Quinn had read the letter four times and still was having trouble believing it. The first line "Everyone here at Eksmo-AST Publishing Group is excited to take part in publishing your novel Ashes Do Not Forget..." kept repeating in her head. So much work and so many rejections. It was finally happening. She had even jumped in excitement, and had immediately pulled out her wallet. She had to tell Lucien.
Lucien,
I know you prefer more old fashioned forms of communication, but I couldn't wait to tell you. Eksmo-AST is publishing Ashes Do Not Forget! I sold a manuscript! Don't worry - I will send you a certified letter tomorrow. Thanks for beta reading, and thanks for everything else too. I'm going to this new club tonight, Hikari, to celebrate. Sometime soon though, I'd like to take you to lunch or tea as thanks.
Love,
Quinn
Lucien had always been more old fashioned, so she even sent him texts like letters. It was just something fun she did. She would have invited him out tonight, but the club would likely not be Lucien's vibe. He might meet clients at a place, but he would likely not enjoy it. He also was probably busy and she didn't expect a response for awhile. He would when he could though. Quinn had no idea if he even knew what the place was. If Lucien knew, he would likely piece together why she was going. The loneliness wasn't so bad after good news, but it would come back. At least now she could take advantage and spend some time with someone who would have to spend time with her.
She got dressed in a bright dress and jewelry fitting for the club and its theme. Access to money was never a problem. It was part of the reason she had actually succeeded as fast as she did. She could focus more on her writing than most aspiring authors as she didn't need a mundane job. The club had a Japanese pop-culture vibe, and many didn't know that she actually did enjoy manga and anime. It was an odd hobby for a serious novelist, but she did enjoy it. She felt she would like the vibe of the place and could hopefully enjoy herself.
Quinn took a cab to the club and checked her coat before entering the club proper. As always, she saw the candles. Most of them burned, some brighter than others, but there was hope in this room. The atmosphere was positive. She ordered a drink, a bright and fruity beverage that seemed to sparkle and shift colors. She smiled at the bartender appreciatively as she perused the list of potential hosts. She found a man she liked. Not too thin, but not too muscular either with a clean shaven face and hair spiked in an anime style. He even wore some makeup. The eyeliner was well done and a light blue that made his own eyes pop. He was incredibly attractive. She picked him and then the pair moved throughout the club.
Quinn wasn't much of a talker, and her host caught on fast. He didn't seem offended, and would talk to her, reading what she wanted through movement as they found a seat near the wrestling ring. He did his best to behave as a gentleman, but having grown up with Lucien meant that it wasn't quite what she was used to. Still it was endearing. There was another couple nearby. A man dressed extravagantly and almost blended in to the background of the club while still standing out. He was also a very attractive man and had his own host. Quinn and her host gave the pair a smile as they sat down.
Quinn moved closer to her host and he read her intent quickly. She felt his arm snake around her waist and pull her close. It felt good being held by someone like this. It wasn't something she felt often and she was glad that she came here while her mood was good. She didn't feel so alone right now. He gaze turned towards the wrestlers, but her mind was on the arm around her as she snuggled into his shoulder. It should be a good night.
Lucien,
I know you prefer more old fashioned forms of communication, but I couldn't wait to tell you. Eksmo-AST is publishing Ashes Do Not Forget! I sold a manuscript! Don't worry - I will send you a certified letter tomorrow. Thanks for beta reading, and thanks for everything else too. I'm going to this new club tonight, Hikari, to celebrate. Sometime soon though, I'd like to take you to lunch or tea as thanks.
Love,
Quinn
Lucien had always been more old fashioned, so she even sent him texts like letters. It was just something fun she did. She would have invited him out tonight, but the club would likely not be Lucien's vibe. He might meet clients at a place, but he would likely not enjoy it. He also was probably busy and she didn't expect a response for awhile. He would when he could though. Quinn had no idea if he even knew what the place was. If Lucien knew, he would likely piece together why she was going. The loneliness wasn't so bad after good news, but it would come back. At least now she could take advantage and spend some time with someone who would have to spend time with her.
She got dressed in a bright dress and jewelry fitting for the club and its theme. Access to money was never a problem. It was part of the reason she had actually succeeded as fast as she did. She could focus more on her writing than most aspiring authors as she didn't need a mundane job. The club had a Japanese pop-culture vibe, and many didn't know that she actually did enjoy manga and anime. It was an odd hobby for a serious novelist, but she did enjoy it. She felt she would like the vibe of the place and could hopefully enjoy herself.
Quinn took a cab to the club and checked her coat before entering the club proper. As always, she saw the candles. Most of them burned, some brighter than others, but there was hope in this room. The atmosphere was positive. She ordered a drink, a bright and fruity beverage that seemed to sparkle and shift colors. She smiled at the bartender appreciatively as she perused the list of potential hosts. She found a man she liked. Not too thin, but not too muscular either with a clean shaven face and hair spiked in an anime style. He even wore some makeup. The eyeliner was well done and a light blue that made his own eyes pop. He was incredibly attractive. She picked him and then the pair moved throughout the club.
Quinn wasn't much of a talker, and her host caught on fast. He didn't seem offended, and would talk to her, reading what she wanted through movement as they found a seat near the wrestling ring. He did his best to behave as a gentleman, but having grown up with Lucien meant that it wasn't quite what she was used to. Still it was endearing. There was another couple nearby. A man dressed extravagantly and almost blended in to the background of the club while still standing out. He was also a very attractive man and had his own host. Quinn and her host gave the pair a smile as they sat down.
Quinn moved closer to her host and he read her intent quickly. She felt his arm snake around her waist and pull her close. It felt good being held by someone like this. It wasn't something she felt often and she was glad that she came here while her mood was good. She didn't feel so alone right now. He gaze turned towards the wrestlers, but her mind was on the arm around her as she snuggled into his shoulder. It should be a good night.