“My lips are sealed. Listen, I have a reason for calling.” Not that checking on her father’s health wasn’t a good reason; she checked on him daily, but this was something her mother needed to know right away.

“Angela called me this morning.”

“Oh, dear. Remind me who Angela is.”

Lauren chuckled. “She’s my literary agent. From New York.”

“Of course. Old age is creeping up on me. So, how is she these days?” her mother asked, even though she had never met her.

“I’m going to venture a guess and say today is probably one of the best days she’s had in a very long time.” She knew what was coming next.

“That’s wonderful, dear.”

Yup, Lauren thought. Mom’s typical answer. She thought anything and everything was wonderful. The thing was, she truly believed it. Lauren thought she was the most positive person on the planet. Truly a pure soul.

“I suppose you want to know exactly why her day is so extraordinary?”

“Of course, I do,” her mother replied.

“She just landed one of the biggest contracts of her career.” Lauren paused a few seconds, giving her mom time to articulate what this meant.

“That’s wonderful, Lauren.”

“Mom, you’re not catching on, are you?”

“To what?”

“To what I’m hinting at. Angela’s big contract.” Lauren knew she shouldn’t drag the news out like this, but she couldn’t help herself.

“No, I don’t believe I am,” Ilene said in her sweetest voice. “But you are going to tell me, right?”

More laughter. “Mom, Angela’s big contract is for me.”

Silence.

“Mom?”

“I’m here.”

“John Giampalo wants me to write his biography.” There, let that sink in for a minute or two.

“Lauren, I’m sorry, you know I am not current on anything Hollywood. Would I know of his movies?”

“Mother, he isn’t an actor. He’s the CEO of Global-goods. com, the largest online retailer in the world.”

Lauren could envision the look on her mother’s face when she recognized the web address, as it had been discussed at great length during many dinners since her return to Fallen Springs.

More silence.

“Mom?” Lauren prodded.

“Yes, I’m listening.”

She heard the instant change in the tone of her voice, and Lauren knew her mother didn’t need any further explanation.

“Go ahead,” Lauren said, “tell me this is a bad idea.”

A couple of seconds passed before her mother replied. “Honestly, I can’t say that it is. However, your father might have a thing or two to say, even though it’s none of his business. You know where he stands on anything”—she paused—“modern.”

Lauren knew her mother’s use of the word “modern” meant anything technical. This included the Internet, too. Taking a deep breath, she answered, “Yep, I know.”

Again, more silence.

“You’ve accepted this assignment then?” her mother asked.

Not technically. But it was just a matter of signing on the dotted line.

“It’s a contract, Mom, not an assignment.” Forever the teacher, Lauren thought, as she corrected her mother.