Before I left I got gas at the pump in the village and put my wallet on top of the car. You can guess, can’t you? When I stopped to buy coffee at the half-way point, I realized I had no wallet. I called the village office and learned my wallet had already been turned in by one of the many good people who live here. Sigh of relief.
However, I had seventy-eight cents in change and knowing I had no money I was immediately hungry.
The bookstore was lovely, the proprietor charming. He helped me set up and immediately brought out his lunch. I just met him. I couldn’t ask him for a carrot. I couldn’t ask him for money. I watched every bite he took of a thick sandwich. He threw the crusts of that delicious sandwich in the trash!
People came in and sidled past me. People loved up my dog. They ignored my books for sale. I had forgotten what it’s like to sit in a small store and grin (like a chimp) at each customer who comes in, doing his best to avoid eye contact with you.
Could it be that they think I’m going to leap at them with a demand to buy my book, buy my book, buy my book! Or worse that I’m going to say something writerly? Use a big word? Scold them if they want to buy a James Patterson?
The afternoon passed very, very slowly. My stomach growled louder and louder. The dribble of customers slowed and finally the proprietor closed up.
Finally, finally a friend came in and bought a book. Saving some money from the sale for gas, I rushed to the Dollar Store next door and splurged on dinner.
Carrots, peanuts, and a banana never tasted better.
Ah, the glamorous life of a mystery writer.
Here’s my new book: Cats? Animal rescue? Not a cozy…