Young & Reckless

Chapter 7 - Hannah

Chapter 7 - Hannah

Why did Terry get involved with this guy? He was creepy. He looked like the type that takes anything he wanted without any solace or empathy. She trusted him for money. At least we paid the rent. Well, partial rent.

My cheeks were out like a blowfish. Could I be able to do this? My first published novel. I kept watch on the door for anyone to recognize me. I twisted my napkin around. Throwing it on the table, I took a sip of my cold water. I felt like I was gonna choke. Those two cops seemed to know more than they let on. I was tipsy that night, trying to get away from someone that tried to hurt me. I breathed out, I shouldn't think about it. If only I saw his face to report him. I got away, that's all that mattered. "Hannah?" I gulped at the sound of my name. Or maybe they were calling another Hannah. "Hannah Farrell." The woman in a blue button-down shirt and dress pants said.

"Yes," I looked up. My heart dropped. Oh God, now I'm nervous. She's gonna reject my book. Her curly hair hung to her shoulders. She put her purse on the ground by her legs. She was clean cut, neat. The sun hit her tanned skinned and she smiled.

"I'm Ashley Falls." She held out her hand.

"From Entanglement Publishing?" I squeaked out my question.

"That's right. Nice to meet you." She sat in front of me in the spare seat. My first agent. Possibly. But I've been chatting with Mindy through emails.

"Nice to meet you. I thought I was meeting Mindy Lands." I sat up straight.

"She's out for today. I'm filling in." I recognized her name in the masthead on the website, the editor in Chief.

"Nice to meet you, Ms. Falls." I smiled warmly.

"Same sentiments. Mindy shared your manuscript with me."

"Did she?" I nodded.

"Yes. It was... cute."

"Cute." Did she say cute? "I was going for more of a sensual romance."

"Were you?" She leaned over, lacing her fingers together.

"Yes. There's plenty of erotica on the shelves. I wanted to write something different."

"Hmmm." She pushed her hair back, pouting out her lip and looked away in thought. "I'm hungry. Have you had lunch?" She asked.

"I didn't order yet," I shook my head. I felt the phone vibrate in my pocket. I ignored it. Whoever is calling, I'll call you later. What if it's dad? He's been in the hospital for a month. I told my sister to call or text me if there were any changes. "Excuse me," I told her, standing up from the chair. It was my sister. I let out a panicked breath out loud. I picked it up. "Hey sis. Any change?"

"Not yet," she sighed. I squeezed my lips together. It's been two months since dad's stay in the hospital. A fall. He fell in the garage while fixing a lightbulb. His new wife found him. I didn't buy it. I was skeptical. Of her. I knew what she was. Dad didn't see it. Me and Caroline did. That's what they told us. After surgery, he won't wake up. We needed a miracle.

"Caroline, what did they say about dad?" I was anxious. I needed answers. Was it good or bad? What's his prognosis? I snuck a peek at the corner of the woman chatting her way for another water with the waiter. Cute? How did I write something cute?" I ground internally. My heads was in a tizzy.

"It's touch and go. He could wake up anytime."

"Okay. Please keep me updated. How's Robin?" I mentioned our stepmother with a sneer. Dad married her after mom left us when I was 12 and Caroline was 15. She was indifferent, stubborn and spend most of dad's money

"She's all right. She is not with me," Caroline responded, sounding annoyed.

"What do you mean? Her husband's in the hospital."

"She was here, then she left."

"Did she say where she went?"

"No." I looked, praying for my patience and dimming my anger.

"I'll call you later, I'm in a meeting."

"With the book people?"

"Yeah."

"Lots of luck, little sister."

"Thanks. Love you."

"Love you too." I hung up, letting out a big sigh and heading back to the table. "Sorry," I apologized.

"You were gone for a while," she said with a little chuckle.

"I was on the phone with my sister."

"Oh. Okay. Let's talk about these sample pages." She pulled out her iPad, clicking on the buttons to show me her notes.

xxx

An hour and fifteen minutes later, I timed the meeting just in case it went horrible. Turned out she didn't hate my pages. Her notes did say I sounded too passive with the main characters, stating I was playing it too safe for it to be a sensual romance. It was more YA than NA. I asked if I had to rewrite. She told me I shouldn't dare. Just make the MC more dangerous. Like he has a secret to be with her. 'A mix of Joe Goldberg and Christian Grey.' Her words made a stamp in my mind. I didn't like Christian or Joe to begin with, but I understood what she was saying. She was constructive, not negative. I liked that. At least they still want to sign me for their winter list. I wonder who my marketing team will be. I got my first agent!

I pouted my lips to the side. A raindrop hit my cheek. Let it be a drizzle, no heavy rain.

None of the car services were available for another half hour, cabs were passing by me like I had an infection since the weather changed. My last resort was the bus. It's raining, so I put on my coat, took out my mini umbrella. Good thing I remembered bringing this.

As I waited for the next one to pass by, a black car pulled up slowly, winding down their window. I backed up, assuming they were about to throw something out of the window since there was a trash can. "Do you need to head somewhere? I can give you a ride." The man with slick back hair and beautiful eyes asked. He stared at me up and down. He had a face where I could read his mind. His eyes squinted, he smirked and licked his lips, and quirked an eyebrow.

"No, thank you. I have a ride," I answered meekly. Please, go away. My knees knocked together.

"Are you sure? I can get you where you need to be."

"No thanks." The bus was coming behind, "there's my ride. Bye." I pulled out my wallet, scurrying to the bus door, he's not watching me, right? I showed my pass and sat at the furthest spot near the window. I frowned; he was persistent. I've had encountered drivers wanting to give me a ride while I waited for the bus, usually they take the rejection. This guy, he was adamant I get in. Sex traffickers. They think they can get away with anything. I shook my head, staring at the window. I saw the man's car, idle as the bus passed him. I looked, he waved right to me. I shifted, holding my body. Making a fist with my hand, ready to defend. Hmm. He could be an inspiration for my MC. He had that enigmatic look, smolder. Sneaky. I pulled out my phone, writing down some notes for him, changing a few of his characteristics.