Page 136 of Guys Can't Write Romance
The woman at the podium, Elise Parker, the editor-in-chief of Heartstrings Publishing, according to the program, welcomed everyone and began describing the contest’s history and significance. Daisy tried to focus, but her attention kept drifting to the ballroom entrance, waiting for a familiar mop of sandy hair and that crooked grin.
“... received over one thousand submissions from aspiring authors across the country,” Elise continued. “Our editorial team narrowed these down to fifteen exceptional finalists, fivein each category: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, and our newest addition, Romantic Comedy.”
A polite ripple of applause moved through the audience.
“Tonight, we will announce one winner from each category who will receive a publishing contract with Heartstrings, along with a $10,000 advance.”
The applause was more enthusiastic this time, tinged with nervous energy from the finalists.
“Before we announce the winners, we would like to recognize our runners-up in each category. These authors demonstrated exceptional talent, and while they didn’t quite make the winner’s circle this time, we at Heartstrings believe they have bright futures ahead of them.”
Daisy’s pulse quickened. Chad’s category would be coming up soon, and he still wasn’t here.
Her phone buzzed in her purse. She reached in and discreetly checked the message.
‘Almost there.’
Relief washed over her, followed by exasperation. Only Chad could be late for his first awards banquet.
“... and now, for our romantic comedy category,” Elise announced. “Our runners-up are: Angela Williams for ‘The Dating Game,’ Francisco Reyes for ‘Love in the Time of Tacos,’ and Chad McKenzie and Daisy Fields for ‘A Ghost of a Chance.’”
Wait— what?
Daisy froze, certain she’d misheard. Her name? Why would her name be announced with Chad’s book? She exchanged a puzzled look with Chloe, who looked just as confused.
The spotlight found her, and the audience began to applaud. Chloe nudged her, urging her to stand. Daisy rose to her feet in a complete daze, faintly aware of the applause growing louder as she made her way to the stage.
Elise smiled, holding out a crystal award as Daisy stepped up. “Congratulations, Daisy! Is your co-author here?”
“I— he’s—” Daisy stammered, still trying to process what was happening. “I think there’s been a mistake. I didn’t co-author this book. It’s Chad’s.”
Elise looked momentarily confused and quickly scanned her notes. “The submission was listed under both your names, with a note specifically requesting that any recognition be shared equally.”
Before Daisy could respond, the ballroom doors burst open, and a slightly disheveled Chad rushed in, adjusting his tie as he hurried down the center aisle. He spotted Daisy on stage and his face broke into a relieved grin.
“Sorry I’m late!” he called, jogging up the steps to join her. “Did I miss it?”
“Perfect timing, Mr. McKenzie,” Elise said with good-natured exasperation. “We were just about to present you and Ms. Fields with your award.”
Chad turned to Daisy, his expression softening at her obvious confusion. “Surprise,” he said quietly.
“Chad,” Daisy whispered, “what did you do? I didn’t write your book.”
“Actually, you did,” he said. “Maybe not the words, but the heart of it? That was all you, Daisy.”
Elise handed them the crystal award, which Chad immediately passed to Daisy. “Would either of you like to say a few words?” Elise asked, gesturing to the microphone.
“I would,” Chad said, stepping forward while Daisy stood in stunned silence, clutching the award.
He adjusted the microphone and cleared his throat. “First, I want to thank Heartstrings Publishing for creating a contest that gave writers like me a chance to be heard. A year ago, I was writing zombie cheerleader stories that made my writing groupcringe.” He paused as laughter rippled through the audience. “Not exactly Pulitzer material.”
His eyes found the writers’ group, seated together and beaming proudly. “I also want to thank our incredible writing group, who put up with my terrible first drafts and even worse jokes.” The group raised their glasses in acknowledgment. “Special shout-out to Mags, who threatened to hit me with her purse if I didn’t stop having my characters make stupid decisions just to move the plot forward.”
More laughter, as Mags playfully brandished her sequined purse.
Then Chad turned to Daisy, his expression growing serious. “But mostly, I want to thank Daisy Fields, who is probably still wondering why her name is on this award.”
He took a deep breath. “When I met Daisy, I thought she was an uptight control freak who took writing way too seriously.” A murmur of laughter. “And she thought I was an immature man-child who couldn’t be bothered to use proper grammar.” A louder laugh.
