Page 135 of Guys Can't Write Romance
“Runner up,” he said, still staring at his screen. “They liked my book.”
“Finalist,” she breathed. “They... I’m a finalist.”
They turned to each other, matching expressions of shock on their faces.
“Chad!” Daisy launched herself at him, nearly knocking both laptops to the floor. “You did it!”
“We did it,” he corrected, hugging her tight. “You’re a finalist! I knew they’d love your story!”
“Runner up!” She pulled back to look at him, her eyes shining. “They loved your mischievous ghost and horror writer!”
“They loved your Rick and Julie!”
They were both laughing now, a giddy, breathless kind of joy that had them holding onto each other.
“We have to celebrate,” Daisy said.
“Hundred percent. Should we call everyone and let them know?”
Still holding each other close, Daisy shook her head. “This is our story, Chad,” she said, a warm sparkle filling her eyes. “The story of how a neurotic teacher falls in love with a hopelessly juvenile horror writer. And right now, I just want to celebrate the story of us with you.”
Chapter thirty-five
The Award and the Moment
The Heartstrings Publishing Awards Banquet filled the grand ballroom of the Beverly Hills Hotel. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm light over tables draped in cream-colored linens, each centered with a flower arrangement. Publishing industry insiders mingled with literary agents, editors, and the finalists, all dressed in their finest, sipping champagne, and pretending not to be desperately nervous.
Daisy sat next to Chloe at a round banquet table, nervously smoothing down the front of her silk dress as she scanned the ballroom for her wayward writing partner.
Chloe leaned over to her. “Any sign of him?”
Daisy shook her head. “No. He texted twenty minutes ago that they were stuck in traffic on Wilshire.”
“Think he’ll make it by next year’s banquet?”
Daisy smiled, despite herself. “It’s doubtful.”
“There’s our star,” said Mags, as she and the rest of the writers’ group walked up. “And don’t you look absolutely radiant.”
Daisy smiled, smoothing the front of her dress for the millionth time. “Thanks.”
Bernie looked around the table. “It seems we’re missing someone. Was Chad unable to find a formal baseball cap to go with his suit?”
Daisy chuckled. “He’s coming. He’s just stuck in traffic.”
Ruth snickered. “We wouldn’t expect any less of the boy.”
“Although I have noticed quite a few changes in him lately,” Liv added. “I believe that’s largely due to you, Daisy.”
“The human race and publishing industry thank you for your service,” Phil said with a grin. “If I had to read about one more of his monsters, I don’t know what I would have done.”
Daisy laughed. Before she could respond, the lights dimmed slightly and a woman in an elegant suit approached the podium at the front of the ballroom.
“Ladies and gentlemen, if you could please take your seats? The awards ceremony is about to begin.”
The writers’ group wished Daisy luck before heading back to their assigned table. Daisy smoothed her dress yet again and took one more look around the ballroom. Chloe gave her hand a comforting squeeze.
“He’ll be here,” Chloe assured her. “Because he knows I know where he hides his Hallmark movies. And they just might disappear.”
