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“Oh good, you’re all here together,” she said, coming out of her office.
Drawing her attention to Anne Marie and I, she smiled. “I’ve been looking forward to introducing the two of you today,” Lila said, sending smiles our way.
“Actually, Stephanie and I already know each other,” Anne Marie offered.
Lila’s smile widened. “You do?”
“I work at Owls as the social media manager, so I see Anne Marie almost daily.”
“But I didn’t know she was a writer as well,” Anne Marie added.
“Isn’t it a small world?” Lila marveled. “So, do you also know Jade and Taylor?”
“We haven’t officially met, but I’ve seen them around,” Anne Marie admits.
Why we haven’t hung out as a group before eludes me.
“Ladies, this is Anne Marie Emerson, Anne Marie, this is Taylor Holland, and Jade Caballero,” she said, formally introducing them.
“Nice to meet you,” they said, exchanging pleasantries.
Glancing back at her office, Lila looked as if she was ready to call us into her office before she decided better of it. “I think we’ll be more comfortable out here,” Lila said, taking up one of the oversized chairs. “Please have a seat, ladies.” She directed at Taylor and Jade.
“You’re probably wondering why I’ve called you in today?” Lila says, placing the folder she was holding into her lap and crossing her hands over it. Keeping us in suspense.
I rubbed my sweaty palms on the sides of my jeans as Lila made eye contact with each of us. “Ladies, I’m excited to inform you Ocean Tides has invited four authors from Dream Big Publishing to attend an author’s signing event aboard their cruise line, all expenses paid.”
Wait, what?
“An authors' signing?” Taylor repeated, taking the words right out of my mouth.
Opening the folder in her lap, Lila nodded. “That’s right,” she said, withdrawing a stack of colorful brochures.
A cruise ship?My eyes immediately wandered over to Anne Marie, whose thoughts probably mirrored my own. I’ve never been on a boat or a ship before. I sure hope my motion sickness is a thing of the past.From what I hear, the cabins on cruise ships are tiny. With my chair, how would that even work?
“Um,” I spoke up. “A cruise?” I hesitated, hoping I wouldn’t have to point out the obvious.
“I know what you must be concerned about, but I assure you, it’s all accessible for both you and Anne Marie. I made sure of it before I called you in,” she explained, handing us each a brochure.
Glancing at the information, the ship was massive, but looked like it could be a lot of fun.
Could I afford to take time off?
Lila explained she would go with us to serve as a liaison between the authors, Ocean Tides, and Big Dream Publishing. She also informs us we could bring a plus one aboard, all expenses paid. Big Dream Publishing would arrange shipment of our books and pay for first class airfare to and from for the attendees and their guests.”
“The two companies are paying for the entire trip?” Anne Marie asked.
“Yes. Ocean Tides or Big Dream Publishing will cover every expense. Think of it as a working vacation.” Lila smiled with pride.
“Oh wow,” Taylor sang. Looking over at Jade, who was bouncing in her seat.
“How long is the trip, and where would we embark?” Anne Marie asked.
“Embarkation will be in Los Angeles on July, 15thwith disembarkation on July 30th. With air travel, we will be gone for about two and a half weeks total.”
This means I can give Elora two weeks’ notice before we leave.
“I see,” Anne Marie whispered, clearly caught up in something. Wincing at the information, something about Anne Marie’s reaction told me she’s not a fan of LA.
