Runner Up (17 page)

I looked down dumbstruck, a worldwide bestselling author just plopped his newest unpublished
manuscript in my hands. I was going to turn nerdy at any moment.
“I can see you are freakin a little. Don’t worry, I am just as panicked as you at the moment. I start sweating
when I think about people reading my stuff. But it’s part of the business.” He gave a little shimmy shiver to act out
his willies.
“I can’t believe that. Your books are amazing. I know you can’t still be self-conscious after four published
books.” I shook my head in disbelief.
“Well believe it, sister. I am a nervous nelly every time I send out anything I write.” He said this in a shaky
nervous voice. He was full of surprises.
“Is this where you write?” I glanced around his office. The log walls were pretty blank and he had a few
printers and a big monster computer in the corner. His Facebook page was up and an email window. He had all the
tools here.
“Nope my laptop goes with me. It gets pretty beat up lugging it around everywhere and I never have
enough charger cords. I lose them constantly and sunglasses too.” He pointed to the silver Mac laptop that sat
nearby. It did have a few dings on the corners.
“I save everything and back it up constantly. I lost six chapters of a new book when a laptop died once.
Well I say died, but it was a mac murder if you must know. It was one of my dumber moments of trying to have
the laptop on the side of the pool. Let’s just say that four seconds really matter. When you actually see smoke
coming out of your laptop it’s a bad thing.” His sad comical way of telling the story had me trying to sympathize
but it turned into laughter again.
“Ok, I feel like a kid, you have to stop making me laugh. I have to be professional now.” I said after I
stopped laughing at his poor laptop debacle. He nodded solemnly and stood to his full height, his grin was boyish
and charming.

