Genesis' Lack of Patience #5

"Huh. What a coincidence. I'm here in Texas meeting with my editor, Nick Monahan, about the next book in my series and about the starting of a new one." Noah explained to her.

"Wow." She said it a little louder than she intended and her cheeks turned pink. Oops. "I have to admit I’m a fan. I'm a real fan, not the one who claims to be, but really isn't. I know everything about you and have re-read each of your 14 books at least three times each. Great. Now I sound like an obsessed fan. I didn't mean to do that." Aubrey took a breath. "So, you're now with Zipperley Press, huh? I thought you were with West Finlaw with Jerry Finlaw. What happened?"

His eyebrow rose and he cocked his head. "You know the publishing agency?"

She nodded. "I know of both publishing companies, yes. I'm getting my Master's in Creative Writing from Vogler College and am trying to get a job at a publishing house to become an editor; although, I also hope to write a novel." She decided to give the thought a spin and see how it felt.

"Just tell me you aren’t considering West Finlaw. I was stuck working for them because of my success, but I wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy. They're scam-artists and make a lot of promises they have no intention of ever keeping." Noah admitted to her what he knew.

She found this interesting information. "How curious." She was not about to say anything more in case her pain was evident. She didn’t want him to know and didn't want him to ask questions.

"You go to a very good school, by the way. I graduated from there eight years ago. Which publishing houses have you applied to for work?" He asked as he leaned on her car.

She wished he didn’t do that. Her car was dirty and his clothes appeared expensive even though he was in business casual. "At this point, I only applied to West Finlaw and I just found out I didn't get the job."

"Count yourself blessed." Noah paused as he appeared deep in thought. "What's your name, by the way?"

"I'm sorry. I haven't introduced myself, have I?" She tried not to feel even more embarrassed at this point. "I'm Aubrey Manceaux."

"It's nice to meet you, Miss Manceaux."

She suggested, "Feel free to call me Aubrey. I don't mind."

"Aubrey, can I take down your information, please? I know Nick Monahan is always looking for a first-time writer to mold and try to help make a breakthrough in the business. I’ll give him your information, if you don't mind."Noah offered to her and Aubrey stared at him.

She was in shock. Had she really just met him and had he just offered her a break into the writing business? It seemed too good to be true. "Please. Thank you kindly for that, Mr. Morley." He laughed because of what she said. "What is it?"

"Just call me Noah. I don't mind. Calling me Mr. Morley sounds strange to me. I have everyone trained to call me by my first name, you see." He explained to her.

"Oh." That made sense to her. "Shall we attempt to take care of my tire? I really need to get to class." She needed to, but she also felt quite uneasy talking to such a giant in the business. She felt even more uncomfortable as she realized he was both changing her tire and was going to pass her card on to his publisher. It meant she was in his debt, twice-over. It didn’t make her feel calm or collected.

"We can. We can still talk in the process, though, Aubrey." He followed her to her trunk and they both began to try to find the jack and tried to figure out how to release the tire from the trunk.

She felt like he put her in her place. "That's true."