FLYING | Sequel of FALLEN (NaNoWriMo 2022 WINNER)

22.

Marcel has joined me at my table while there are no clients for me to autograph their books. The clerk, when he helped me build my stand, was telling me it was a very slow day today because of the heavy rain of the last few days. I don't mind it at all. I enjoy Mace's presence next to me too much to complain about the lack of sales.

"I thought it would be nice to plan ahead. I thought it could be a great way to help you deal with your anxiety if you knew what to expect for the days to come. And if it works well, maybe we could keep on doing it."

"Yeah, it's a good idea. We can try it out. We have the Bristol gig booked and our flight to the United States but apart from that I don't know much."

"We are in Cardiff for the night. Tomorrow, you don't have a signing, but we have to drive to Bristol. The day after tomorrow, you have a signing in Bristol. I thought that, since tomorrow is going to be a slow day, I could take you on a date tonight. What do you say?"

"I'd like that very much."

"Good."

"What comes after Bristol?"

"We spend two days in Bristol and then we come back home for about two weeks."

"Two weeks off? Do you think I could stop by my brother's flat? I'm running out of clothes to wear."

"We could even stop by your parents. We could spend a couple of days with them if you wish."

"That could be arranged. I'm sure they'd be happy about it." I smile to myself, happy he's suggested it. "You like them, don't you?"

"Of course, I do. They are your parents. They are kind and generous. They are not invasive in any way."

"My dad appreciates you a lot."

"That's nice to hear. I'm courting his little girl, it could have been way worse."

"I think we are way past the courting stages, Marcel. I think we can fully admit to ourselves that we are completely obsessed with each other."

"That, I am."

"I look forward to getting my revenge at Scrabble."

"I'd like to see you try."

"There must be an app to play Scrabble on our phone. Let me check. There is!"

"That was quick." He responds with a smirk as he takes out his phone as well to download the app.

We both sign up and we each start a game against the other. I send an invitation to Will to sign up and play with me. I don't have the time to play my first word when I see somebody coming my way. Marcel immediately stands up and walks away.

Maybe ten minutes later, Marcel comes back to me and plays me a video he has filmed of me meeting a reader. The video is edited and he's added music to it.

"What are you doing?" I frown and ask him, a bit shocked that he would even consider making a little film.

"I thought it would be nice to upgrade your social media presence."

"What social media presence?"

"Exactly. The demography targeted for your book enjoys Instagram reels and Tik Toks, I thought it would be nice to put you out there. I've noticed a lot of people have tagged you in their Instagram post when they shared the selfies you took with them. I think it would be nice to repost some of them to show your gratitude."

"I am grateful."

"I know you are, but this is the best way to show these guys that you are."

"Oh, I see. This is nice. I couldn't have done it myself."