How does a man look strong, rough and boyish at the same time?
“Well, I am hoping you are a quick reader and can get a feel for the story and call me back in the next day
or so. I have some ideas but I don’t want to get anything predetermined in your head. I want your thoughts to be
untainted by mine. Is that doable or are you a non-reader?” He looked nervous for a second.
“I am a big fan and will probably not sleep until I have finished it. I do love your books.” I blushed as I saw
him preen a little.
Oh the games we girls and boys play. He did play it well, though. I enjoyed our little banter. I was not in
the market for anything romantic; my heart still pined for Anthony but a little flirting could help my self-esteem. If
done with modesty and if never passed beyond friendly I do believe we might just become good friends.
“I was told by Ruby that I need to keep you here for lunch so she can join us later. Her oldest child, Tina,
is in school but she will bring over Kyle, the 8th wonder of the world.” He explained. “You will like him. He runs
so fast I have a hard time catching him.”
I nodded and agreed to stay.
“I can give you the official tour if you like?” Jackson was impossible to resist. I nodded and dropped my
laptop and bag into the chair. I fished out my camera and was ready for an adventure.
The morning air was crisp but when the sun was warm and hinted at a delightful day. It would be in the
mid 60’s temperature-wise, and a good stretch of the legs was welcome.
“You called yourself Zee on the phone when you answered.” I said casually as we walked toward the lake.
The mist was nearly gone and the sky was robin’s egg blue. It was stunning.
“It’s been a lifelong nickname. Not too many folks with a last name that start with Z. That and with the
pronouncing issues, even teachers started calling me Zee. I like it.” He shrugged, making me notice his broad
shoulders again.
I was comfortable on the walk and enjoyed the fresh sir and warm sun. We stopped at a bench and I took
a few shots of the local wildlife showing off. We sat still for a while just soaking up the day. I felt comfortable in the
quiet with Jackson. I raised my head toward the sun and let its warmth soak in. It was heavenly. I stayed that way a
few minutes until I heard a hawk call out. I was blinded for a few seconds but I adjusted quickly and looked over to
Jackson. I could tell he had been looking at me. I bit my lip nervously, hoping I was not blushing too much.
“I have to be blunt Hannah. You intimidate the heck outta me.” He shocked me to my toes with his
announcement.
Me intimidate him… he is a famous bestselling author and handsome… and charming. I could go on.
“That’s impossible.” I stated flatly, not sure what to say.
“Well I watched the show and was always impressed by your poise and morals. But seeing you in person is
just…well interesting. You are very different than I expected.” He stated simply.
“Well thanks I guess I still don’t know how to handle the fame thing.” I said lamely.
“I have been practicing a few years and still struggle. I can be a pal and baby-step you through it.” He
grinned his charming grin again.
“I could really use a pal with that particular skillset.” I said and reached out for a handshake. The deal was
struck.
“Well first thing I learned was how to take a compliment. Sunday school never prepared you for this. We
are given humility lessons and self-deprecation was my biggest struggle at first. I wanted to downplay everything.”
Jackson shared. I could see his point and made a mental note to think about that.
“Well, I do have trouble with that.” I said. I watched him close his eyes and nod.
“Yeah, ya do!”
I laughed at the blunt way he said it straight out.
“Don’t be shy now.” I said and laughed again.
“Well I can help you practice by complimenting you all morning, okay?” Jackson suggested.
I nodded and groaned.
“I think you would prefer I insult you, then fine.” He stood up and frowned.
“You are just too pretty. I can’t stand the way you laugh at my jokes and chew your eggs so quietly.
Disgusting!” He pulled me up from the bench and we headed back towards his home. I gladly followed while
giggling. I could see a friendship forming.
We got back to the house and I got an idea.
“If I am supposed to stay until Ruby comes to lunch I can make myself comfortable with your manuscript.”
I pointed over to the corner where the red leather chair waited for me. “I know just the place to read your
‘baby’.” I actually saw him get a hint of a blush. That was fun.
“Well I can try and get to work for a few hours. I usually cannot write with someone in the house. This
will test my focusing skills.” He gestured for me to sit and even carried my bag over to me with the manuscript in
it.
I spent the next two hours engrossed in his crime drama. The characters where excellent and the hint of
romance between two characters had me blushing. It’s so interesting to put a face to the author, because you start
to wonder at certain scenes, where they got their inspiration, but actually knowing the person made it different. I
guess it’s the same for any type of artist. I stopped reading when I heard a car pull into the gravel driveway.
* * * * *
Ruby Pearson was a bundle of energy. Her eyes were a sparkly green that turned up in the corners and
she had an attractive feline look about her. She was tall, thin, and moved around at a constant pace. She flitted… I
figured out the word after being there for a few minutes with her. She had a large and welcome smile and an
instant hug as she walked in. There was a streak of movement that ran in with her but he was there and gone
before I could even determine a species.
“Welcome to the family.” Ruby said as she hugged me.
“Already part of the family?” I laughed.
“Well yes, to be involved with the Zenko books is all family for us.”
She released me from the hug and looked me in the eye, such a genuine warm soul. “Wait. You can’t
move. This light is perfect.”
I moved three steps, grabbed my camera and shot a picture of her before she had a chance to move.
I showed her the viewfinder on my digital camera so she could see how the glow from the windows
created a soft light that was beautiful.
“Ok, it’s official now. You have flattered me and won me over completely.” She took a step back and I
