It Had to Be You

Help Is On the Way Dear

After they'd gone their separate ways from dinner, Nina had called Alexa. She couldn't call her parents. Her mom would freak out. Her dad would tell her to hire a lawyer. She didn't want their emergency response just yet. She needed a somewhat calm human being.

"I mean, that sucks. But you did sign a contract." Alexa was level headed and non-emotional.

"Write the two books and then don't do anymore. What's the big deal?"

"The big deal is he's taking away the essence of the characters. He's turning them into these stereotypical women who need saving."

"Will it sell?" Alexa was pragmatic to a fault.

"That's what they tell me."

"So take the money and walk away."

"Or, full your books completely." Henry chimed in. Nina hadn't realized she was on speaker phone.

"That's the other option." She sighed. Both options felt less than appetizing.

"You know who you should talk to? Walker. He's had some involvement in book publishing. I'm pretty sure his family owns a publishing house over there. What me to connect you?" Nina tried to keep her voice calm and level.

"No, it's not necessary. I don't want to inconvenience him."

"Too late. I just texted him and he's in London for the next two weeks. I'll connect you guys. But now I've got to run. Good luck Nina. Miss you!"

"I've got to jump too. Nina we love you, we're proud of you. But you gotta find a way to make your peace with this." Only Alexa could make warm words feel like an order.

"I know. I will. Love you too."

Nina hung up the phone and opened her messages. Henry had made good on his word. She was now in a group text with Walker who had already responded and texted her separately offering to meet up for drinks the next day. Nina sighed. How did everything feel complicated when only a week ago it had felt effortless?