Lauren: FLIGHT HAS BEEN CANCELED!

Angela: SHIT!

Lauren: ;c NOT WHAT I NEED!

Angela: I’LL CALL MR. G, BRB.

Lauren: OKAY . . .

While Angela did her thing, Lauren changed into sweatpants and a baggy T-shirt.

Glancing at the screen, she saw the gray dots bouncing.

Angela: WE’RE GOOD! DELAY APPROVED UNTIL WEATHER CLEARS!

Lauren: PERFECT. THANKS!

Angela: I’LL CALL YOU TOMORROW.

Lauren: OKAY!

She clicked out of the app and googled John Giampalo. While looking forward to this particular endeavor, not to mention the enormous payday that came along with it, she was relieved that she now had a few more days to digest what she’d signed on for. More time to research the man who’d become a household name across the globe. The files Angela had sent earlier were just the tip of the iceberg. She was planning on using this extra time to dig deep into his life and prepare herself for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Hundreds of blue links appeared on her computer screen, and she clicked on the first one. Just the basic information, nothing she didn’t know. Later, when she wasn’t rushed, she’d refine her search and read as much as she could before meeting him. Lauren liked to be prepared. She logged off the Internet, dreading what she had to tell her dad. Part of her was miffed that she was in this position; the other part of her knew that even though her father was set in his ways, he would be just fine.

She pulled her hair into a ponytail, slipped her Uggs on, and headed downstairs. She wanted to be as comfortable as humanly possible, given the discomfort she was about to cause her father.

Her parents were seated at the table in the kitchen, and as was the norm, they were having coffee and dessert, though tonight, somewhat later than usual.

“Smells delicious,” she said as she helped herself to a slice of pecan pie. “I’m sure the calories are off the chart.”

“Of course they are, but it’s the beginning of the holiday season. It’s only natural that we gain a few extra pounds here and there,” her mother teased, patting her slim hips. “I try to cut out the cream and sugar in my coffee to make up the difference.”

“Neither of you two girls need to watch your weight. If anything, it wouldn’t hurt if you gained a few pounds.”

“Thanks, Dad. I love to hear that, even though it’s not true.” Lauren could gain a few pounds, and no one would notice except her waistline. The same for her mother, as they were built alike.

Lauren filled a mug with coffee and sat down opposite her father. “Dad, I need to talk to you about something that’s happened, and before you say anything, I need you to hear me out.”

“I’m listening,” he said.

Lauren glanced at her mother, then back at her father. “I’ve accepted a contract to write another biography.”

His eyes lit up. “Lauren, that’s wonderful news. Who’s the lucky one?”