could see her brain was grinding its wheels.
“Hannah Parker…well it’s certainly a fine day indeed. Darn you sure are pretty.” Ruby just shrugged her
shoulders and gave me a comical look. “Well I like your haircut. They should have let you wear it like that on the
show.” Ruby grabbed her bag and did a near sprinting walk on long legs over to Jackson’s enormous kitchen. In a
way that only Mary Poppins and Ruby could do, she pulled more food out of that bag she carried than could fit in
any four bags that size. She was banging around in the pan rack, meat sizzling and spices flying that had me just
staring. What an energetic woman!
I could hear the shrieking of a child nearby and saw Jackson and a young fellow heading in the direction of
the kitchen. They weren’t really walking but sort of a wrestle/chasing style of movement. It inched forward often
but it was not any traditional form of travel.
“Kyle say hello to Hannah.” Jackson said when they get closer.
“Hi Hannah!” Kyle said enthusiastically. He looked me in the eye and I saw the spark he had.
“Hey, wanna throw rocks in the lake with me?” He asked as he took my hand.
“Well that sounds perfect.” I looked up and saw his mother nod as she stirred and moved through the
kitchen.
We marched at young Kyle’s pace to the edge of the water. I was nervous.
“See that black rock?” Kyle pointed to the big black rock on the ground. It looked bigger than my head.
“Yes.”
“That’s how far I can go or I get punished.” He nodded seriously.
“Ok, how smart of you to stop in time.” I said as I joined him near the ground snatching up rocks to
throw.
He looked me in the eye and blurted out. “I know.”
We threw rocks into the lake, not with any type of flare but just tossing and listening for the plunk that
seemed to be Kyle’s favorite part of the process. I enjoyed watching him. I felt that inner part of me click in a way
that only a woman could understand. I wanted to ruffle Kyle’s hair and then clone him for my very own.
Okay, I did know daydreams of motherhood were not very constructive at this part of my life but
sometimes you couldn’t help when the urge kicked in. I blamed hormones and tried to focus on my rock throwing.
* * * * *
“Lunch time!” I heard Ruby yelling and her boy turned and ran back to the cabin at lightning speed. My
eyebrows shot up in surprise.
I walked at my own pace back to the cabin still admiring it. It was very nice. Huge windows and the big
rough logs and columns that were magnificent with the woods and pines behind the house. Yea, Jackson had
himself a heaven on earth.
At the lunch table I saw a feast had been prepared and was pleasantly surprised when Jackson said the
prayer over the meal.
Grilled chicken legs with a sweet and spicy glaze, steamed veggies and a salad and somehow an angel cake
had appeared out of nowhere.
We all ate and chatted happily about the weather and Kyle’s latest discoveries. Yesterday it was a turtle
and today he wanted to see if he could find him again.
“So I was hoping you could get some new close up head-shots for Zee’s website. I would like something
non-traditional, kind of edgy and some good use of shadow. Maybe, you could get some random shots of him
writing on his laptop in various positions.” Ruby was clearing the lunch plates as she spoke. She didn’t like to sit
still, was my guess.
“I could easily do that. We can get some nice shots anytime this week. I will check the weather and be in
contact with Jackson to schedule some time. Wanna grow some stubble for effect?” I turned to Jackson to see him
nod slowly.
“Great, that would add some contrast and look very attractive.” I watched his face appreciate that I called
him attractive. It amused me to watch him.
“I will get to work reading tonight and draw out some ideas in the next day or two. I will call you or
message you with my ideas. You guys facebook or email?” I asked.
“I am addicted and so is my brother.” Ruby said quickly.
“Uh yea.” Jackson agreed. “I check it more often than I should.” He looked slightly guilty and then scooped
up some angel food cake smothered with a fruit salad concoction that I discovered a moment later.
“Oh Ruby, this is heavenly.” I said after my first bite. Fruit and whip cream really could never go wrong.
After lunch Jackson walked me out to the car. I got a hug from Kyle and Ruby. I felt awkward for a second
when we got near my car. This felt strangely like the end of a date. I just knew one of us was going to say, ‘Well I
had a really great time.’
“I hope you like the book.” Jackson said with friendly and oddly shy grin.
“I do like it already. I will get nothing else done today when I return home.” I said.
“Well I am glad to meet you, I hope to talk to you soon.” Jackson looked serious for a second, then
waved.
I got in the car and waved back, as I pulled away in my dad’s mustang.
Chapter 19

I had always been a fast reader. I finished his book that night around one a.m. I was tired but I had to get to
the end. It was riveting. It was a great cop drama and I was happy to be surprised by the twists and turns in the
plot. The story felt tangible and the slight romance between the two characters was intriguing. The story ended
with only the hope of them having a relationship. I found one typo in the manuscript and wrote down the location.
Otherwise it was flawless. I grabbed the summary of the next book and was pleased to see that the main character
was the same and the love interest was back. I couldn’t wait for the sparks to fly.

I jumped on my laptop and found the name that Jackson used. I had it written down but had to check the
spelling twice, Jackson Zyszkowski. I clicked on the friend addition button and added a note about who it was. My
Facebook name was Anna Sparkler, after a nickname my brother gave me one summer when I was a kid and I
burned my fingers with a sparkler. It was close to Hannah Parker but I was sure no one outside the family would
put it together. I typed in Ruby Pearson and added her as a friend too.

I sent an email to Allison who was happily planning her wedding and wrote back only short little messages.
She was pretty busy and our lives were going off in different directions. I had to let the sadness go, she was on her
journey and I was on mine. Sometimes that was how life worked.