Freeborn: Chapter 22

The Decks and the Road

book 1- Freeborn

Chapter 22

Kayla- We’d met with Rick Simpleton twice; once for lunch and another at Simpleton and Fisher.   He was an associate of Wood’s.  When he’d suggested that I write a book, he did tell me he knew someone that could get it published.  It had taken me a few months after he made the suggestion to begin writing.  I wasn’t sure if I had something to say.  I’d heard many times that there was a book in everyone, but I guess I never really considered myself a part of everyone.  Eventually a title came to me.  Once I had the title, it seemed like the story just followed.  I’d only shared this with Jennifer.  It was so personal; so unlikely, and I didn’t want any pressure while I made my attempt at something I had no real knowledge about.  She was excited of course.  So was Wood to learn that I’d taken his advice.  I was hoping that the publisher would let me keep the name that had settled on me, and I was overjoyed when Rick went wild over it.  He keeps telling me that he sees more to come, but I can’t see that far.  Today we’re at Simpleton and Fisher again.  He wants me to meet the director of acquisitions to begin to look at how to continue the story and my writing career.  It’s all way beyond me.  I’d never considered a writing career, but somehow it had considered me.  Rick tells me it’s good, and I didn’t know if I could trust it at first; him being a friend of Wood’s and all, but it seems like the whole company is buzzing about it.  It’s still being edited, but the art work is already completed, and I’m beginning to trust what I’m hearing.  Anyway, I’m excited to start exploring more angles—so excited that, I’ve been up since 3 a.m. and Wood since four.  First I was just lying there.  Then we were lying there.  Then he was praying over me and whispering all kinds of encouraging words.  It was his latest custom, and I enjoyed it.  It made me stronger, and helped me to see clearer.  I still kept my own prayers really short, but hearing him pray made me aspirational about the matter.

 

We’d arrived early.  The lot was already full.  It was all unassuming though until you entered.  It was like leaving a world behind and stepping into a piece of next.  There was something from the moment you came through the doors that said, “We know where you want to go, and we can get you there.”  Everyone on staff was full of questions and information; directing and aiding you throughout the company.  On the first level, there were several floating walls on both sides that made a maze out of the space. Behind each wall there were large posters of their most notable publishings.  I recognized some of the titles although I’d never read them or even seen the covers.  It felt somewhat like a museum, and had several benches where you could sit around and enjoy the space.  We approached the half-moon desk at the center of it all, and were directed to the second floor.  We stepped off the elevator and into what almost looked like a recreational space.  It was bright and seemed to break the pattern of all we’d come through.  It was also unlike the third level which we’d been to.  Along the walls there we’re the usual inspirational posters you might see in any business office.  I heard my full name come from the right of us, and there he was standing in the door frame. 

            “You work here?”  It was all I had; surprise and confusion.

            “I do now.”  Taye stretched out his hand to greet Wood.

            “Mr. Singletary?”  He didn’t assume.

            “Good Morning.  You are the director of acquisitions?”  I could see that Wood did recognize Taye.

            “Yes, I’m Tayeton Fisher.”  Taye quickly clarified his place, and welcomed us into his office.  I quickly remembered how sad our relationship was when I realized that I’d never even known his last name.  All of a sudden, I had a different kind of anxiety. 

            “Have you read the book?”  Wood took the lead.

            “I’m reading it as we speak.”  Taye responded, and my heart completely sank.  It was the thing I hadn’t really thought of.  Although it was a fiction; I hadn’t thought of having someone like Taye read it, much less help me to find more angles.

            “Would that be an obstacle?”  Wood’s tone was firm and he almost sounded like he was picking a fight.

            “No Mr. Singletary…. I got the overall scope of the book.”

            “So, what considerations have you made?”  I tried to move us forward and perhaps keep Wood from splitting the company in half.

            “First of all, congratulations.  I think it’s outstanding.  I love the name— Renegotiating Kayla.”

            “Thank you.”

            “It’s personal.  Continuing will probably mean more personal.  How much deeper would you be willing to go?”  Taye was in complete control, and I wondered how long he’d been in the field.

            “Not very.”  I was honest.

            “Okay well do you feel like a writer, or do you feel as if you just told a story you needed to tell?”

            “What do you feel… you’re the professional?”  I took the opportunity to get his perspective on my writing.

            “There are definitely some really big moments in the book; author moments.  I think you should take advantage of the opportunity.  With our coaches and editors you’ll be fine.  We just need to map out your direction.  This could take a few meetings, but Mr. Simpleton thought we should get going.  He’s ready to build out your budget.” 

            “Right.”  I shook my head as I tried to steady myself.

            “So you’re with me for the next few months while we lay the foundation for your writing career.”  Taye said as if he was sending a message to Wood.  We’d attended all the meetings together, but now it was the moment where I’d have to continue alone.  I looked over at him, and he was also shaking his head in an up and down motion. 

            “Cool.”  I replied.  After a few more general points, we left each with one of Taye’s cards.  We got back on to the elevator hand in hand, but both silent.  It was the first of the meetings that had left us so.  I didn’t know exactly what Wood was contemplating, but I remembered what he had said to me in Dr. Shepherd’s office.  Certainly this wasn’t one of those upsets.  This was no storm.  This was just life, and the way life sometimes like to show that it has the upper hand.  At least I hoped that was the way he saw it.  

Freeborn, a novel

Freeborn

© Grace Call Communications, LLC

Copyright © 2017 by Natisha Renee Williams

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