Blockbuster Teaser

 “I’ve been such a huge fan, Ms. Swan,” said the woman in front of me. “Your first book grabbed me, and I’ve been addicted ever since.”

“What’s your name?” I asked, holding my pen.

“Bree,” she answered. “Long and Winding Road, it helped me get out of a bad situation.”

I blinked up at her. The breeze forced my hair across my face. This book convention was outside, which was perfect in the mid-February weather, which was balmy and warm, encouraging things to grow. The woman was young, with dark brown hair and hazel eyes. Eyes that held a story, a dark story. I reached out with my hand, taking hers. “I’m so sorry, Bree.”

“Don’t apologize. Reading your story, it made me realize that my life was a nightmare and my partner liked to take out her insecurities out on me,” Bree explained with a visible shudder. “Regardless, I got my ass out of there after I read how Charlotte and Peter managed to get out of the horrible situation with John. She found Liam … She got her happily ever after.”

“Did you?” I asked, trying not to cry. “Get your happily ever after?”

“I did,” Bree nodded with a bright, happy grin. She looked over her shoulder, gesturing wildly. A tall, blonde woman with tattoos and an eyebrow piercing came over to Bree. “Ms. Swan, this is my wife, Irina.”

“My girl just adores your writing, Ms. Swan,” Irina said with a deep, husky voice. Her expression was filled with love as she looked at Bree. Bree blushed, kissing her wife’s lips and I felt my heart gave a little jump. They were so happy. I’d helped them find their happiness.

“You are a beautiful couple,” I beamed.

“Can we get a picture with you?” Bree asked, holding her hands up under her chin.

I nodded and stood up, smiling widely. I moved between the two of them and several photos were taken. I sat back down, signing a copy of my book for both of them. As I gave Irina the book, she took my hand. “Your book, it was Bree’s talisman, Ms. Swan. I know it was a work of fiction, but it gave her strength to get out of a toxic, horrible relationship. For that, I’m eternally grateful. You helped me find my soul mate.”

“I wish you nothing but the best, love and happiness,” I breathed.

“I got my forever,” Irina murmured, blinking to her wife. “I hope you get the same.” She hugged me tightly, which surprised me, but I accepted it, nonetheless.

“I found my forever, too,” I whispered to her. “Enjoy the rest of the convention.” I sat back down, turning to the next person in the line. After an hour of signing copies of my novels, I was ushered to another part of the convention for presentation for several authors from my publishing company. It was a question-and-answer session, where most the questions were directed to me. My fellow authors were not happy, but I couldn’t help that my novels were getting a little more notoriety because of the upcoming movie.

After that presentation, Jasper and I went out to eat lunch at a nearby restaurant. “There’s been a change in the schedule, Swan,” Jasper said, sipping his beer. “The organizers want a presentation with just you. You’re quite the draw, Bells.”

“I don’t understand why,” I snickered. “I’m just a writer. A woman. Nothing special.”

“I beg to differ, Bella,” Jasper argued. “That couple? Bree and Irina? Your writing helped Bree to garner the strength to leave an abusive situation. Own that …”

“If they knew the truth,” I frowned. “There are days where I feel like I’m such a fraud.”

Bree