FLYING | Sequel of FALLEN (NaNoWriMo 2022 WINNER)

24.

From: gracyhemmy

To: logankent

Object: Re: The Articles

Hello Logan,

I'm delighted to know you enjoyed my work. Thank you for your kind words. Also, it's an exciting thought to know that my novel has crossed the ocean before I've ever gotten the chance to. I hope it will entertain you.

I'm very thankful we had the chance to meet at your Masterclass. I learned a lot. I find myself using your methods whilst drafting another novel. I've never had a clearer idea in my mind where my story is going. I love your outlining method. I think I might steal it in the future as well. Writing a novel has never seemed easier. Merci.

Have a nice weekend.

Sincerely,

Grace

Saturday, 10:59

***

I reread my email and made sure I didn't let a typo slip in before I click SEND. Once I get the confirmation that the email has been sent, I close my application and put my phone back into my purse. I raise my head and look around Edith's empty office. I'm surrounded by memories, dancing around me of all of the time spent here with Marcel. Tough times. Beautiful times. I can see the mess of papers still scattered on Edith's desk.

I look at my phone after what seems to have been half an hour of waiting. I distracted myself by looking through the office windows, looking at the people working in the building next door. I imagined their lives like Mace and I did a couple of times. But even the man spilling his tea doesn't distract me enough to not find the time long.

I hear the ding of the elevator and become immediately hopeful to see Edith rushing through the door being ever so busy. I wait, but I don't see her come in. She must be busy. I should have called her before. I should have thought about that. I should have made an appointment with Sophie.

Just as I think of her, I hear the phone at the reception ring. She must have been the one getting out of the lift. I hear her greet the caller with her usual professionalism. I don't try to listen, but the sound of Edith's name catches my attention. Her tone is friendly. She must be speaking with the receptionist in the hall.

"Unfortunately, she is in a meeting with the accountants on the fifth floor. No, it might take another hour. I wasn't aware she had a meeting with a new writer. We don't want to scare them off. We are in dire need of new material. According to Marcel, we've received a couple of good scripts, but they aren't great. I figure that Edith might have written to them. I know Marcel wouldn't have, he has higher standards.. I'll text her. She might have forgotten to tell me. Bring him up. I'll offer him tea in the meantime. Alrighty then." I hear Sophie conclude her phone call, but my phone vibrates at the same time.

Him: Where are you? I'm home.

My hopes were high with this meeting today with Edith, but my longing for Marcel is what channels me entirely. I get electrocuted with this immense desire to be by his side more than anything. I leave a quick note to Edith, my writing impatient. I leave her my first draft with a short introduction and guidance to reach me through email while we will be out of the country. I leave her the most information I can think of in the least amount of time to run home and join her son.

I rush to the elevator and cross a man on my path. I offer a quick salutation to Sophie at her desk now busy with the writer.. I hurry the lift to close the doors before taking out my cell phone again to text an answer to Marcel.