Blockbuster

Chapter Twenty-Nine

I adopted this plot bunny a year or so ago. It really intrigued me. I posted a poll in my group asking which story I should work on next, and this was the winner. It's definitely a WIP. I've only got a rough outline figured out and I'm going back to my roots with this ... writing with a vague plan. I hope that I can do this justice.

None of this is mine ... I wish it was. Sigh ...

Now, we're going to have another chapter of fluffiness before we get to drama. So, we're going to have some resolution with the CPS situation, Mother's Day, and some glimpses into the filming of the movie.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Bella

"Bells, come on. You've been typing on that damn computer for hours. Let's go out for lunch," Jasper said.

"I'm stuck on this third book," I grumped. "I have to get past this slump."

"We can brainstorm, Swan. Come on," Jasper huffed, closing my laptop, and dragging me away from the desk. I scowled at him. "Seriously, Bella. You're going to go cross-eyed. It's a beautiful spring day. I want to go out to eat with my favorite girl."

"I thought you were dating, Maggie, or Margie or whatever," I deadpanned.

"Too whiney," Jasper shrugged, looping my arm through his and guiding me out of the publishing office. "I'm taking a break from dating. Every woman I've dated has been a train wreck. Too needy, too whiney, too slutty, too manipulative, too drunk, too dumb ... the list goes on."

"Don't hold back," I snickered as I got into his Tesla. "Where are you taking me for lunch?"

"I'm in the mood for seafood," Jasper answered. "We're going to Pier 39 to Fog Harbor Fish House."

We drove from the publishing house to Pier 39. Parking the car, we walked to Fog Harbor. It was a beautiful day. The sun was warm, but the air was cool. Jasper sashayed a table outside, overlooking the hoard of seals that the pier was famous for. "I think we need wine," Jasper suggested.

"What are you talking about? Jasper, I have to go back to work. So do you! We can't drink wine," I chided.

"Oh, did I tell you? We're taking a half day. I'm trying to woo you to extend your contract with the publishing company," Jasper said, flagging down a server. "A bottle of Conundrum, please. Also, a serving of crab cakes, blue cheese garlic bread and red chili garlic shrimp to start."

"Of course, sir," the server grinned.

"Jasper," I hissed. "Are you serious? I'm not going anywhere. I'm happy with how the publishing house represents me. They're flexible and understanding with my limitations. Besides, I got you a huge bonus when I signed the contract with Summit to produce my film. So did the publisher."

"Work with me, Swan. We both know that you're not going anywhere, but I'm going to expense this meal," Jasper snickered. "Yes, I can afford this, but I wanted to spoil my favorite author on the whole planet!"

"You are so full of shit," I laughed as the server came back with the bottle of wine and a basket of rolls. We both had a glass of wine poured, leaving the bottle in a bucket of ice. "Seriously though, what's the deal? Why are we out here as opposed to working?"

"Part of it is giving you a few hours away from the office. I know you're overwhelmed with the movie, the stressors of the book conventions and trying to finish up your works in progress. The other part is that we haven't had a moment to talk since that day when you got the letter from Child Protective Services," Jasper explained. "Edward took over, protecting you and Seth." Jasper gave me a gentle smile. "He's so good for you."