The evening went smoothly, and both she and Gail were able to relax and get ready for the trip. Sage offered to sign the copies of her books the hotel had on hand and did so before they left. Their stay was quiet and uneventful.
They were ushered into a VIP Lounge in the airport, then given special boarding passes for first-class.
Gail whispered, “This is kind of nice… we should be treated like this all the time.”
Sage smiled. “I don’t know, Gail. It just seems a bit much.”
They were escorted to their seats at the front of the plane. Sage was glad Gail had insisted. It was a long flight to London and flying in the upgraded seats made all the difference. Airport security met them on the plane and helped them deboard ahead of the rest of the passengers, remaining with her and Gail and personally conducting them through customs at Heathrow.
Word of her arrival, and the latest activity by her stalker, had been leaked to the press, who in turn, informed the public. Just beyond the secure area of the airport, both reporters and readers waited. Sage suspected the leak had been Gail’s well-oiled publicity machine. Right before they had gone into a holding pattern over the airport in preparation to land, Gail had insisted she touch up her makeup and ensure her hair looked picture-perfect—literally. Tired as she was, complying was easier than not.
As they approached Customs, Gail poked Sage between the shoulder blades.
“Shit, Gail. That hurts.”
“Don’t slouch,” Gail hissed.
“I’m tired. I didn’t get any sleep on the plane.”
“I know… and it shows, but the press and your fans…”
“I wish you wouldn’t call them that.”
“But that’s what they are,” Gail insisted.
Sage turned and stopped Gail’s forward progression.
“No. They are my readers. If they’re ‘fans,’ that puts me on a stupid pedestal. We have a symbiotic relationship. Without me, they don’t have books to read they enjoy, but without them, I don’t have a business. I know you don’t think it’s an important distinction, but I do.”
Gail snorted. “Don’t get your feathers ruffled. I forget part of your brand is your approachability.”
Sage barely controlled rolling her eyes. It wasn’t a part of any brand. It was who she was and how she felt. She and Gail often argued at book signings. Gail didn’t think Sage should sign a book for anyone or give them swag unless they bought a book. Sage just ignored her. If someone came by the table and talked to her, she gave them swag. If they brought a book or anything else and wanted her to sign it, she did. It was that simple and one of the things she stood firm on.
In some things—a lot of things, if she was honest—Gail was right. Her readers had come out to see her, and they deserved to see her looking her best. Sage straightened her spine, pasted on a bright smile, and made it through British Airport security and the reporters, who only shouted questions about the stalker. One of the security personnel, a short, slight girl with curly red hair, pulled her aside.
“I’m a big fan, Ms. Matthews. The airline has a small conference room right over here. Would you like to commandeer it for your fans?”
Sage’s smile of relief was genuine. She couldn’t think of anything that would revive her more.
“Readers,” she corrected automatically. “I don’t call the people who read my books fans. It sets up a power differential I’m not comfortable with. And yes, that would be wonderful.” She turned to Gail. “Could you see if you can find someone to bring refreshments…”
“Sage,” Gail started, “if you’re going to spend some time, it should be with the reporters.”
“The reporters get paid to come out here and see if they can get a story. My readers came to see me. If any reporters want to stick around and don’t bother my readers, I’ll talk to them.”
The security officer escorted her and her readers to the conference room, where she was met by a representative of the airline.
“Maggie said you’d make time to sign books and talk to your fans. I’ve never read your stuff before, but I will now. I think it’s so nice of you to get off a plane and make time for your fans,” the airline official said.
Sage spent the next two hours with her readers. Nothing else could have refreshed her spirit the way they did—nothing. Perhaps if she’d had a man she could truly share her life with, but she’d decided when her engagement broke up, it was probably best just to go it alone.
After the last book had been signed, Sage remained where she was and allowed Gail to usher in a group of reporters and spent the next three hours answering questions. When it was over, Sage was relieved to learn Gail had indeed hired a Rolls Royce limo and driver for the duration of their trip. Sage insisted they drop Gail and everything they would need for the signing at the Four Seasons first before proceeding to the Savoy.
“I’ve called the Savoy and given them your wake-up calls, as well as the times the driver will be there to pick you up. I’ve also given the driver the schedule and arranged for you to have dinner tonight and breakfast tomorrow in your room.” Gail admonished her before she got out of the limo.
“Isn’t breakfast included in the signing event?” Sage asked.
“Yes, dear, but you don’t want to be caught with food in your mouth if someone asks you a question.” Gail gave her two air kisses, then got out after her luggage, all the books, and other event paraphernalia had been unloaded. The driver got back into the limo.
“Next stop… the Savoy.”
“Would you mind terribly just driving me around a little so I can see something of the city?”
“Ms. Vincent was quite clear in her instructions.”
“What Ms. Vincent doesn’t know won’t kill her, and I’ve got fifty pound sterling that says you
