Page 89 of Faking All the Way
December flying by means our arrangement is running out. The holidays will end, and so will this.
My phone chimes with an email notification, distracting me from that depressing thought. I almost ignore it out of habit, but when I glance down to check the screen, I nearly choke.
Jones & Valen Publishing.
My heart lurches so hard I almost drop my phone. I submitted to them a while ago for a potential commission, and it seemed like they might be interested, asking me for a few more samples before saying they’d consider it and get back to me—but that was over a month ago now, and I’d given up on it. They’re one of the biggest children’s book publishers in the country.
I sit up straighter without meaning to, my whole body going tense. Asher notices immediately, his attention shifting to me even though my dad is mid-sentence talking about how the season is going for the Cincinnati Knights.
“What’s wrong?” he asks quietly.
I scan the email once, then twice, barely able to process the words.
Dear Ms. Sanders,
Thank you for your patience as we completed our review process. We are pleased to inform you that we would like to commission you for our new Woodland Adventures series…
“I…” My voice comes out scratchy. “I just got offered a book deal.”
I say it quietly, not trying to make a big production. My family has never really understood the significance of my work stuff, so I’ve learned not to expect much reaction.
But Asher’s response is immediate and enthusiastic, his face lighting up. “You got a book deal?”
He says it loud enough that everyone at the table looks over, conversation stopping.
“What’s this?” Mom asks, setting down her coffee.
“Kat just got offered a major publishing contract,” Asher says, and the pride in his voice makes my chest feel too tight.
“It’s, um…” I clear my throat, still staring at my phone. “Jones & Valen. They want to commission me for a series. Six children’s books calledWoodland Adventures, with potential for more if the initial series does well.”
I’m braced for polite congratulations followed by concerned questions about stability.
Instead, everyone erupts.
“That’s incredible, Kat!” Josephine jumps up to hug me. “Six books!”
“A whole series,” Mom says, her face glowing. “Oh, honey, that’s wonderful.”
Even my dad looks impressed. “That’s really something. Good for you, kiddo.”
The enthusiasm catches me off guard, and I realize it’s contagious. Asher’s excitement has spread to everyone else, filling the entire dining room.
“I’ll need to get some new art supplies,” I murmur, my mind already racing with ideas. Character designs, color palettes. “There are techniques I want to try for this project, but I don’t have everything I need. I’ll have to grab some better paints and brushes too.”
“That art supply store downtown.” My dad snaps his fingers. “What’s it called? Spilled Ink? Is it still open now?”
“Should be.” I check the time. “For another hour, maybe.”
Asher grins. “Then we should go now.”
I grin back, already excited at the idea. My mind is spinning with all the supplies I’ll need, the possibilities opening up. “Yeah, we should.”
My family nods in agreement, my mom standing up to shoo us toward the door. “Go, go. Have fun shopping! We’ll save you some coffee cake for next time.”
I grab my coat and say hasty goodbyes, swept along by the collective enthusiasm. Asher drives, his hands relaxed on the wheel as we navigate the quiet streets.
“This is amazing,” he says as we pull into the small parking lot. “I’m so fucking proud of you, Kat.”
