Me and Zo explored New York all day, spending a little more than we had. I'd converted all my pounds into dollars before we came and Manhattan had shops a-plenty. We took a ferry down to Staten Island but didn't stay there long as I could only think about Q. We visited Central Park and Zoe and I bought ourselves naughty presents from iconic stores like Bloomingdale's and Macy's. Whenever we walked past a bookstore with my novel in it, I stopped to take a picture. I still couldn't believe my book was being sold here! We fell straight asleep when we got back to the hotel, but I tossed and turned knowing that my first book signing was tomorrow.
"Wake up sleepy head!" I heard Zoe cry as the loud noise from her hairdryer startled me awake.
"What time is it?" I asked, rubbing my eyes and brushing the hair from my face.
"Just gone ten am, you gotta get ready for the big book signing!" I rolled out if bed and slipped into the bathroom. I'd already prepared what I was going to wear. Yep, you guessed it!
Me and Zoe got a cab from the hotel to the bookstore on Broadway. I was so intimidated and honoured to be doing a book signing at The Strand, one of the most famous book shops. We pulled up and I slipped round the back entrance. A very complementary man showed me the room I was going to be in. It was packed with people clutching my book and giggling like I was some kind of celebrity.
"I had no idea people liked my books so much over here," I whispered to Zoe.
"Are you kidding, people love you in the US," the man laughed. My hands began to shake. I was so fucking nervous.
Okay, calm down Grace. You've just got to sign a few books, give a few smiles and you can go. And besides these guys like you, they are actual fans of your books!
I was snapped from my daze when Zoe tugged me into the room, bubbling with people. I waved and sat down by the desk. A kind looking woman, about my age placed all four of my books in front of me.
"Sorry, this signing is only for 'Fountain of Wine'," the man said, sliding the other three books back across the table. The woman peered at me from her glasses with a look of disappointment so I quickly intervened.
"No no, it's fine. I'm happy to sign them," I smiled, taking the books back. Something about all this was so surreal.
"Who shall I make this out to?" I asked, beginning to scribble in the front page.
"Um, Lisa." She muttered, "I'm such a huge fan of your books, you are a really amazing writer!" I blushed and turned to face her.
"Thank you very much Lisa," I smiled. After signing and making small talk with around twenty other people, I realised their was still more to come. Once again, a copy of my book was placed in front of me and I lifted the lid from my pen. I was so tired that I hadn't gotten around to looking up at the fan before asking, "And who do I make it out to?"
I heard a throat being cleared before answering 'Um Brian,"
I stared down at the book unable to move. I slowly raised my head until my eyes met his. I could see the other three guys in the background sniggering like schoolboys. I turned to the man by my side and said,
"Sorry, can you excuse me for a moment," before receiving an answer I ran through the aisle of books and into what I think was a storage room. I heard Q coming up behind me and after I heard the door slam behind him I flung myself towards him, our lips melting together. He clung to my waist as I pulled him in closer. He grabbed my legs and lifted me into the air, our kiss never breaking. I'd missed him so much, I deeply inhaled his smell and ran my fingers through his hair. I pulled apart for air and he stared deeply into my eyes before whispering,
"That's been a long time coming."