Solivagant

Chapter Twenty-Four - Robinne

Robinne groaned a sigh of relief as she finally clicked the 'publish' button on Kindle Direct Publishing, KDP for short. She'd spent the last eight days nailing down last checks and going over her third draft manuscript for any errors, inconsistencies or parts she wanted to change/add before hitting the 'publish' button at last.

     It had been taxing to get her book finished and uploaded to the site before her deadline, but she'd done it. It was a tremendous help that she had plenty of time on her hands to get it all done in, working around the clock and every opportunity in between. Though as to the reason why she had all of this time on her hands, it brought her great pain every time she found her mind wandering back to it.

     Just over a week ago as she and Ryder were driving back from the station to tell everyone the good news of catching the barn fire culprit, they'd caught Ralph kissing a woman in her car, which had turned out to be his old friend and flame Delilah. Since then, she's avoided talking or seeing him at all costs. No matter what he could possibly say to her would change what she saw or what he did. Neither has she spoken to any of his family, as any reminder of him like before, would be far too painful than what she's feeling right now. That pain was bad enough without adding to it.

     She'd thrown herself into her writing and anything else that would take away from any and all thoughts of Ralph. For the most part, her distractions worked. It was only when she had a spare moment to think that her mind would wander back to thoughts of him, where she would quickly do something in which would distract her all over again.

     Now that there was nothing more to do on her book, other than to post on her Instagram and other social media accounts about its release today and on the days that would follow, she found herself in need of something else to do. Most of the day had been spent on finishing this, so when she looked at the clock and saw it read almost four in the afternoon, there were very few options. Especially on a Sunday.

     Setting her laptop aside, she made her way up the stairs, planning on rewarding her efforts with the longest bubble bath known to man. At least, that was the plan if not for her doorbell ringing, halting her in her steps.

     Great, who could it possibly be?

     Hoping against all hope that it was the one person she definitely didn't want to see right now, she made her way back down the stairs and reluctantly opened the door. Thankfully upon opening the door, it was someone she would always be welcome to see. Laney stood on her doorstep, a smile upon her beautiful face.

     "Hello there you!"

     "H-hi?"

     She scratched the back of her neck, not quite sure as to why Laney would show up without sending at least a text before doing so. Ever since she'd started recovering from her surgery, Laney had insisted that Robinne rest up and wait at least until after Christmas to come back to work. Insisting that she could cope with spending a little more time with help from Luca to see her through the Christmas rush. With a little insisting on Laney's part, she reluctantly agreed to take the time off. Secretly being thankful for the opportunity.

     "I really don't want to sound rude but, why um...what's brought you here?"

     Taking it all in her stride, Laney merely shrugged and kept the smile on her face. "I'm here to take you into town for an early dinner of course! Girl you've been cooped up for over a week and I know if this was me, I'd be going stir-crazy right about now."

     That's...true

     "Since you're refusing to come and be a part of the outside world, I'm going to take you there. Just you and me. Dinner, music and a good drink. Well, for you anyway. I'm driving again."