The move didn’t work and her hands continued to hold his.

“Thank you, yes. William. Can I ask a favor? I’m being forward, so say no. I’ll understand. But fate favors risk-takers, right?”

“Should I be nervous?” William made a point of glancing down at her pincer-hands. He looked to Morris, but his agent was checking his phone, his usual go-to whenever a fan stopped William.

Her gaze followed his and she withdrew her touch with a giggle.

“Oh, sorry. Nerves. This is a dream here. That’s why I’m going to take a chance and speak. And hope for the best.”

She took a deep breath, like a swimmer ready to dive into a deep pool.

“Will you read my manuscript please? If you have time. Say no of course, if you can’t… it’s just that I read to get a publishing contract, you need an agent. But that only happens if you’re recommended to one. What do you think?”

Tears formed in her eyes, glistening in the corners, fighting to be free.

William, surprised by her sincerity, hesitated to answer. Many before her had asked the same. The tears pulled at him though. Most people imagined because they could hold a pen or tap keyboard keys, writing a novel was the natural next step. He always declined. He wasn’t a free copy-editing service for wannabe authors.

Orelia Mason’s vulnerability touched him, and he found himself struggling against the feeling. He should say no. He wanted to say no. But that damn look on her face; what was he supposed to do?

When he replied he almost guffawed at his stupidity. He was about to make an excuse. Too busy with the next book usually worked. Instead, he heard himself say.

“Yes, okay, I’ll help. Why not?”

He could answer that question even before reading her book.

The writing would be hackneyed, the story a yawn festival and the ending obvious from page ten. But he’d committed now, so he’d read a few pages and then politely extricate himself. The manager, Diane, was a witness and keeping on her good side helped sell books.

He caught Morris’ quizzical look and secretly winked at him. To Orelia and Diane he smiled as though grateful for the opportunity.

And surprise surprise, the manuscript was ready to go. She pulled a thumb drive from her pocket, no less. Probably a way to keep it handy, so she could harass visiting authors. He discovered later she’d handwritten the whole thing and the pages on the drive had been scanned. He could already give her a piece of free advice right there. Type your novel. We’re not in the fifties anymore.

Orelia pushed a business card into his hand and William couldn’t hold back a chuckle.

He stared at the words.

Orelia Mason

Writer

[email protected]

Twitter: Orelia_mason_writer

“Well, that’s a confident move. A business card with your pen name already.”

“The power of positive thinking. Live your dream to create the reality,” she replied.

The line, though clichéd, sounded genuine. Almost inspiring. When he looked at her again, the tear had disappeared.