"I'm working on a short story series," I said. "I'm going to compile them into a book later." I sat down, suddenly very interested in the man's novel. "What's your novel about?"
I blinked at the sudden arrival of the girl and her and Sunny's quick back-and-forth conversation. Regaining my composure, I replied, "It's about a boy who's orphaned and can't read or write, but he lives in a library." I smiled as she said she was a fellow writer. "Are you sticking to one genre, or doing a variety?"
"You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes - you can steer yourself in any direction you choose!" - Dr. Seuss ~ Will Review For Food
I grinned. "I'm not sure. I used to be a travelling journalist for the New York Times, but they laid me off." I cleared my throat. "I figured I'd dabble a little, try to figure out what to do next. What do you suggest?" I sipped my coffee, glad I'd found someone who understood writing like I did - maybe better than I did...
I smiled at the thought of someone else wanting my opinion on anything - and writing! Who'd have thought? Certainly not me. "I'd say try everything first. But don't expect to get anywhere with every single bit of work you do." I advised. "It's going to take quite a while for you too find your groove. Or -" I shrugged lightly, "- you'll find out soon." Journalist for the New York Times? Wow, that was amazing! I would've inquired more about her previous job, but the slight awkward shift of subjects spoke volumes. I decided to leave her be about it, for now anyway. After all, I had just met the girl!
"You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes - you can steer yourself in any direction you choose!" - Dr. Seuss ~ Will Review For Food
"Wow, that is so cool!" I said. "Rose, I think I remember reading one of your articles; I just didn't remember who you were. And--" I turned to the novelist guy. "I'm sorry, I don't know your name. But you have to tell me when your novel gets published, okay? Please?"
I smiled at Sunny. "Raymond Dale. Pleased to meet you both." I said with a small laugh. "Of course! You'll be the first to know." I replied enthusiastically, my social awkwardness momentarily gone with the two now familiar girls.
"You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes - you can steer yourself in any direction you choose!" - Dr. Seuss ~ Will Review For Food
"I'm Rose," I said, suddenly aware that I hadn't introduced myself. "I can't wait to read your writing! Maybe we could collaborate on our writing sometime." I grinned at Raymond. He didn't seem so nervous anymore.
"Hey Sunny!" Deanna called from the kitchen. "Coffee's ready!"
"Coming!" I called back. "One second, you guys." I jogged back into the kitchen and grabbed the pot of coffee and three mugs. Sliding into the booth next to Rose, I set out the three mugs in front of everyone. "Coffee?" I asked.
"Don't mind if I do," I said, holding out my mug. "It's been forever since I last tasted good, old-fashioned coffee from home." I took a big whiff of the coffee. "Mmmmm smells like home." I looked up and almost laughed aloud at the looks Sunny and Raymond were giving me.
I chuckled lightly as I took the last cup. "Yes, please. Thank you." I grinned at Sunny, then turned to Rose. "That's be pretty cool. This reminds me of the club I was in in High school. Me and some fellow writers would always do prompts and share work. I would love to read one of your stories!" I enthusiastically replied to Rose.
"You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes - you can steer yourself in any direction you choose!" - Dr. Seuss ~ Will Review For Food
I blushed slightly, feeling almost obnoxious as I pulled out a large pack of paper- my latest story. "I actually have a copy of my latest work with me," I said, placing it on the table. "How about we swap stories and give some reviews? Just like high school." I grinned and sipped more coffee.
I laughed, "Well, a good writer always comes prepared." I joked as I motioned to my laptop. "Sure, why not?" I saved my work and opened up the document for the first chapter and turned it around for Rose to see. "There you go." I said, reaching out an arm to receive her papers.
"You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes - you can steer yourself in any direction you choose!" - Dr. Seuss ~ Will Review For Food
I handed my story over and pulled Raymond's laptop a little closer. Sunny came around the booth and sat beside me, reading along. In a few minutes, I was done with the first chapter. I looked up, but Raymond was still reading. Not wanting to break the silence, I started in on the second chapter, thinking all the while, This guy has a talent.
I only know that learning to believe in the power of my own words has been the most freeing experience of my life. It has brought me the most light. And isn't that what a poem is? A lantern glowing in the dark. — Elizabeth Acevedo, The Poet X
