Chapter 7

After the intense scene reading, it took us all a minute to get into the right mindset for the Q&A section. I kept thinking about what she had read and wondering how the characters got to such a terrible place; how had they been hurt? I guess I’ll find out when I read the book. I really don’t see myself getting much sleep tonight.

I started paying attention to reality just in time to hear a woman near me asking what Dani was working on now that Infinity is ready to come out. Dani grinned and looked around for a moment before answering, “Well, I hadn’t intended to talk about this quite yet, but I’m just too excited about it. ‘Out On A Limb’ is getting a sequel.” Everyone – including myself – went absolutely nuts. That was the first book of hers that I read, and it was my absolute favorite of hers.

She must’ve known we would react like this and she let us get it out of our systems before continuing, “It’s going to be a while, since I’m really just getting started. But I’m confident you guys are going to like what I have planned. Once it gets closer to being done, I’ll have an actual release date and all that, but right now you’re just going to have to wait.”

The next question was just what I was thinking, “You said that this was a more risque book than you’d written in the past. Can we expect more of what we heard earlier? And thank you for doing all this.”

“Thank you for reading! I like to think there’s a little bit in this book for everyone. If you like steamy sex scenes, you’re covered. If you like things a bit more mild, there’s plenty of that too. If you’re anything like me, these characters will break your heart in a way that it’s never been broken before, but I think you’ll enjoy the rewards.”

A few standard questions came in a row after that. “Where do you get your inspiration?”, “Which character do you relate to the most?”, “How did you get your start and how can I become a writer?” I’d read enough of her interviews to know the answers to all of these already and it was clear that she was bored of answering them every time she appeared in public.

I hadn’t intended to ask a question, but I wanted to break up the monotony. I raised my hand after she finished answering a question and was surprised to be called upon immediately. It took me by surprise for a moment, but after a beat I asked, “Why did you choose for Toni to work in a biotech lab? It’s such an obscure choice that it took me by surprise, being in the same field.”

A wide, slightly crooked smile broke across Dani’s face. “It may seem like an odd thing for a romance writer, but biology and technology have always been huge passions of mine. When I was thinking of what she could be, the answer came to me instantly. In a lot of ways, Toni is who I would be if I hadn’t dropped out of college to become a writer.”

That answer struck me for a number of reasons. First and foremost, Dani is a nerd. Holy shit, she’s a nerd. That instantly made her a million times more attractive in my mind. Secondly, Toni was predominantly a lesbian. Maybe Dani is like her in that regard too. She never mentions partners in her interviews or Q&As, never posts pictures with any online. Maybe she’s in the closet?

The Q&A wrapped up a few questions later. I made my way back to the bar with Erica and sat down. I turned to her and excitedly whispered to her, “Dani is a nerd! She keeps getting better and better.”

She laughed at me and put her hand on my shoulder, “You’re so damn cute when you’re in schoolgirl crush mode, even if it is a bit sickening.”

We sat at the bar and enjoyed our drinks – and being off our feet for a few minutes – until they announced we should line up for book signing. The ticket cost included a hardcover copy of “Admiring The Infinite”, so there were stacks of copies on a table where the signing was taking place. As we stood in line, I idly wondered how the cheap folding table they were using managed to hold so much weight; that many books wasn’t exactly light.

One of the ladies from the Collective was standing nearby and struck up a conversation with Erica and I. “I was really surprised to hear her read such a steamy scene. I don’t know what the background is, but that was definitely sexy as hell. Not that I’d expect anything else.”

Erica nodded and replied, “She hasn’t said much about the story this time around. I wonder what we’re getting ourselves into.” We bantered on about the book, speculating about what was going on as we got closer and closer to the signing table.

Once only a few people were left in the line in front of us, I grabbed Erica’s arm and pulled her close, whispering, “I’m so nervous, my hands are shaking like crazy. We really should’ve gotten another drink.”

She snickered and shot back, “Or a Xanax.” I mean-mugged her for a moment before noticing the gap in front of us and moving forward, inching ever closer to Dani.

Finally it was my turn and I was about to introduce myself when Dani spoke up. “Sarah, right? Hi! I remember reading your introduction post in the group. It’s hard to miss that gorgeous purple in your hair. Thank you for coming out tonight.”

I suddenly lost all ability to form coherent sentences and I have no doubt that my face was pure crimson. She not only recognized me, but compliments my hair, then thanks ME for coming to the party? What do I possibly say to that?

“Uh– thanks. I mean, you’re welcome! I didn’t think you’d know who I was, honestly. But thank you, you’re too sweet.” Smooth.

“I have no doubt you’re a busy woman, but biotech is one of my great fascinations. I think that learning more about it would help with Toni’s character development in the new book. Could I buy you dinner and pick your brain sometime?”

My eyes widened and I said instantly, “Absolutely. I’d love to!” Yes, very smooth. Way to keep your cool, Sarah.

She gave me another of those adorably crooked smiles and said, “Awesome. I’ll message you on Facebook soon to figure out a time. Now, time to get you your book and stop holding up the line.” She winked, then signed the book and handed it to me. I thanked her for it as quickly as I could and walked back to the bar, where Erica met me a minute later.

I was staring at the signature on the title page: “To Sarah, never stop chasing the infinite. XO” After comparing with Erica, I was slightly disappointed to see that she had gotten the same thing. Regardless, I was going to have dinner with Dani Collins!

“Have you regained your ability to words yet, Sarah? To your credit, you handled that better than I would’ve thought you would.”

“Holy crap. Did that really just happen?” I looked at her as I sipped my drink, still in awe.

“Yup, you totally have a date with Dani Collins. High five?” She held her hand up and put on a mock-serious look.

Scowling at her, I insisted, “It’s not a date; she just wants to learn.”

“Oh, I have no doubt she wants a biology lesson.” She laughed and ducked to avoid me smacking the back of her head. Clearly, she knows me too well.

The party didn’t last long after the signing concluded. People started to filter out and Erica asked if I wanted to join her and some of the other Collective ladies for dinner.

“I’m kinda tipsy and should probably get home; I imagine Paul’s made dinner by now, so there’ll be stuff there.”

Then she said the two words that blew my argument out of the water: “Dani’s coming.”

“Way to bury the lede. Aren’t you supposed to be a journalist or something? Yes, of course I’m going.” She grinned wider and elbowed me in the side softly, in a way that reminded me of my grandfather after one of his terrible jokes.