Page 91 of Save the Drama for your Mama
Oddly enough, at that exact moment, there was something else that was dominating my thoughts. What else could my mom be hiding in the attic?
ChapterTwenty-One
MELODY
The Next Morning . . .
As bad as I felt that Chip and the crew were still sick, another part of me was giddy at having a second day off to continue exploring the attic. Going through Sandra’s treasures gave me a glimpse into who she was and made me feel closer to her son.
Speaking of Cooper, he’d taken the express train up to Los Angeles earlier this morning to meet with the TV producer, and had planned on working on his book in both directions. What he didn’t know was that I had snuck my manuscript into his laptop bag right before he had left, since he’d been bugging me about reading it.
Letting Cooper read my work scared the living daylights out of me. I knew he would give me honest feedback and help me improve my writing skills. Nevertheless, he was a New York Times bestselling author. I just hoped he believed it was half as good as what Abigail had suggested.
In the meantime, I continued working in the attic for hours, having a blast, as I fully expected. I brushed off another old steamer trunk and opened the lid. Inside was a stunning sterling silver coffee/tea set that was easily worth several thousands of dollars. Next, I uncovered a box of high-quality Native American turquoise and silver jewelry. I picked up a heavy cuff bracelet and slipped it on my wrist, admiring how beautiful it looked against my skin.
Just then, my phone buzzed with a call from Abigail.
“Hey, Abs!” I said.
“Listen to you with all that boundless energy,” she said. “Someone sure sounds happy.”
“I have to admit, I’m feeling quite wonderful today.” I took the bracelet off my wrist and tucked it back in the box. “How are you?”
“I’d say it will take me at least two more cups of coffee to get even close to where you are at the moment, which is not good since I’ve already had two,” she said. “I’m guessing your positive state has to do with a certain author that you’re shacking up with?”
“Maybe . . .” I let out a little giggle, which gave it away.
“That’s what I thought, dumb question,” Abigail said. “Have you had more steamy kisses with Cooper?”
“I don’t kiss and tell,” I said.
“Yes, you do. Now spill.”
“Well, we slow danced in the moonlight the other night . . .” I laughed. “Just kidding, but he has prepared dinner the last two nights and breakfast the last two mornings. Today, I enjoyed crepes with fresh strawberries, homemade whipped cream, and a double-side of crispy bacon. Cooper knows his way around a kitchen. And I have to admit, I love the way he’s spoiling me.”
Abigail groaned. “We need to do a double-date ASAP so we can bring up cooking in front of Brian. Maybe Cooper will rub off on him.”
I snorted. “That’s going to take a lot of rubbing, since Brian is the king of canned food.”
“Good point—it was just wishful thinking,” she said. “You and Cooper are hitting it off.”
“That’s an understatement,” I said. “I can’t get him off of my mind. And even though I’m enjoying this time in the attic without a ticking clock, I wish he was here with me.”
“Oh boy, you’ve got it bad for him,” Abigail said. “Maybe you should just leave the ring stuck on your finger for the rest of your life!”
I sighed. “Actually, I could finally pull it off this morning after Cooper left. Seriously, it was stuck on my finger so well, I have no idea how it went on so easily.”
“Fate,” she said. “Did it hurt pulling it off?”
“Only emotionally, since I was getting attached to it,” I said. “Seriously, I think he’s the one, Abs. You’re probably thinking this is crazy, but I’m in love with him.”
Abigail squealed in my ear. “That’s not crazy! I fell in love with Brian the day I met him. And Cooper’s a total catch! Not only is he hot, but he cooks and he’s thoughtful? Um, sign me up! Promise I’ll be the best maid of honor ever!”
“Okay, you need to slow down now before you jinx me,” I said. “There’s no need to rush into things.”
“Hey, when it’s right, it’s right,” Abigail said.
Just then, my phone beeped with a call from Cooper.
