the space between us 2: a novella | daerin

7

CASPER

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The office was beautifully adorned with flowers and decorations to celebrate my upcoming book launch when I stepped into work this morning. To commemorate the success of the pre-orders and the outpouring of love and support I've received for my previous books, I decided to go on a book tour.

I haven't told anyone about this, aside from Archie. It felt right for him to know first, and besides, the guy can keep a secret.

What racked my mind was the fact that I was still wondering how I'd break the amazing news to Azalea and Tilly. This wasn't just going to be a regular book tour in a couple of bookstores across the country, no. My company decided it was time to upscale, to make grand ideas and gestures. Basically, we're going global.

The thought itself makes my head spin. The first stop on the tour is the USA. What I'm most excited about is Europe, especially Italy. I know how keen Tilly has been about visiting, and if things work in my favour, I can bring her along.

As the final minute of my workday came to an end, I quickly packed up my belongings and tidied up around my desk and office before pulling my phone out to see that Tilly had used Azalea's phone to send a bunch of silly selfies.

"Cute, must be your little one?"

I looked up to see Raven, a co-worker and fellow published author, standing across from my desk.

"Hey, Raven. I'm so sorry I didn't realise you walked in," I chuckled softly. "But yeah, sure is," I smiled proudly. "My little superstar."

Raven shot me a wide smile. "You've yet to bring her to work so we can bond and become besties."

Her comment made us both laugh. "Listen, when I get the chance, I will. Maybe when her school term is over."

Raven nodded then waved her phone in front of me. "Also," her smile forming into a grin, "guess whose book draft has been accepted to be published!"

My jaw dropped. "No way. Is it really?" I exclaimed.

Raven nodded. "It is! It'll be a while until it does, but the point is, it's all happening! And it's thanks to you. Casper, you inspired me."

"Aw, no, I hardly did anything."

She shook her head. "Nonsense. To thank you, I have to take you out for dinner. As friends. As you know I've got a girl of my own. Just so that's out there."

"You brag about her like she put the stars in the sky," I laughed. "But thank you anyway for saying that. And I'd love to, but I'm sure you know how it is. Let me give Azalea a call and let you know?"

Raven smiled. "Sure."

I pulled out my phone and dialed Azalea's number, waiting as it rang a few times. Finally, she picked up, her voice sounding slightly worried.

"Hey, Cassie. Is everything okay?" Azalea asked, her tone laced with concern.

"Hey, love. Everything's fine," I reassured her. "Listen, I was wondering if it would be okay for me to go out for dinner tonight. Raven wants to celebrate her book draft being accepted for publication."

There was a pause on the other end. "But I already made dinner," Azalea replied, a hint of skepticism in her voice. "I thought we could spend the evening together."

I bit my lip, feeling a pang of guilt. "I know, and I'm so sorry about that. But this is a one-time thing. Raven really wants to thank me, and it would mean a lot to her."

Azalea sighed. "I understand. It's just that... with everything going on, I was hoping we could have some time together as a family."

My heart ached at her words. "I promise it won't be a late night. I'll be home as soon as I can. And we can have a special dinner tomorrow, just the three of us. How does that sound?"

There was another pause before Azalea replied, her voice softer. "Okay, Cassie. Just don't be out too late. Tilly's been looking forward to spending time with you."

"I won't be," I promised. "Thank you, love. I appreciate it."

After hanging up, I turned to Raven with a smile. "Looks like I'm good to go. Let's celebrate your amazing news."

Raven beamed. "Fantastic! Thank you so much, Casper. This means a lot to me."

As we left the office, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. I was thrilled for Raven and eager to celebrate, but Azalea's worried tone lingered in my mind. I knew I needed to find the right moment to share my own big news with her and Tilly, hoping they would understand and support this next chapter in our lives.