Kyle stared back out the window at the snowman. It was the best idea he’d had, so far. “Use a snowscape and a snowman.”
“Sounds great. Talk with you next week. And have a merry Christmas.”
As he hung up the phone, he knew he was going to have to figure out some way to break free of this writer’s block he was caught in. He’d just lost two weeks, which meant he was under more pressure than ever. And he now had to make the snowman work into his story.
He sank back into his chair, looking at his calendar to see just how bad the situation was, and caught sight of the note reminding him of the book signing tomorrow afternoon.
He didn’t suppress his groan this time.
Chapter Five
FOUR DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Why, oh, why had she let her kids talk her into coming to the book signing? But more than that, she couldn’t believe that she’d tricked her kids. Instant guilt hit her. Okay, okay, she’d actually lied to them. She’d called the book store and found out the signing was from one to three, but she’d told the kids four to six. She couldn’t believe she had lied to her kids just to keep from confronting Kyle Miller again. Whatever had possessed her?
And she’d lied to Kyle, too. Twice in twenty-four hours. She was on a roll, but it wasn’t good.
Trista pulled on her hand. “Come on, Mom. There’s going to be a long line.”
Oh, no, there wasn’t. Guilt nagged at her. She wasn’t a good liar. And that’s probably why her kids had believed her--because she had never lied to them before. Oh, sure, the shot wasn’t going to hurt that much, that type of thing--but an out-and-out lie? No.
“Remember last year when we went to the bookstore party at midnight?” asked Steven.
“That was awesome,” said Lexi, feeling worse each moment.
When they reached the book store, there was no line. Just an empty table with a big sign and a picture of the artwork of the new book.
“Oh, no,” Steven cried out. “He’s not here.”
“He’s got to be.” Trista stopped. “There’s a book signing.”
Obviously trusting their momentarily untrustworthy mother, they both turned to Lexi. She’d really done it now. She couldn’t bear the disappointment in their eyes. “I’m sorry, kids. I must have made a mistake.” Another lie. You’re doing great, Lexi. Great role model here.
Trista’s lip quivered. “I wanted him to sign our book.”
Steven, more practical, said, “Well, at least we can still buy the book.” He scowled. “Unless they’re already sold out.”
Lexi tried to keep her voice light and free of lies. “Let’s go find out.”
Luckily there were still copies left, though they were apparently going fast. Lexi purchased a copy of Jared Strong and the Mystery of the Haunted House on Walnut Grove and wondered if she would ever enjoy reading a Jared Strong book again. She’d find out tonight when her kids insisted on hearing the first chapter.
Trista sighed. “I really wanted Mr. Miller to sign it.”
Lexi did her best to soothe her daughter--as well as her own guilty conscience. “Perhaps we’ll see him around.” After all, he did live next door. Unfortunately.
“Sure, Mom. We’ll meet Mr. Miller some day. Right.” Steven shook his head and led the way down the aisle toward the front of the store.
A door opened, revealing an office.
A man stepped out in front of them. Behind him, still in the office, stood another man. She recognized him immediately. Kyle Miller.
Her heart did double time. With adrenaline pumping through her veins, she should be able to lift up the floor to hide beneath. She turned her head and hoped he wouldn’t pay attention to her.
Her kids moved past the two men. He hadn’t seen her. The kids hadn’t seen him. Relief filled her.
The men shook hands, and the other man said, “I’d like to thank you again, Mr. Miller. It was the best book signing we’ve ever had.”
Her children spun around.
Trista gasped and grabbed Steven’s arm. “It’s him.”
“No, children, you must be mistaken,” Lexi said. She was busted. “I know this man. He murders snowmen.”
Kyle held out a hand and smiled at her traitorous children. “Kyle Miller. And you are?”
“I’m Trista Anderson. And this is my brother, Steven. Oh, Mr. Miller, we’ve read all of your books. We love your books.”
He glanced at Lexi and an irritating smile twitched at the corners of his smug mouth. “Oh, you do, do you?”
Steven spoke up. “We sure do. Our mom reads them to us. She’s read us every single one, lots of times. And we just bought your new one. Would you sign it for us?”