Dangerous Lies(4)

Sandra’s lip twitched through her smile. “Maybe we should do a few more romance series, then discuss trying a new genre. You’re at the top right now, Corrine. Your fans would be disappointed if you pulled a 180 on them and wrote toward another reader base.”

I bit the insides of my cheeks. “I guess that’s true.”

Sandra’s grin widened, relieved I complied with her reasoning. “Great! Nothing says you can’t incorporate snippets of other genres, but keep the main focus on romance.”

I blinked through my smile. Yeah, keep sex in it, that’s what they all read your books for anyway, Cora.

“Do you have a plot idea in mind?”

My bottom lip curled inward. Fidgeting with a packet of sugar, I shrugged my shoulders. I couldn’t let her know I was still facing writers block. “I’ve got a few ideas in mind.”

There was no bluffing around Sandra. Her lips pressed together.

Tossing the sugar packet down, I needed to reaffirm her. “I know it’s been a while, but I’ll have something for you soon.”

“You’ve got two weeks to give me thirty thousand words, or your contract with our publishing house is void.”

My eyes bugged out, my chest beginning to tighten. “What?”

She sighed, setting both her palms on the table. “Look, I’m going to be blunt with you. If you’re not producing stories in a timely manner, then we can’t represent you.”

My jaw hung open. She couldn’t be serious. “You of all people know I’ve had a lot on my mind.”

Sandra’s frown deepened. “Yes, and I’m truly sorry for what my son has put you through. I think if you would have given him time, he’d have changed his ways. His therapist informed Martin Sr. and I about his positive progress. He would have come around, but I understand, Cora. Being abused isn’t easily forgotten.”

Her eyes were heavy as she spoke, a slight croak hitching her words. She was being honest, and I should have felt more guilt for leaving him than I did. “I gave him chances,” I whispered, searching for my strength. “I couldn’t do it anymore. Living my life with someone who needed to control my every move, then would apply force when I didn’t do as he demanded… it’s not a life.”

Sandra nodded. She understood, but the sorrow was evident in her eyes. She didn’t feel bad for me, she felt awful for her abusive son. That was what irked me the most. “I won’t hold your decision to divorce against you, because I’ve never been in the situation, but I am here for you.” She bit her lip, glancing around the room. “Look, I can give you four weeks to finish thirty thousand words. If you don’t have anything by then, I’m afraid you’ll have to shop for another publishing house.”

I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat, peeling my eyes from my short fingernails to meet hers. “Okay. I’m going to go on a hiatus and get you your words.”

Her shoulders untightened, a broad smile flashing in my direction. “That sounds perfect. Locking yourself in that big, beautiful house Martin worked hard to purchase for you to build a family in will surely clear your head. Light some candles, run a bubble bath, the writing flow will be there before you know it.”

I grinned and nodded, ignoring her attempt to hide how bitter she was that I got the house in the divorce. “Getting away from everyone is exactly what I need.”

She patted the top of my hand. “I’ll even leave you alone for those four weeks.”

Good thing, because I wouldn’t have met her for our weekly coffee and book talk. I’d be halfway across the world, getting my writing flow back with a man I’d never met in person.





Chapter Four





AuthorCoraKart: What are you doing Thursday?

NZThrillWriter: Planned on taking the bike for a spin.

AuthorCoraKart: Is your bike big enough to pick up my luggage?



Jake’s name spread across the screen on my phone. “Did you finally come to your senses and book a flight?”

I stared at my desktop, a possible itinerary to New Zealand on the screen. “All I need to do is hit confirm.”

“Well, what are you waiting for?”

I rocked in the office chair, pulling my legs up and crossing them. “There’s only one issue I’m having.”

“And what would that be? If you use your boss as an excuse, I’m going to go and reserve that plane seat for you.”

I laughed. “No, she agreed I should take a break from reality. She even gave me a deadline, otherwise I’ll be terminated from my contract.”

“Maybe you’ll finally see the light and publish Indie.”

“I’ll make the deadline. I’m not ready to do it all on my own.”

“Then what’s stopping you?”

I sighed, switching tabs on the computer to Jake’s social media page. He posted a photo from his morning bike ride. The side of his helmet was in view, along with a span of mountains, snow covering the tops while the bottoms were filled with greenery and flowers, an epic lake separating them. “It’s not important.”

“If it’s keeping you from visiting me, your favorite friend, it’s important.”

“I’m just fearful for the unknown.” It wasn’t a lie. I had never been out of the country, or flown on an airplane without Martin. He wouldn’t let me travel unless we were together.