The Tale of Zachary Willowbrook: A Leap Day Paradox

Chapter 16: Stacy's Book Tour

The next day after school, Stacy set the record straight. In the parking lot of the school near her car, she expressed to Mrs. Linley her concern for Audrey's education, and how she was interfering with this.

"I'm very sorry, Mrs. Willowbrook...." Mrs. Linley told her. "I just happen to be fascinated with your family. I find your story to be very inspiring. But I do understand your point. I will tone down discussion about this in the classroom. Getting back to your story, I don't have a copy of it yet. I'm actually on the waiting list to get My Precious Little Gift of Time. Do you know when I will get it?"

"Thank you for your understanding," Stacy told her. "To answer your question, I do not have any idea when you will get your book. I am not the publisher. All I know is that they're printing the copies as fast as they can. When they arrive, you will get your copy. I'm glad you enjoy having my daughter in your class. Please try to avoid getting too starstruck."

Mrs. Linley nodded. "Yes, Mrs. Willowbrook. Have a good day. I look forward to your book!"

Stacy opened her car and got in. Zachary, Audrey and Timothy were waiting in the car the whole duration of the conversation. Stacy left the school and drove home.

Within the next week, Stacy was in a frenzy, planning everything she could for her big book tour with Zachary. On Friday, Stacy's agent Anton called back, just as he said he would. The tour would start on September 16th and would end on November 18th. Knowing that she would be gone for two months, Stacy was in a planning frenzy. She wanted to make sure that David, Audrey and Timothy had everything they needed for the next two months.

"Ten weeks, Davy." Stacy said, panicking. "I'm going to be gone with Zachary for almost ten weeks. That's 86 bookstores in 46 cities."

David shook his head. "I would call that overbooked."

Stacy managed a nervous smile. "It's okay. There are no book signings on the weekends, so me and Zacky can relax."

David frowned. "Isn't that when most people are available?"

"You don't understand, Davy. Most of the audience is going to be mothers. In most families, mothers are available. And in this economy, people will need to be inspired."

David shrugged his shoulders. "I guess the numbers don't lie. Just relax, okay?"

Stacy nodded, as she continued running around, trying to organize everything.

David noticed Zachary's diaper bag, lying near a couple opened suitcases. "How are you going to get two months of diapers in there?"

Stacy smiled. "I'm not. I'll use room service to have them get more diapers for my Zachary."

David smirked. "Room service?"

"Yes, David. These are five-star hotels that I will be staying at, so they will get me whatever I want, okay?"

David nodded. "Okay! I'm sorry I asked...."

Another week passed. In this time, Stacy was able to complete everything on her list. She managed to buy everything she needed for the trip and everything she needed for David, Audrey and Timothy. For her trip, everything was laid out and everything was organized. For her and Zachary, she packed two bags for each of them, and Zachary's diaper bag. She also packed Zachary's stroller, for when he gets really tired, especially during night time travel through the various airports.

A couple days later, the big day came. It came on a Sunday night. David drove Stacy to the airport, and, after watching her and Zachary go through security, walked her to the gate. Stacy kissed everyone goodbye. To David, to Audrey and to Timothy.

"Good bye," she told her family. "Mommy's going on a long tour with Zachary." And then she said to David: "Don't worry. I'll call every night. Bye everyone!"

Stacy went to the counter and showed the attendants the boarding passes. Hers and Zachary's. After that, they got on the plane and were flown to New York.

Weeks passed. For the tour, Stacy made it very clear to Anton what she wanted. No appointments on the weekend. For each hotel suite, Zachary gets one of the rooms to himself. Every day at 1:00 p.m., Zachary gets his nap. And, most importantly, whatever Zachary wants, Zachary gets. Even if that means ending a book signing early.

The days were pretty straightforward. Stacy would wake up. She would then wake Zachary up and get him ready for the appointment. A black Mercedes-Benz E-Class would then pick Stacy up at the hotel and drive her to the bookstore. By now, the time would be about 9:00 a.m.

Once at the bookstore, Stacy would place Zachary on her lap, explaining to the excited crowd that this was her "precious little gift of time". She would then go on to explain the inspiration to writing the book and the content of the book itself. She then ended with a question and answer forum. After the questions, she would then begin signing books from a bunch of excited fans.

With the first appointment done for the day, the black Mercedes would then take her back to the hotel for lunch and for Zachary's nap, which was of greater importance.

During Zachary's nap, Stacy would get out her laptop, and work on her next book. This one would be a sequel, and would be titled My Precious Little Gift of Time II - How I Survived Four Years of the Terrible Twos. With her lunch and a cup of coffee, she would type away, filling the screen with her numerous experiences with Zachary and the rest of her family.

After Zachary's nap, Stacy would then get Zachary ready for the next appointment at 4:30.

Once ready, she would then grab a copy of My Precious Little Gift of Time and go to the lobby with Zachary. A black Mercedes would take them to the other book store. She would pretty much have the same discussion as in the morning, placing Zachary on her lap like she always does. After her discussion, Q&A, and signing books, the day was over. She then took the Mercedes to the airport and flew to the next city. Another Mercedes would take her to a different hotel, where she and Zachary would spend the night. Once settled in the room, Stacy would put a tired Zachary to bed. She would then call David, talk for a while, and then fall asleep. And that was only one day.

With all the energy she could muster, Stacy opened the door to her new hotel room. She pushed the door open with one hand while holding the stroller steady in the other. "Chicago," Stacy yawned. "Our new home for the night...."

Stacy yawned as she pushed the stroller into an elegantly decorated room. The room looked like the Presidential Suite, and with multiple rooms, it very well could be.