melanie’s when the time came to make the announcement.

The judge fiddled with the envelope and then said …

‘Oh, my God!’ Melanie exclaimed, as Sloane’s name was called out.

‘Yes!’ Ross punched the air. ‘The Fitzroy Agency’s first Goldstone winner. Congratulations, Sloane.’

Sloane froze like a rabbit in headlights.

Nancy, Frank and Jamie all called their congratulations.

Melanie hugged Sloane, who was shaking like a leaf. ‘You won, you brilliant woman. Now you must go up and claim your award.’

‘Take your time.’ Frank helped Sloane to her feet. ‘Remember to breathe.’

Sloane clasped his hand. Sensing her panic, Frank stood up and guided her to the stage, then came back to the table.

‘Thank you.’ Melanie was grateful for his kindness to her author.

They all clapped and watched as Sloane shakily accepted the award.

‘Really well done, Melanie. This is huge for the agency.’ Nancy raised her glass to her daughter-in-law.

‘Well done, mate. This is your award too.’ Jamie hugged her.

‘I’m so proud of you.’ Frank kissed her cheek.

‘Thanks.’ Melanie thought she would burst with pride and happiness for Sloane and for herself. She was now the agent of a Goldstone winner.Yeeesss!

‘We need to capitalize on this win.’ Ross was all business. ‘I suggest a meeting in the morning to discuss the best way we can profit from it.’

‘Let’s take a minute to enjoy the moment, Ross.’ Jamie poured them all more champagne.

The presenter stood back to let Sloane say a few words.

Her voice shook. ‘I’m not very good at … well … crowds and all that. I’m much better at writing than speaking. But I do want to thank two people, my editor Judith Monroe, for helping to elevate the book, but most of all I want to thank Melanie Miller, my agent. She is amazing. I can call her any time, day or night, and she is always there for me. She has held my hand through everything. I’m so lucky to have her representing me and my books and I dedicate this award to her.’

Melanie fought back tears. This was a moment she had dreamt about. It was the biggest moment of her – any agent’s – career. It was a dream come true. All of the work, all of the missed dinners with the twins, cancelled nights out with Frank, the late-night Zoom calls with authors and editors, it was all worth it. The sacrifices had led to this incredible moment.

Frank and Jamie whooped loudly. Nancy pulled Melanie in for a half-hug. She looked emotional, too. ‘This is such a momentous day. Take it all in. You discovered and nurtured a Goldstone winner. You have raised the agency’s profile to a whole new level. Well done, Melanie. Really well done.’

‘Thank you, Nancy,’ Melanie said. ‘I’ve learnt so much from you over the years. Thank you for believing in me.’

Ross shouted towards the stage, ‘We’re so proud of you, Sloane. The Fitzroy Agency values its authors.’

Could he be any more annoying or brash? Melanie tried to block out Ross’s voice.

As Sloane was whisked off for a post-win interview, Melanie felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see Petrusvan der Beek, one of the shortlisted authors. ‘Congratulations on your nomination, Petrus,’ she said.

Petrus thanked her. ‘I wanted to talk to you tonight. The thing is, I’m not happy with Hank. I want you to be my agent. I want to be able to call the person representing me at any time. I want someone ambitious and hard-working. Hank’s getting sloppy and lazy. He turns his phone off at seven p.m. Can we talk tomorrow?’

Melanie tried to keep her face neutral but inside she was gleeful. ‘Of course. Anytime. I’d love to chat. I’m a huge admirer of your work.The Path to Nowhereis such a beautiful book.’

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